#ESC2016: FESTIVALI I KËNGËS FINAL ON 27TH DECEMBER, ARTISTS REVEALED

As always, Festivali i Këngës will consist of two semi finals and a final. The semis will take place on 25th and 26th December with the finale set for 27th December. RTSH, the national broadcaster, also announced the participants and there's some familiar names in the mix....

Egert Pano – Mos ik

Eneda Tarifa – Përrallë

Revolt Klan – Dashurinë s’e gjejmë dot

Kozma Dushi – Një kafe

Enxhi Nasufi – Infinit

Florent Abrashi – Të ndjek çdo hap

Dilan Reka – Buzëqesh

Evans Rama – Flakë

Sigi Bastri – Engjëll i lirë

Simbol – Artiste

Lindi Islami – Për një mrekulli

Egzon Pireci – Triumf

Aslajdon Zaimaj – Merrmë që sot

Nilsa Hysi – Asaj

Jozefina Simoni – Një det me ty

Genc Tukiçi – Sa të dashuroj

Erga Halilaj – Monolog

Teuta Kurti – Në sytë e mi

Klodian Kaçani & Rezarta Smaja – Dashuri në përjetësi

Luiz Ejlli – Pa mbarim

Renis Gjoka – Ato që s’ti them dot

Besa Krasniqi – Liroje zemrën

Flaka Krelani – S’je për mua

Andi Tanko – Dielli vazhdon të më ngrohë

Edea Demaliaj – Era

Adrian Lulgjuraj – Jeto dhe ëndërro

Kristi Popa – Ajo çfarë ndjej

Voltan Prodani – Dëgjoje këngën o Atë

Klajdi Musabelli – Ndodh edhe kështu

Niku & Entela Zhula – Muza

Luiz Ejlli (2006) and Adrian Lulgjuraj (2013) are back. Will we see one of them represent Albania again? Other familiar names include Kozma Dushi, Lindi Islami, Teuta Kurti, Rezarta Smaja, Flaka Krelani and Klajdi Musabelliu. Albania produced my favourite entry in the 2015 contest.. will they do it again next year? :-)

Stockholm 2016: San Marino and Albania confirm!

...maybe! They can still withdraw up until 10th October but it's more than likely we will see them compete. Yay!! As always, Albania will use Festivali i Këngës to select their representative and the competition is expected to take place in December. Meanwhile Alessandro Capicchioni, San Marino's HoD, has said his country plans to participate however they need to review all options before official confirmation can be made. He also said he wants Andorra and Monaco back. We all do, Alessandro :-)

Armenia: Tamar Kaprelian joins forces with Elina, Elhaida, Maria-Elena and Stephanie!

Tamar Kaprelian from Genealogy has teamed up with Elina Born from Estonia, Elhaida Dani from Albania, Maria-Elena Kyriakou from Greece and Stephanie Topalian also from Armenia to collaborate on her new song. The Otherside was written by Tamar and Xandy Barry. It's an incredible piece. The video-clip is stunning. It's a story many of us can relate with. Their voices work wonderfully together.. Elhaida's part is my favourite though :-)What do you think? Listen below:

EUROVISION 2015 FINAL TONIGHT!

Andres Putting (EBU)

It's tonight! It's that time of year we've all been waiting for. The grand final of Eurovision 2015 will take place tonight live from Vienna, Austria. 27 participants are in the running to take the trophy. It's going to be a marathon of a show. 3 hours 45 minutes apparently although we're promised an epic show as it's the 60th contest.. The bookies are backing Sweden and Russia the most. I would rather see a Russian win but Sweden winning tonight wouldn't disappoint me. I hope Spain and Albania, my two favourties, manage to achieve top ten. The draw can be found below:

