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.

Albania: Festivali i Këngës to be held tonight!

The 52nd edition of Festivali i Këngës will be held tonight and a total sixteen acts will compete in the hope to represent Albania in Copenhagen.

I unfortunately haven't heard any of the songs as it's been a hectic week - although I will watch it tonight so I'll be hearing the songs for the first time then. I know Rezarta Smaja, Hersiana Matmuja and Luiz Ejlli are favourites so I'm looking forward to hearing their offerings. Emmelie de Forest and Elhaida Dani will perform as special guests - this blogger cannot wait for both of those performances! Elhaida Dani won The Voice of Italy earlier this year. A special jury will select tonight's winner. Here's a live-stream for tonight's show - it'll start at 20:45 CET.

These acts will compete tonight:

1. Hersiana Matmuja – Zemërimi i një natë
2. Besiana Mehmeti & Shkodran Tolaj – Jam larg
3. Luiz Ejlli – Kthehu
4. Frederik Ndoci – Një ditë shprese
5. Grupi Na - Jehona
6. Klodian Kaçani – Me ty
7. Venera Lumani en Lindi Islami – Natë e parë
8. Blerina Braka – Mikja ime
9. Xhejsi Jorgaqi – Ëndërrat janë ëndërra
10. Xhejn en Enxhi Kumrija – Kur qielli qan
11. Lynx – Princesha
12. Marjeta Billo – Ti mungon
13. Sajmir Braho – Grua
14. Rezarta Smaja – Në zemër
15. Edmond Mancaku en Entela Zhula – Vetëm për ty
16. Renis Gjoka – Mjegulla

Who will represent Albania?