Tonight was the final of the 61st edition of Festivali i Këngës, after four nights of music celebration. Several changes were introduced in this year’s edition including its selection method. This year, the show’s overall winner was picked by the Festivali i Këngës juries – that was Elsa Lila with her song Evita – however, the act winning the chance to represent Albania at Eurovision next year had to win the public vote, and so Albina & Familja Kelmendi won the ticket to Liverpool.
Jury Result:
1st Place: Elisa Lila – “Evita”
2nd Place: Albina Kelmendi & Family – “Duje” (Love It)
3rd Place: 2 Farm – “Atomike” (Atomic)
Elsa Lila, who won the contest in 1996 and 1997, made a return and won the festival for a third time with the song “Evita”.
Festivali i Këngës is one of Europe’s longest running competitions and broadcasts – having started life on Albanian radio in 1962 it has evolved over its 61 years into one of Radio Televizioni Shqiptar’s most innovative and prestigious shows.