1. SLOVENIA

2. FRANCE

3. ISRAEL

4. ESTONIA

5. UNITED KINGDOM

6. ARMENIA

7. LITHUANIA

8. SERBIA

9. NORWAY

10. SWEDEN

11. CYPRUS

12.AUSTRALIA

13. BELGIUM

14. AUSTRIA

15. GREECE 

16. MONTENEGRO

17. GERMANY

18. POLAND

19. LATVIA

20. ROMANIA

21. SPAIN

22. HUNGARY

23. GEORGIA

24. AZERBAIJAN

25. RUSSIA

26. ALBANIA

27. ITALY

France's Lisa Angell has the dreaded #2 slot. Paris 2016 was never likely but now it's almost impossible. Will she be overlooked? Slovenia opening the show will be great. The UK performs 5th. Sigh. Electro Velvet apparently gave a very impressive performance last night during the jury final though so let's hope we won't be last. ESDM performed 5th in 2013 for Spain and look what happened... Even a result like 20th would be great. Is this really the best us Brits can hope for? I think Estonia's chances of winning are gone. They're performing 4th but let's hope they'll make the top five. I'd be more than happy to be proved wrong though.. Australia, who may or may not be back next year, perform 12th and in between Cyprus and Belgium. This should help Guy. Maybe. Although Belgium is now seen a dark horse.. However Georgia is my dark horse . Nina has an fantastic draw, an amazing stage presence, a great song.. and the president of Georgia has said the country are ready to host Eurovision! Tbilisi 2016? She's already won the battle of the Warriors. ;-)

Germany, UK and Poland are the favourties to come last. Or at least that's what I'm hearing. It's 2008 all over again! I personally think it'll be Poland who come last.. I already feel sorry for whoever ends up in 27th place. Other predictions are saying Hungary will be last although I think that's unlikely. Edurne performs 21st.. this is a brilliant draw! I'm really hyped to see her performance. The bookies and polls are saying Spain are unlikely to reach top ten. Wouldn't it be lovely to prove them all wrong? Azerbaijan and Russia, both big favourites, perform next to each towards the end of the show. I think we're going to Sochi or St Petersberg next year. Albania performs rather late too inbetween two major favourites.. is Elhaida going to flop? Jeez, I hope not! She's getting my vote for sure anyway. Italy's Il Volo will close. Would I be shocked to see them win from this position? Not really but I don't think they'll win. I think top five is very possible though. Actually, I do think they could win. I don't know. Here's my predictions and wishlist for tonight...

PREDICTED TOP FIVE

1st - Russia

2nd - Italy

3rd - Sweden 

4th - Australia 

5th - Azerbaijan 

MY TOP FIVE

1st - Albania 

2nd - Spain 

3rd - Estonia

4th - Russia

5th - Australia 

Valentina Monetta will read out San Marino's votes. Will the queen of San Marino return to the contest next year? Elsewhere we have Suzy for Portugal, Basim for Denmark, Tanja for Estonia, Krista for Finland, Tinkara for Slovenia, Andrea for Montenegro, Cleo for Poland, Teo for Belarus.. Many familiar faces indeed. And of course the UK has the lovely Nigella!! Enjoy the show tonight my friends and I'd just like to say - thank you for following this little blog throughout the year. :-)

Good luck to everyone!!!!

#ESC2015: REVIEW OF THE SEMI FINALS!

Twenty countries have managed to qualify through the semi finals for tomorrow nights big grand final. I have loved both shows even if I'm not 100% happy with the results.. We're always going to have some great songs that won't make it.. Find out what this blogger thought about the shows and the week so far below:

SEMI FINAL ONE
The first semi final was amazing! Albania made it, Russia made it.. Georgia made it! So did Estonia, Greece, Belgium... all amazing songs. I think Russia won this semi final and I think 10th place would've been either Hungary or Serbia. I'm a little shocked Hungary made it through but pleased. Boggie's performance brought a tear to my eye. Very touching. Armenia's entry could've been a disaster live but Genealogy impressed me. Moving away from the songs, the hosts are pretty good although not very memorable.. Does this make sense? I love Conchita hosting the green room! She's a natural :) and I also love it when the participants walk from the green room onto the stage during the opening.. That's a lovely touch. Talking of Conchita, this photo is beautiful! Love it!

