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Eurovision 2023: The Grand Final allocation for the Second Semi Final qualifiers!

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The first semi-final has just finished, with the first ten finalists being:

Before the press conference that is currently taking place these ten countries chose the half in which they will appear in the Grand Final on Saturday.

This is the half each qualifier drew, from semi final 2:

🇦🇱 Albania will perform in the FIRST HALF of the Grand Final

🇨🇾 Cyprus will perform in the FIRST HALF of the Grand Final

🇪🇪 Estonia will perform in the FIRST HALF of the Grand Final

🇧🇪 Belgium will perform in the SECOND HALF of the Grand Final

🇦🇹 Austria will perform in the FIRST HALF of the Grand Final

🇱🇹 Lithuania will perform in the SECOND HALF of the Grand Final

🇵🇱 Poland will perform in the FIRST HALF of the Grand Final

🇦🇺 Australia will perform in the SECOND HALF of the Grand Final

🇦🇲 Armenia will perform in the SECOND HALF of the Grand Final

🇸🇮 Slovenia will perform in the SECOND HALF of the Grand Final

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Eurovision 2023: Watch the exclusive rehearsal footage from the remaining Semi Final 2 acts’ second rehearsals!

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The preparations on Liverpool for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest are on fire and it’s now a wrap for the 6th day of the technical rehearsals. After their first technical rehearsals, the representatives of the 11 remaining acts participating in the 2nd Semifinal on May 11, took the stage of the M&S Bank Arena for their second rehearsals.

About the first 5 countries from SemiFinal 2 that had their second rehearsals yesterday:

Eurovision 2023: Watch the exclusive rehearsal footage from today’s second rehearsals!

The second rehearsals gave the opportunity to the delegations to fix any mistakes spotted on the first rehearsals and help the artists feel more safe and familiar with the Eurovision big stage.

Because accredited journalists are not allowed to watch both the first and second rehearsals this year, we have very little information about what this year’s artists have prepared for the Eurovision stage. EBU has just uploaded through the official Eurovision channel in YouTube a recap of today’s rehearsals. More specifically, we will have the chance to watch exclusive TV footage of today’s rehearsals.

The countries that had their second rehearsals today were the following:

  1. Cyprus
  2. Iceland
  3. Greece
  4. Poland
  5. Slovenia
  6. Georgia
  7. San Marino
  8. Austria
  9. Albania
  10. Lithuania
  11. Australia

You can watch the recap of today’s rehearsals below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9AP5DSA9tc

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Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for all news about Eurovision 2023!

Eurovision 2023: The Third Day’s rehearsal schedule!

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The big moment for all Eurofans has arrived. The wait has come to an end, as we are now in the most important days before the live shows. Rehearsals officially begun yesterday for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

The rehearsals are divided into two phases; the first phase will last three days, from Sunday 30/04 until Tuesday 02/05 and will include the first rehearsals of all the countries taking part in the two semi-finals of the competition. The second phase will last from Wednesday 03/05 until Saturday 06/05 and includes the second rehearsals of the countries of the two semi-finals as well as the rehearsals of the countries competing directly in the Final, namely the Big 5 and last year’s winner Ukraine.

Last year’s changes in the way rehearsals are covered continue this year, as the Press Center opens on Monday after the first and second rehearsals, which means that the information we will have for the first week of the competition will come exclusively from the material to be provided by the EBU to the accredited journalists.

Program

The last eleven countries from the second semi-final will make their first appearance on stage at the M&S Bank Arena. These countries are:

  • Estonia 11.30 – 12.00
  • Iceland 12.10 – 12.40
  • Greece 12.50 – 13.20
  • Poland 13.30 – 14.00
  • Slovenia 15.10 – 15.40
  • Georgia 15.50 – 16.20
  • San Marino 16.30 – 17.00
  • Austria 17.10 – 17.40
  • Albania 17.50 – 18.20
  • Lithuania 18.30 – 19.00
  • Australia 19.10 – 19.40

For everything new regarding these rehearsals, you will instantly be informed by Eurovisionfun!

From Monday 8/5, the press center opens normally for accredited journalists, who will have the opportunity to watch the general rehearsals before the live shows as was the case in previous years.

Eurovisionfun will of course be there to inform you about everything that happens at the M&S Bank Arena!

Follow us in all our social media, so that you’ll not lose a thing of what’s happening in Liverpool:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in Liverpool!

The Netherlands: All the performances of “Eurovision in Concert 2023”!

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Eurovision in Concert 2023 took place in AFAS Live in Amsterdam, last night, with 29 of this year’s entrants performing live.

