Festivali I Këngës Në RTSH
Encyclopedia
Festivali i Këngës is an Albania
n song contest, organised by the Albanian national broadcaster Radio Televizioni Shqiptar
(RTSH). Since its beginnings in 1966 all performers have been required to perform live, with a jury or televote selecting the winner. Since 2003 it has been used to select Albania's entry for the international Eurovision Song Contest
.
The contest has developed over time, from its humble beginnings with many neutral themes in its competing songs to a tool for the governing Communist Party of Albania in promoting their ideals. The 1972 contest became a turning point for the contest, in which dictator Enver Hoxha
prosecuted the organisers of Festivali i Këngës 11
after they were declared "enemies of the public" for accusations of endangering the country with "immoral aspects" in the songs and the performances on the night. Afterwards the ruling Communist Party imposed many sanctions on the contest's creativty, with a strict censorship on anything deemed inappropriate by the government.
After the fall of communism in Albania in 1991 the contest was again allowed to diversify the themes of its competing songs, with many competing and winning songs featuring new themes, such as immigration/travel and religion (both illegal under the communist regime).
Until 1999 Festivali i Këngës was the biggest music event in Albania, however its popularity began to waver after the introduction of other competitions like Top Fest and Kënga Magjike
, who began to produce higher ratings. However with Albania's introduction in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, Festivali i Këngës once again became the centre of attention after Anjeza Shahini
, winner of Albanian Idol, won the contest in 2003
.
However Festivali i Këngës remains controversial, with many believing the contest and its song quality to be outdated, especially with Eurovision participation, compared to mainstream Albanian music. Along with this the decision made of the winner has been controversial, with a lack of transparency between 2003 and 2005, and allegations of jury bias, fraud and racism regularly arising, for example in the 2007 contest
.
, Albania
. 20 songs competed in its semifinal round, but only 12 made it through to the final. The first winner of Festivali i Këngës was the legendary Vaçe Zela
with her famous song "Fëmija I Parë
" (The First Child). Vaçe Zela
is the singer with the most victories in FIK history to date, an impressive 10 times.
Singers with consecutive wins include:
, dictator Enver Hoxha
intervened by imprisoning the main organisers of the show and unjustly accused them of consipiring against the country and corrupting its youth. The contest dwelled in a period of extreme pressure and censorship. The songs were highly monitored and the topics were generally related to the country's development and even the government. This oppression continued all the way until 1984 when the dictator died. The following year, the change in lyrics was very abrupt, and censorship was not as strict.
- Jon
" and the 1992 winner Osman Mula's song "Aleksandër Gjoka, Manjola Nallbani & Viktor Tahiraj - Pesha E Fatit" were both songs with an "immigration/freedom" theme, which was the reality at the time in Albania
as well. During this period, the contest was also introduced to the word God
for the first time. Prior to that, religion was illegal in Albania
and the word God
was not allowed to be pronounced in public. The participation of Albanian
singers from outside the borders was also an addition to the history of the festival in this decade. Before that, the country was in a period of isolation.
, a sweet and innocent girl that stole the hearts of everyone with her wonderful voice. She won the contest with "Pyes Lotin" in 1996, and she pulled off another victory the following year with "Larg Urrejtjes" in 1997. These songs were also a mirror to the country's difficult reality in those years after the collapse of the pyramid schemes, an event which wreaked havoc all throughout Albania
. Despite the difficult times, Festivali i Këngës never stopped its broadcast and went ahead as scheduled in the final weeks of December every year since its start.
In 1998, Albërie Hadërgjonaj became the first Kosovar-Albanian singer to win the contest with the ballad "Mirësia Dhe E Vërteta". The song had a humanitarian anti-war message and is often referred to as a song for Kosovo
, relating to the 1998–1999 war.
, a similar song contest taking place in the Fall, as well as Top Fest, which started a few years later as a reality series on Top Channel
leading to a big Spring finale. However, another talented newcomer graced the stage of FIK in 2003, idol winner Anjeza Shahini
. She had just won the "Ethet E Së Premtes Mbrëma" talent show a few months before competing in FIK and the public was madly in love with her voice, her beautiful stage presence and her charming ways.
won the 42nd edition of Festivali i Këngës as everyone expected, putting hopeful professional singer Mariza Ikonomi in second place. Mariza ended up leaving the stage when the results were announced in sign of protest. Much was at stake in this edition because the winner would be the first ever representative of Albania
in Eurovision. Anjeza went on to sing at the Eurovision Song Contest 2004
, landing herself in a respectable 7th place with the song "The Image Of You
".