Overall I was impressed with the results. My biggest disappointment was The Netherlands not qualifying though... Why ay ay ay didn't they make it? I'm also sad that we won't see Macedonia in the final. Daniel performed brilliantly and I now fear we may not see a Macedonian entry in next years contest... wasn't they close to withdrawing last year? Finland not making it was a shock. It wasn't my favourtie song - far from it - but I thought PKN deserved it.. Moldova, Denmark and Belarus deserved what they got. I got 7/10 right. I thought Denmark, Finland and The Netherlands wouldn't make it. Unfortunately I have read some comments saying Elhaida was vocally poor. I don't agree. She smashed it. I want Albania to be top ten but whether she will or not remains to be seen....

SEMI FINAL TWO
Now I was rather upset with some results from last nights semi. Czech Republic, Ireland and Malta all deserved to qualify! I am really sorry to see them miss out. Ireland's Molly is a true star. She's only 16 but her performance last night was one of the best. Also Amber really impressed me. And as for the Czech Republic.. Marta & Václav didn't just deserve the final, but they deserved top ten. Obviously the rest of Europe (and Australia) didn't agree with me. I'd be saddened but not shocked if they quit Eurovision. Even though I didn't think Portugal would make the final, I'm still upset Leonor failed to qualify. I'm not saying that I dislike the Cypriot song but I don't think they deserved to have qualified over some that missed out... but that's they way it goes. John was flawless vocally. I was underwhelmed with Iceland so it was no surprise to see Maria fail although I was a bit surprised about Switzerland's non qualification. San Marino's failure didn't surprise me. I got 9/10. I thought Iceland would make it and Latvia wouldn't. For once I am happy to be wrong!

With regards to the qualifiers, I'm thrilled Latvia and Israel finally qualified after all these years! Sweden, Azerbaijan and Norway are possible winners so it was no surprise to see them make it. I was a bit confused with the Azeri dancers are first but they did make the performance memorable. I hope Elnur won't flop like Dilara. Lithuania's performance featured three kisses, including a lesbian and gay kiss. Are Vaidas and Monika a couple? Knez qualified and I think Montenegro could achieve top ten tomorrow night. I think Sweden won this semi.



DRAMA! 
Even though nothing is official, it seems the EBU are going to allow Australia to participate next year too and the year after.. I don't mind but this will do doubt get some people raging IF it turns out to be true. China have sent a delegation to Vienna and they're broadcasting it too - maybe we'll see them debut one year? A Moroccan delegation are also in Vienna it seems. Is this the end of EUROvision? Personally, I'd love to see as many countries as possible compete. One could argue Israel, Azerbaijan and Cyprus aren't European countries yet they're allowed to compete..

Elsewhere Michele from San Marino threw some shade in Måns's direction although did later say he was joking. Hmmm..


Apparently fake cheers will be used tomorrow after Russia's performance. I am not in Vienna so I don't know if it's true or not although I'm upset if it is. As much as I hate to see booing in Eurovision, the crowd still have a right to express how they feel. It's freedom of speech. I was so sad to see Dima booed in London although if that's how the masses feel. fine. Even though I don't agree with booing an act - I do agree with freedom of speech. If Polina wins - and it's very possible - expect some more controversy! Stay tuned for a special preview of the grand final!

Vienna 2015: Semi final one rehearsed!

Is Polina our winner?

Unfortunately, this blogger isn't in Vienna although I have been paying close attention to the rehearsals. The 16 countries who will compete in the first semi final  have now all rehearsed and it seems Russia are the most popular. Polina looks stunning - the staging is amazing and damn, A Million Voices is a friggin' awesome song! I'm going to be so annoyed if she gets booed next week.....