The concert was hosted by Cornald Maas and Hila Noorzai. Cornald has been the Dutch Eurovision commentator since 2006. Hila is a radio DJ and member of the committee that selected this year’s Dutch representatives (Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper). She also hosted the Eurovision 2021 press conference in Rotterdam.

The artists that performed last night were the following:

Albania – Albina & Kelmendi Familija

Balcan sounds and consistent vocals is what we got from Albina and the Kelmendi Family! Might be the suprise entry of this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UKBP_v3BPY

Armenia – Brunette

Brunette singing about her Future Lover with ethereal vocals and the crowds singing along. Beautiful performance!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KspC8I7MXl0

Australia – Voyager

Voyager give what they promise! Rock and electronic sounds, so 2025! What is concerning though, is that even though their song is supposed to be very uplifting, the crowd was too static. Also falsetto was not always on point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx73Q68eWwU

Austria – Teya & Salena

That’s not a song where you can show off some unreal vocals, however it’s the song that will definitely make you dance! And Teya & Salena deliver, solid vocals and much much fun! One of my personal favourites and if you ask me, a finalist and highly likely a Top5 entry!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdh6cFfcfKo

Azerbaijan – TuralTuranX

TuralTuranX “tell us more” about their entry this year, however I’m still not getting it. A song that I could listen to the radio without complaining, but wouldn’t catch my eye/ear at the contest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XiT0RvJPn0

Belgium – Gustaph

The queerest entry of the year! His vocals are as good as the studio version! He is a fun guy! This is the kind of entries that I would like to qualify, even though that’s not the style of songs that I normally listen to!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgx-CPHRx5A

Czechia – Vesna

I can only comment on their vocals. They were okay. However, this entry started off as a potential winner, but I’m not getting that vibe, at least not yet. But hey! It’s just a party performance! Let’s wait for their contest rehearsals!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CocNlkxpxdg

Denmark – Reiley

Danish heart-throb Reiley, had his best performance to date. Some minor vocal issues, but overall a nice performance!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuT–QEIyag

Estonia – Alika

Nice song and great vocals! But for me, it’s no more than just that. I wouldn’t be surprised if Estonia got disqualified.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UKYFFFWjgU

Finland – Käärijä

Normally, that’s a song that I can’t stand listening to for more than 10 seconds. Strangely, combined to his eccentric looks and his super nice personality, I could now handle listening to his entire Amsterdam performance! Personal opinion aside, I can totally see why this is a contender for the win.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd0n_sNDiAo

France – La Zarra

Unfortunately, after a statement in her personal Twitter account, La Zarra announced that she has to cancel her appearance in Amsterdam, due to personal circumstances.

Germany – Lord of the Lost

I can’t be objective, I don’t like this style of music. I can only be objective about their vocal abilities, which are on point I must admit!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmPSRnNpd0A

Iceland – Diljá

That’s a song that I would add to my daily playlist, however, this song lacks something that I still don’t know what it is! Diljá’s voice is great admitedly!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjjsWy1R93k

Ireland – Wild Youth

“Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” x “Ritmo De La Noche” x “We Are One” would be a great mashup! I low-key like this song and I loved their Amsterdam performance. But something tells me that they will struggle to qualify this year. Let’s see what happens!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NY6OODALZU

Latvia – Sudden Lights

Another performance that sounds exactly like the recorded version of their song! I didn’t see the love from the AFAS Live crowd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1qFm5Wtkgg

Lithuania – Monika Linkytė

Monika definitely sounds even better than the studio version of the song. She will try to claim a high placement in the rankings of the jury voting in this year’s contest! In the beginning I didn’t quite like “Stay“, I can now say that I love her vocals on this track!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSO-3m9J1js

Malta – The Busker

They were not bad, not at all sounding bad live, but were they as good as it needs to be to qualify to the final show of Eurovision Song Contest? Song-wise I think not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIswu3YrrfU

Moldova – Pasha Parfeni

Despite the technical issues with his Madrid performance, Pasha, the Moldovan 2012 representative and returning artist of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, managed to pull off his performance. Great vocals and energy overall!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7LsW-dA_0U

Netherlands – Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper

It’s really sad to see my 2nd place to perform questionably in their own country’s party concert. Their vocals sound a bit off at times and as a duo their vocals don’t seem to connect on their live performance. I hope they fix it till their semi-final, I don’t want to see them become the shocking non-qualifier of the year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toUGDak3o1Y

Norway – Alessandra

Very much improved vocally, Alessandra, gets carried away by the strength of her song and her fans are absolutely loving it! The whistle note was so-so. She will improve, I am sure!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F97_a4eMpK0