In December 2004, Ledina Çelo
won the 43rd edition of FIK but failed to create the same success in the 2005 contest
, and in December 2005 Luiz Ejlli
won the 44th edition of FIK, but he also failed to impress in the 2006 contest
, failing to qualify in the semi-final. In 2006, Frederik Ndoci
& Aida Ndoci were the winners of Festivali i Këngës, making this the second time Frederik wins this contest, the first one being in 1989. He also failed to reach the final in Eurovision Song Contest 2007
. FIK 2007
was won by Olta Boka
who performed in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2008
. She was able to qualify for the final by a thin margin, however the final scoreboard did not work in her favor, placing 17th of 25.
The claims were out of context and these punishments were used as an example and a statement for future organisers. There is a whole book dedicated to this event: Festivali i Njëmbëdhjetë (The 11th Festival), written by Skifter Këlliçi.
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
n song contest, organised by the Albanian national broadcaster Radio Televizioni Shqiptar
Radio Televizioni Shqiptar
Radio Televizioni Shqiptar is the public broadcaster of Albania, founded in 1938 in Tirana....
(RTSH). Since its beginnings in 1966 all performers have been required to perform live, with a jury or televote selecting the winner. Since 2003 it has been used to select Albania's entry for the international Eurovision Song Contest
Eurovision Song Contest
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual competition held among active member countries of the European Broadcasting Union .Each member country submits a song to be performed on live television and then casts votes for the other countries' songs to determine the most popular song in the competition...
.
The contest has developed over time, from its humble beginnings with many neutral themes in its competing songs to a tool for the governing Communist Party of Albania in promoting their ideals. The 1972 contest became a turning point for the contest, in which dictator Enver Hoxha
Enver Hoxha
Enver Halil Hoxha was a Marxist–Leninist revolutionary andthe leader of Albania from the end of World War II until his death in 1985, as the First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania...
prosecuted the organisers of Festivali i Këngës 11
Festivali I Këngës 11
Festivali i Këngës 11 took place from 22 to 25 December 1972 in Tirana, Albania, and was organized and produced by Albanian Public Radio and Television...
after they were declared "enemies of the public" for accusations of endangering the country with "immoral aspects" in the songs and the performances on the night. Afterwards the ruling Communist Party imposed many sanctions on the contest's creativty, with a strict censorship on anything deemed inappropriate by the government.
After the fall of communism in Albania in 1991 the contest was again allowed to diversify the themes of its competing songs, with many competing and winning songs featuring new themes, such as immigration/travel and religion (both illegal under the communist regime).
Until 1999 Festivali i Këngës was the biggest music event in Albania, however its popularity began to waver after the introduction of other competitions like Top Fest and Kënga Magjike
Kënga Magjike
Kënga Magjike is one of the main musical events in Albania.Throughout its history, different broadcasters have been credited with the production and airing of this event, including RTSH, Klan TV, TVA, RTV NRG and RTV21, RTK , as well as many radio stations.Kënga Magjike was created by singer,...
, who began to produce higher ratings. However with Albania's introduction in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, Festivali i Këngës once again became the centre of attention after Anjeza Shahini
Anjeza Shahini
Anjeza Shahini is an Albanian singer. She represented Albania at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "The Image of You" in the country's debut year in the ESC.-Eurovision 2004:...
, winner of Albanian Idol, won the contest in 2003
Festivali I Këngës 42
Festivali i Këngës 42 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the first Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 30 songs competed but only 18 made it to the final...
.
However Festivali i Këngës remains controversial, with many believing the contest and its song quality to be outdated, especially with Eurovision participation, compared to mainstream Albanian music. Along with this the decision made of the winner has been controversial, with a lack of transparency between 2003 and 2005, and allegations of jury bias, fraud and racism regularly arising, for example in the 2007 contest
Festivali I Këngës 47
Festivali i Këngës 47 took place at the Palace of Congres in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final with 20 entrants competing. The winner was determined by a jury of 7 judges. The RTSH orchestra was present, but the option of playback was available to the performers...