Elhaida from Albania also rehearsed today and it's still looking like Albania might get their best placing ever. Georgia and Romania also look really promising. With regards to yesterday, I think Estonia and Armenia are looking the strongest. They'll both be in the final. Finland is so just bizarre and random that I'm actually liking it now. Are PKN going to make the final? Greece is also looking very strong - I just hope the song will be memorable enough... the overall reaction of Greece's rehearsal was very positive though.

Now everyone's talking about Trijntje's dress. My first reaction was huh? but hey, she looks gorgeous and she's confident in her own body - so that's all that matters. I'd take my hat of to her if I had one. The staging is apparently a bit random so there's some work to be done it seems... Why ay ay ay couldn't they keep it simple?

Belgium looked good but maybe there's too much happening? It might be messy. And I'm afraid Serbia won't be qualfirying. Maybe 15 years ago that song would've fared better. Or maybe not. So judging from the first rehearsals I think; Russia, Estonia and Georgia are the best. Georgia could be a dark horse. Love the eye!!! And maybe even Romania?! Voltaj were fab! The song has a message that'll touch a lot of people.  I hate to say it but Serbia really is looking awful.. Bojana is much better than the song. Hungary looks okay but the song? Me thinks viewers will fall asleep halfway through their performance. But we won't be failing asleep during Moldova! Whether you like Eduard's song or not, they're putting on one heck of a show! More to follow in the coming days....

Photos from Eurovision.tv

Albania: Elhaida Dani releases 'Në Jetë'!

The Albanian version of I'm Alive was revealed some days ago. Në Jetë. Elhaida's entry is my #1 favourite this year. - I love the song and love Elhaida's voice even more. Awesome. Can Albania finally take the trophy? Now we wait for the Italian version... 

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: ALBANIA!

Elhaida Dani won Albania's version of Star Academy in 2009, then she won Top Fest and The Voice of Italy in 2012 - can she win Eurovision too and give Albania's its first ever title? Here's what we think....

Ana: I guess Elhaida is thankful to the composer who hasn’t allowed her to take “Diell” to Vienna, because this is way better. Her new song is modern and catchy and I love the beat of the chorus. We should be careful with Albania this year since she’s incredible singing live and the live performance can be even better than the studio version. 10/10

Ilkar: Elhaida didn't only change the song but also genre and look. All for the better it seems. The song builds and grows and gets a bit messy by the end overpowering her vocals. She needs to be spot on with her vocals live anyways or this can become a total mess. If she nails it, she can go very far. At this point before hearing it live a strong 7/10

Jack: Changing Elhaida 's song was the best choice ever. Diell just wouldn't have stood out in Vienna, despite Elhaida's amazing voice. The song was rather boring and typical. Although the song she's taking to Vienna, I'm Alive, is awesome. One of the best this year.. And it's Albania's best entry ever! I really hope she will achieve top five in Vienna - and I wouldn't mind seeing her win it all to be honest. She has the voice, she has a fabulous song - let's now hope it'll be great live too. Anyone fancy Tirana next May? 10/10

Jess: I was a massive fan of Diell so when the song changed, I wasn't sure what to expect and when I'm Alive was released I was not a big lover of it. However it is slowly growing on me. 6/10

John: I must admit I am lovin' this song. If the live version makes even half the impact the studio version makes then it could easily end up being my number one. What a lovely melody and sweet-like-honey vocal! Should most definitely qualify for the grand finale. From there who knows what will happen !!! 8/10

OUR VERDICT - 41/50
OVERALL SCORE - 8.2/10

The original song..

Albania: Elhaida Dani's 'I'm Alive' revealed!

The Albanian entry was presented moments ago. LISTEN HERE! This blogger thinks it's an amazing song... bravo!! :-)

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #8!

It's the last weekend of the 2015 national final season. Sad times! Sweden and Norway will select their entries tonight; and tomorrow the entries from Azerbaijan, Russia and Albania will be presented. San Marino and Australia will follow on Monday....

SWEDEN
It's the night everyone's been waiting for. The grand final of Melodifestivalen 2015! Twelve acts will be figting for the ticket to Vienna but I think it's going to be a three horse race between Måns Zelmerlöw, Eric Saade and Jon Henrik Fjällgren. Maybe. Here's an in depth review of the songs.