Romania – Theodor Andrei

Theodor has a nice voice, but this song is totally “Off and On” so one would either like it or not. I don’t.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gyin57pzpcc

San Marino – Piqued Jacks

Their are very very good vocally. Their lead vocalist sounds like Klaus Meine, frontman of Scorpions band. Their song is not at all bad after all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqne0dGawhQ

Slovenia – Joker Out

I simply love this band and this song! One of my favourites! I love how they sound in each and every appearance they make before the contest. I hope they continue delivering up until the Eurovision finals!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7brJYVqqgZc

Spain – Blanca Paloma

A blend of flamenco and modern sounds, bringing Spanish tradition to 2023. Her vocals are absolutely amazing. I just don’t get the hype around this entry, it is a great entry for Spain, but definitely not a top 3 entry as many fans are claiming over at social media!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ycUxy4l00M

Sweden – Loreen

Her vocals are out of this world! Another amazing performance of the former Eurovision 2012 winner and potential 2023 winner! And for those that claim that she sings with the assistance of an Auto-Tune device, I can assure you that even when she rehearsed in the corridors of Malmö Arena or Friends Arena during the Melodifestivalen season, she sounded exactly the same, or even better than the studio version! My winner for sure!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlBuzqzjnIk

Switzerland – Remo Forrer

I absolutely love his Amsterdam (and every single one of his) live performance! I can’t wait to see this song complete and staged and Remo joined by his four dancers! I think he will qualify! But let’s wait and see!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGsRTZ5sPcA

Ukraine – TVORCHI

I love TVORCHI and their song and their Amsterdam performance. They sounded really really good, I am a fan of their style of music, but I don’t see this entry winning. Let’s see another country winning this year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOFkzKOkc_k

United Kingdom – Mae Muller

Come on, she doesn’t sound as atrocious as most of the Twitter people claim. And at least she enjoys it and the crowd loves her! I hope she will do much better in Liverpool!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EMepsNxZUU

 

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news about the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool!

Photo: EurovisionInConcert

Netherlands: Eurovision in Concert 2023 takes place tonight in Amsterdam!

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Eurovision in Concert 2023 takes place in The Netherlands tonight , with 29 of this year’s entrants performing live.

The concert will be hosted by Cornald Maas and Hila Noorzai. Cornald has been the Dutch Eurovision commentator since 2006. Hila is a radio DJ and member of the committee that selected this year’s Dutch representatives (Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper). She also hosted the Eurovision 2021 press conference in Rotterdam.

The full line-up is as follows:

  1. Albania – Albina & Kelmendi Familija
  2. Armenia – Brunette
  3. Australia – Voyager
  4. Austria – Teya & Salena
  5. Azerbaijan – TuralTuranX
  6. Belgium – Gustaph
  7. Czechia – Vesna
  8. Denmark – Reiley
  9. Estonia – Alika
  10. Finland – Käärijä
  11. France – La Zarra
  12. Germany – Lord of the Lost
  13. Iceland – Diljá
  14. Ireland – Wild Youth
  15. Latvia – Sudden Lights
  16. Lithuania – Monika Linkytė
  17. Malta – The Busker
  18. Moldova – Pasha Parfeni
  19. The Netherlands – Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper
  20. Norway – Alessandra
  21. Romania – Theodor Andrei
  22. San Marino – Piqued Jacks
  23. Slovenia – Joker Out
  24. Spain – Blanca Paloma
  25. Sweden – Loreen
  26. Switzerland – Remo Forrer
  27. Ukraine – TVORCHI
  28. United Kingdom – Mae Muller

In addition, Katrina Leskanich (Eurovision 1997, UK, winner, “Love Shine a Light“) will  appear as a special guest.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news about the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool!

Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi have filmed their postcard for Eurovision 2023!

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The filming of the postcards of the 37 participants of Eurovision 2023 are now taking place throughout Europe. The next representatives to film their postacard are no others than, Albina & Familja Kelmendi from Albania!

After a few months of preparations and a revamped version of “Duje”, the family had to pause their rehearsals with Sacha Jean-Baptiste, in order to film their postcard for Eurovision 2023!

The filming of the postcard of the Albanian representatives, a short introduction video that will be shown just before their performance in the second Semi-Final, took place at the Grand Park in Tirana and as we can see in the backstage video that BBC posted, the whole family is present in an outdoor barbeque and there will also be some takes with a drone

The following acts have confirmed the filming of their postcards:

  • Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi – “Duje”
  • Austria: Teya & Salena – “Who The Hell Is Edgar”
  • Croatia: Let 3 – “Mama ŠČ”
  • Germany: Lord of the Lost – “Blood and Glitter”
  • Lithuania: Monika Linkytė – “Stay”
  • Moldova: Pasha Parfeni –“Soarele și Luna”
  • Poland: Blanka – “Solo”
  • Slovenia: Joker Out – “Carpe Diem”

Albania is set to perform 14th in the second semi-final which is going to take place on May 11 in Liverpool.