.
History
Impressive Record
Festivali i Këngës, began on December 21, 1962 in the ILA Venue in TiranaTirana
Tirana is the capital and the largest city of Albania. Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler from Mullet, although the area has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. Tirana became Albania's capital city in 1920 and has a population of over...
, Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
. 20 songs competed in its semifinal round, but only 12 made it through to the final. The first winner of Festivali i Këngës was the legendary Vaçe Zela
Vaçe Zela
Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of...
with her famous song "Fëmija I Parë
Fëmija I Parë
"Fëmija I Parë" is one of the most famous songs of Vaçe Zela, an Albanian singer, also the first song to win the first edition of Festivali I Këngës. The song is about a happy mother who is thrilled to have been blessed with a child in her life....
" (The First Child). Vaçe Zela
Vaçe Zela
Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of...
is the singer with the most victories in FIK history to date, an impressive 10 times.
Singers with consecutive wins include:
- 1. Vaçe ZelaVaçe ZelaVaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of...
(1966, 1967, 1968 duet; 1976 & 1977) - 2. Alida Hisku (1974 & 1975)
- 3. Manjola Nallbani (1992 trioTrio (music)Trio is generally used in any of the following ways:* A group of three musicians playing the same or different musical instrument.* The performance of a piece of music by three people.* The contrasting section of a piece in ternary form...
& 1993 soloSolo (music)In music, a solo is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer...
) - 4. Elsa LilaElsa LilaElsa Lila is an Albanian singer.-Early life:Elsa Lila was born in Tirana, Albania. Her father was a singer of the former Albanian state choir, while her mother was a violinist, so both parents raised her on theatre, and music, giving her a great love for the arts...
(1996 & 1997)
Harsh Censorship
Before 1972, the songs had a neutral nature, covering many topics of life. However, after Festivali i Këngës 11Festivali I Këngës 11
Festivali i Këngës 11 took place from 22 to 25 December 1972 in Tirana, Albania, and was organized and produced by Albanian Public Radio and Television...
, dictator Enver Hoxha
Enver Hoxha
Enver Halil Hoxha was a Marxist–Leninist revolutionary andthe leader of Albania from the end of World War II until his death in 1985, as the First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania...
intervened by imprisoning the main organisers of the show and unjustly accused them of consipiring against the country and corrupting its youth. The contest dwelled in a period of extreme pressure and censorship. The songs were highly monitored and the topics were generally related to the country's development and even the government. This oppression continued all the way until 1984 when the dictator died. The following year, the change in lyrics was very abrupt, and censorship was not as strict.
The Winds Of Change
With the fall of dictatorship during the 1990s, Festivali i Këngës had a temporary boost in both quality and diversity. The winning songs reflected the status of the country at the time. The 1991 winner "Ardit GjebreaArdit Gjebrea
Ardit Gjebrea is an Albanian singer, song-writer, producer and presenter.- Career as a Singer/Composer :Born in Tirana, Albania, he began singing as a child, at the age of 5...
- Jon
Jon
Jon is a shortened form of the common given name Jonathan, meaning "God has given", or an alternate spelling of John, meaning "God is gracious". In the year of 2008, Jon was the 527th most popular name in the United States; its popularity has declined steadily since its peak in 1968 as #65...
" and the 1992 winner Osman Mula's song "Aleksandër Gjoka, Manjola Nallbani & Viktor Tahiraj - Pesha E Fatit" were both songs with an "immigration/freedom" theme, which was the reality at the time in Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
as well. During this period, the contest was also introduced to the word God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
for the first time. Prior to that, religion was illegal in Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
and the word God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
was not allowed to be pronounced in public. The participation of Albanian
Albanians
Albanians are a nation and ethnic group native to Albania and neighbouring countries. They speak the Albanian language. More than half of all Albanians live in Albania and Kosovo...
singers from outside the borders was also an addition to the history of the festival in this decade. Before that, the country was in a period of isolation.
Troubled Times
In 1996, the stage of Festivali i Këngës welcomed newcomer Elsa LilaElsa Lila
Elsa Lila is an Albanian singer.-Early life:Elsa Lila was born in Tirana, Albania. Her father was a singer of the former Albanian state choir, while her mother was a violinist, so both parents raised her on theatre, and music, giving her a great love for the arts...