1. Samir & Viktor – Groupie
2. JTR – Building It Up
3. Dinah Nah – Make Me (La La La)
4. Jon-Henrik Fjällgren – Jag Är Fri (Manne Leam Frijje)
5. Jessica Andersson – Can’t Hurt Me Now
6. Måns Zelmerlöw – Heroes
7. Linus Svenning – Forever Starts Today
8. Isa – Don’t Stop
9. Magnus Carlsson – Möt Mig I Gamla Stan
10. Eric Saade – Sting
11. Mariette – Don’t Stop Believing
12. Hasse Andersson – Guld Och Gröna Skogar

NORWAY
Let's not forget Norway. MGP will be a one night affair this year, as the semi finals have been scrapped. I think Mørland & Debrah Scarlett will win. Their ballad is very strong and proving to be the favourite with the bookies. My first choice would be Alexandra Joner though. Her song is great fun. I also like Erlend Bratland and Staysman & Lazz. Is a well-done pizza on the menu for Norway tonight?

....AND ON SUNDAY?
Reports say Elnur Hüseynov will represent The Land of Fire - but nothing is official yet. We'll know Azerbaijan's representative and song tomorrow.. I expect great things from them! Elsewhere, Elhaida Dani's I'm Alive will be presented. And if that wasn't enough, the Russian entry is also going to be revealed..

Albania: 'Diell' is withdrawn!

Elhaida Dani has revealed on her Facebook page tonight that the composer of Diell has decided to withdraw the song due to personal reasons which are unchangeable and therefore she won't perform it in Vienna.. A new song is going to be selected for Eurovision.

It’s only right that you hear it from me that I’ll be representing Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest with a song other than the one I won with in December.The news will be in the public domain shortly, but I want you to know in advance.The author of Diell, due to unchangeable personal reasons, has withdrawn his permission and this, unfortunately, means it can’t be used at the Eurovision Song Contest. To respect this unforeseen personal decision, and in agreement with RTSH, and respecting the rules of ESC, it’s been agreed that, as the winner of FiK, I will represent my country in Vienna with a new song.It’s hoped that this unforeseen inconvenience won’t hurt or bother anyone. The shared objective remains that Albania receive a good position on the night in Vienna and we will work tirelessly to make it happen

An official announcement from RTSH is expected very soon.

Source - escXtra 

Albania: “Diell” to be translated into English?

Elhaida Dani has revealed that she is most likely to translate Diell into English although it isn't official yet. Probably a good decision. The song will also undergo major changes and the finished product will be doubt be revealed in March. Should Elhaida Dani keep her song in Albanian or translate it into English, where more people will understand the lyrics?

ELHAIDA DANI TO REPRESENT ALBANIA!

As expected, Elhaida Dani won the 53rd edition of Festivali i Këngës and therefore will indeed represent Albania in Vienna. Elhaida Dani won The Voice of Italy and also competed in Festivali i Këngës some years ago although wasn't as successful. Linda Halimi's song was probably my personal favourite but it wasn't to be. She came 3rd. RTSH put together a fantastic show tonight and the contest did consist of so many good songs. Did the best song win? Not sure, although the best voice defiantly won. With some work and an English translation - I bet Albania can be a contender however it didn't make an impression on me at first.. Hmm. But I wish her the best of luck! It is a good song and Italy are sure to award her points come May. The top three:

Listen to her song here:

What do you think? Is it FiK-ing amazing?

Albania: Festivali i Këngës 53' tonight!

Albania will continue the national final season tonight as Festivali i Këngës concludes! I've had a quick listen to the songs and I have three immediate favourties. These are; Elhaida Dani, Lindita Halimi and Rezarta Smaja. Either of them winning would see this blogger very happy. Eighteen acts will participate and the winner will be chosen by a special jury alone.

Albania: Festivali i Këngës participants revealed!