You can watch the reaction of the editors of Eurovisionfun, enjoying the Albanian entry for Eurovision 2023:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Albanian participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in Liverpool!

Albania: Details about Albina & Familja Kelmendi’s stage performance revealed!

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The composer of “Duje”, gave an interview to RTSH, the public broadcaster of Albania, and revealed some first details about the stafing of the Alba nnian entry for Eurovision 2023.

Eriona Rushiti, who is the composer behind the Albanian song, talking about “Duje” and its staging, explained that the live performance that we are going to see on Liverpool isbeing made with great interest:

“This year, they are working very well for the stage. Especially since there are six people on stage, everything must be correct, the message must be conveyed clearly. I hope that the live song will have a lot of impact.”

Also, talking about this year’s stage director, Sacha Jean-Baptiste, she stated that:

“Sacha has been with her group in Pristina for a week. They work with every frame … how we will move the cameras and the lights. She worked with the choreography for all six members. I believe it will be very nice.”

Eriona Rushiti, also talked a bit about the revamp of the song and the reason it took place in Istanbul:

“That particular studio was chosen due to the fact that it was possible to use the “live” string orchestra and many instruments that were needed for the song. Especially since they know our culture. We couldn’t choose a studio from another country that doesn’t know our beat and the culture we have. The song took on a more modern spirit. We stayed true to the version that was presented at the RTSH Festival, but some other elements were strengthened.”

Albina & Familja Kelmendi are going to perform in the seconf half of the second semi-final of Eurovision 2023 in May 11.

Below you can watch our reaction video to “Duje”:

Source: festivali.rtsh.al

Albania: With the assistance of Sacha Jean-Baptiste in Liverpool!

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Earlier tonight it was announced that the well-known in the Eurovision world choreographer and director Sacha Jean-Baptiste will undertake the set-up of Albania’s participation, namely Albina & Familja Kelmendi with the song “Duje”, on the Eurovision 2023 stage .

This will not be the first time that Sacha Jean-Baptiste undertakes the direction of the Balkan country as the same thing happened in 2021 with the participation of Anxhela Peristeri “Karma” 

As far as the revamp of the song Duje is concerned, it took place with the participation of live musical instruments including 60 bows in a studio in Istanbul. The song will be performed entirely in the Albanian language and will not differ from the version heard at Festivali i Këngës. In addition, in March and April, there is going to be a promotion of the entry in events at Tel Aviv, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam and Warsaw.

Below you can watch again the Albanian entry as it was performed in the National Final, Festivali i Këngës.

https://youtu.be/aZxe3Ce6yEI

Stay tuned on Eurovision Fun for all the updates regarding the Albanian entry in the upcoming 2023 Eurovision Song Contest!

Albania: With Albina & Familja Kelmendi and “Duje” at Eurovision 2023!

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Festivali i Këngës 61 has just ended, having selected Albina & Familja Kelmendi with the song “Duje” as the big winners.

Once again the Albanian Public Television (RTSH) has chosen their participation in Eurovision through FiK. The grand final was held at Pallati i Kongreseve in Tirana, with Arbana Osmani being the host. The 21 artists who made it to the final gave their best shot in order to claim the vote of the TV audience and the victory that would give them the ticket to Liverpool in May.

The 21 finalists were:

  1. 2 Farm –“Atomike”
  2. Sergio Hajdini – “Vështirë”
  3. Gjergj Kaçinari – “Dje”
  4. Alban Kondi & Lore – “Melodi”
  5. Vanesa Sono – “Aroma jonë”
  6. Elsa Lila – “Evita”
  7. Erma Mici – “Kozmosi i dashurisë”
  8. Franc Koruni – “Në pritje”
  9. Gent Hoxha – “Ajër”
  10. Petrit Çarkaxhiu – “Emri yt mirësi”
  11. Melodajn Mancaku – “Gjysma e zemrës sime”
  12. Manjola Nallbani – “Dua”
  13. Urban Band – “Në çdo hap”
  14. Enxhi Nasufi – “Burrë”
  15. Rovena Dilo – “Motit”
  16. Fifi – “Stop”
  17. Rezarta Smaja – “N’Eden”
  18. Evi Reçi – “Ma kthe”
  19. Fabian Basha – “Një gotë”
  20. Albina & Familja Kelmendi – “Duje”
  21. Lynx – “Nëse ke besim”

Results

Tonight on the last night of the Festival the first 3 prizes were awarded: first place, second place and third place. An award for young artists and alternative groups and a career award, were also awarded by the professional jury.

