Through her personal account on Instagram, Arbana Osmani, presenter of Festivali i Këngës 61, confirmed that the songs competing in Festivali i Këngës 61 will not be revealed until the live shows in December.
This means that after many years, the songs of the artists at FiK61, will be presented directly through the show nights, just like in Sanremo.
FiK 61 will take place on 19,20,21,22 of December 2022. The Albanian Public Broadcaster RTSH, revealed that for the first time, the act which is going to represent Albania in Eurovision will be decided entirely by a public vote, while a jury will vote to determine the results of the festival, but its verdict will not be considered for the act which will represent Albania.
This replaces the previous methods used at Festivali i Këngës, where a jury alone or a jury in combination with a televote would select the winner of Festivali i Këngës, who would represent Albania at Eurovision. This year will also see three different prizes awarded by the jury:
- First, Second and Third in the jury vote
- First for young artists and alternative groups
- First for established artists
Popular singer Flori Mumajesi will be the artistic director of the 61st version of the festival. The artists that will take part are:
- 2 Farm – “Atomike” (Atomic)
- Alban Kondi & Lorela Karoshi – “Melodi” (Melody)
- Albina Kelmendi – “Duje” (Prayer)
- Anduel Kovaçi – “Malli” (Merchandise)
- Aris Bako – “Sonte dua të jem me ty” (Tonight I want to be with you)
- Melodajna Mancaku – “Gjysma e zemrës sime” (Half of my heart)
- Elisa Lila – “Evita”
- Enxhi Nasufi – “Burrë” (Man)
- Erma Mici – “Kozmosi i dashurisë” (The cosmos of love)
- Evi Reçi – “Ma kthe” (Give me back)
- Fabian Basha – “Një gotë” (A glass)
- Fifi (Filloreta Raçi) – “Stop”
- Franc Koruni – “Në pritje” (Pending)
- Genti Hoxha – “Ajër” (Air)
- Gjergj Kaçinari – “Dje” (Yesterday)
- Luna Causholli – “Jetën ta fal” (I forgive life)
- LYNX – “Nëse ke besim” (If you have faith)
- Manjola Nallbani – “Dua” (Love)
- Permit of Stay – “Fobia” (Phobias)
- Petrit Çarkaxhiu – “Emri yt mirësi” (Your name is good)
- Rezearta Smaja – “N’Eden” (In Eden)
- Rovena Dilo – “Motit” (Weather)
- Sara Kapo – “Para teje” (Before you)
- Serxhio Hajdini – “Vështirë” (Tough)
- Urban Band – “Në çdo hap” (At every step)
- Vanesa Soni – “Aroma jonë” (Our fragrence)
The previous version of the festival was won by Ronela Hajati with the song “Secret” which despite being high in the betting odds, placed 12th in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2022.
Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Albanian participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in Liverpool!