Venera Lumani

28 participants are in the running to represent The Land of the Eagles in Vienna - and the lucky acts have been revealed today. The Albanian national selection is shaping up to be pretty awesome already. Firstly, Elhaida Dani won The Voice of Italy and is returning after a three year break from the contest. This blogger cannot wait to hear her song! Other popular name include Lindita Halimi, Venera Lumani, Rezarta Smaja and Saimir Braho. Here is the full list of participants:

• Jozefina Simoni
• Gjergj Leka
• Marsela Çibukaj
• Lindita Halimi
• Rezarta Smaja
• Mjellma Berisha
• Revolt Klan
• Julian Gjojdeshi
• Erga Halilaj
• Kozma Dushi
• Xhejn & Enxhi Kumrija
• Ana Gramo
• Agim Poshka
• Florent Abrashi & Sigi Bastri
• Bojken Lako
• Kelly
• Venera Lumani
• Emi Bogdo
• Klajdi Musabelliu
• Besiana Mehmeti & Shkodran Tolaj
• Andos Sinani
• Offchestra
• Elhaida Dani
• Altin Goci
• Saimir Braho
• Grupi Aurora
• Besa Krasniqi
• Enver Petrovci

The 53rd edition of  Festivali i Këngës is due to take place on 26th, 27th and 28th December.

Albania: Participation in 2015 very likely!

According to ESCToday, Albania's participation in Vienna is very likely - however their presence is not official yet. If the country does compete, their entry will be chosen through Festival I Kenges once again which is due to be held in late December.

UPDATE 23/10 - ALBANIA'S PARTICIPATION IS CONFIRMED! 

Missed Opportunities 2014: Albania!

The Albanian entrant was once again chosen through Festivali i Këngës - the final took place on 28th December. Hersi Matmuja won the Albanian selection although failed to make the final in Copenhagen. She only came 15th out of 16 participants. A disappointing result. Would any of the other acts who competed in Festivali i Këngës had done better? I think so.

Rezarta Smaja - Në zemër

Firstly, I think the beautiful Rezarta should have represented Albania with Në zemer. With some work and English lyrics, this could have been absolutely fantastic! She also tried to represent Albania in 2013 with Ti. I really hope she won't give up... an amazing voice!

Klodian Kaçani - Me ty

Klodian Kaçani was the favourite to represent Albania in Copenhagen before the final, and he came so close. Klodian came 2nd - but I can't understand why some juries members awarded him zero points? I loved Hersi but Me ty would have made a fantastic Albanian representation.

Introducing 2014: Albania!

Hersi (Herciana Matmuja) won the 52nd edition of Festivali i Këngës with Zemërimi i një nate. The Albanian selection was very strong and contained a number of excellent songs - Frederik Ndoci returned and so did Luiz Ejlli. My favourite was Klodian Kaçani. Wow His song was just amazing!! Klodian came runner-up to Hersi. After Festivali i Këngës, Hersi and her team decided to revamp her entry and translate it into English. Therefore the Albanian entry is One Night's Anger.

It's good, but I don't think it's strong enough to qualify, but maybe the juries will rank her high so she could squeeze through. Hersi is a fantastic vocalist though and I don't think "One Night's Anger" does her justice. I have another one criticism. I don't think the English revamp works.. the Albanian one had much more personality and class. Still, a very nice entry from Albania!

Albania: Revamped version of "One Night's Anger" released!

Hersi has been working hard since winning Festivali i Këngës and today the revamped version of "One Night's Anger" was revealed. Listen to it here. The song was also been translated into English, which I think is a bad decision. It's a lovely song but the Albanian version had more edge. A great entry from Albania, nevertheless.

Albania: Hersiana Matmuja to reveal her entry on 20th March!

It's been announced that Hersiana Matmuja will reveal her the revamped version of  "Zemërimi i një nate" on 20th March. She is also recording an official video-clip. Apparently the song will be translated into English for Copenhagen... which is probably a good decision! Can't wait to here it.