The professional jury was comprised of:

  • Genc Saliu
  • Alma Bektashi
  • Zhani Ciko
  • Rita Petro
  • Elton Deda

The Award for Young Artists and Alternative Groups was awarded to Erma Mici with the song “Kozmosi i dashurisë“.

The Career Award which was awarded by the professional jury was given to Rovena Dilo with the song “Motit“.

The 3rd place was won by 2 Farm with the song “Atomike“, the 2nd place by Albina & Familja Kelmendi with the song “Duje“ and the big winner of Festivali i Këngës 61 is Elsa Lila with the song “Evita“. Elsa Lila wins FiK for the third time, as she has also won both FiK 96 and FiK 97, and is one of the few artists having won the contest two years in a row.

After the Festivali i Këngës awards were given by the professional jury, the presenter announced the song that was exclusively selected by the TV audience’s vote via SMS and will represent Albania in Eurovision 2023. The winner that claimed the ticket to Liverpool is Albina & Familja Kelmendi with the song “Duje“.

Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest

In 2023 we will have Albania’s 20th participation in the competition, which debuted in 2004, with Anjeza Shahini and “The Image Of You” that reached the honorable seventh place! RTSH showed interest in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003 as well. However, three other countries made their debut that year and Albania was not allowed to participate in the contest. In the following years, it managed to qualify ten times for the final and eight more times to stay in the semi-finals.

The best result Albania has ever achieved was in 2012 with Rona Nishliu and “Suus” finishing in fifth place.

Below is Albina & Familja Kelmendi‘s winning performance, with the song that will represent Albania at Eurovision 2023:

Watch the Eurovisionfun team react to Albina & Familja Kelmendi with the song  “Duje”, Albania’s entry for Eurovision 2023!

What do you think will be Albania’s fate at Eurovision 2023?

Albania: Tonight the grand final of Festivali i Këngës 61!

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The big day for the selection of Albania’s representative at Eurovision 2023 has arrived. Tonight concludes the four-day celebration of Albanian music, with the 21 artists taking to the stage again at Pallati i Kongreseve for the fourth and final night of Festivali i Këngës 61.

The participants

21 artists take part in the grand final of FiK 61, with the big winner getting the ticket to Liverpool.

The 21 participants that will perform at the grand final of Festivali i Këngës 61 are:

  1. Enxhi Nasufi – “Burrë”
  2. Erma Mici – “Kozmosi i dashurisë”
  3. Fabian Basha – “Një gotë”
  4. Fifi – “Stop”
  5. Urban Band – “Në çdo hap”
  6. 2 Farm – “Atomike”
  7. Rezarta Smaja – “N’Eden”
  8. Albina & Familja Kelmendi – “Duje”
  9. Sergio Hajdini – “Vështirë”
  10. Rovena Dilo – “Motit”
  11. Melodajn Mancaku – “Gjysma e zemrës sime”
  12. Gjergj Kaçinari – “Dje”
  13. Franc Koruni – “Në pritje”
  14. Petrit Çarkaxhiu – “Emri yt mirësi”
  15. Elsa Lila – “Evita”
  16. Gent Hoxha – “Ajër”
  17. Evi Reçi – “Ma kthe”
  18. Manjola Nallbani – “Dua”
  19. Lynx – “Nëse ke besim”
  20. Alban Kondi & Lore – “Melodi”
  21. Vanesa Sono – “Aroma jonë”

Unlike previous editions, at FiK 61 the first prize of Festivali i Këngës will be determined from the professional jury and from a special media jury seen for the first time, while the song that will represent Albania in Eurovision 2023 will be selected with the televoting through SMS.

The professional jury is comprised of:

  • Genc Saliu
  • Alma Bektashi
  • Zhani Ciko
  • Rita Petro
  • Elton Deda

Arbana Osmani is the presenter for FiK 61 and once again it will be held at the stage of Pallati i Kongreseve at Tirana.

The grand final of Festivali i Këngës 61 will be held today at 22:00 EET where we are going to meet the next Albanian representative. You can watch it live at the link below.

Tune in to our livestream at 23:15 EET for listening to our comments about the Festivali i Këngës 61 grand final and our opinion about the Albanian representative for Eurovision 2023! You can watch it here.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding Albania’s participation in Eurovision 2023!