, a sweet and innocent girl that stole the hearts of everyone with her wonderful voice. She won the contest with "Pyes Lotin" in 1996, and she pulled off another victory the following year with "Larg Urrejtjes" in 1997. These songs were also a mirror to the country's difficult reality in those years after the collapse of the pyramid schemes, an event which wreaked havoc all throughout Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
. Despite the difficult times, Festivali i Këngës never stopped its broadcast and went ahead as scheduled in the final weeks of December every year since its start.
In 1998, Albërie Hadërgjonaj became the first Kosovar-Albanian singer to win the contest with the ballad "Mirësia Dhe E Vërteta". The song had a humanitarian anti-war message and is often referred to as a song for Kosovo
Kosovo
Kosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia...
, relating to the 1998–1999 war.
Cool Off
By the year 2000, Festivali i Këngës had lost a lot of its admirers to the competition of Kënga MagjikeKënga Magjike
Kënga Magjike is one of the main musical events in Albania.Throughout its history, different broadcasters have been credited with the production and airing of this event, including RTSH, Klan TV, TVA, RTV NRG and RTV21, RTK , as well as many radio stations.Kënga Magjike was created by singer,...
, a similar song contest taking place in the Fall, as well as Top Fest, which started a few years later as a reality series on Top Channel
Top Channel
Top Channel is a commercial television station with national frequency coverage in Tirana, Albania founded by media mogul Dritan Hoxha, and part of Top Media Group. Since September 2003, Top Channel became present on satellite broadcasting all over Europe through DigitAlb, and North America through...
leading to a big Spring finale. However, another talented newcomer graced the stage of FIK in 2003, idol winner Anjeza Shahini
Anjeza Shahini
Anjeza Shahini is an Albanian singer. She represented Albania at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "The Image of You" in the country's debut year in the ESC.-Eurovision 2004:...
. She had just won the "Ethet E Së Premtes Mbrëma" talent show a few months before competing in FIK and the public was madly in love with her voice, her beautiful stage presence and her charming ways.
Eurovision Era
Anjeza ShahiniAnjeza Shahini
Anjeza Shahini is an Albanian singer. She represented Albania at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "The Image of You" in the country's debut year in the ESC.-Eurovision 2004:...
won the 42nd edition of Festivali i Këngës as everyone expected, putting hopeful professional singer Mariza Ikonomi in second place. Mariza ended up leaving the stage when the results were announced in sign of protest. Much was at stake in this edition because the winner would be the first ever representative of Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
in Eurovision. Anjeza went on to sing at the Eurovision Song Contest 2004
Eurovision Song Contest 2004
The Eurovision Song Contest 2004, was the 49th Contest and it was held in the Abdi İpekçi Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. This was the first occasion in which the contest was held in Turkey after they had won the competition in 2003 with Sertab Erener singing "Everyway That I Can"...
, landing herself in a respectable 7th place with the song "The Image Of You
The Image Of You
"The Image of You" was the debut entry for Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest, being performed in English by Anjeza Shahini in the semi-final of the 2004 Contest....
".
In December 2004, Ledina Çelo
Ledina Çelo
Ledina Çelo is an Albanian singer and model.In December 2003 she hosted the Albanian national Final for the Eurovision Song Contest. One year later she participated herself and won with Nesër Shkoj, on the Eurovision she decided to sing in English with Tomorrow I Go...
won the 43rd edition of FIK but failed to create the same success in the 2005 contest
Eurovision Song Contest 2005
The Eurovision Song Contest 2005 was the 50th Eurovision Song Contest, which was held at the Palace of Sports, Kiev, Ukraine. The winner was Greece's My Number One, written by Christos Dantis and Natalia Germanou and performed by Swedish-born Greek singer Elena Paparizou, who scored 230 points,...
, and in December 2005 Luiz Ejlli
Luiz Ejlli
Luiz Ejlli is an Albanian singer.-Biography:Luiz Ejlli was born in Shkodra and between 1991 and 2002 he attended the "Prenk Jakova" secondary school in Shkodra. In 1995, he won the Best Voice Prize in "Child National Fesitival" in Shkodra. In 1998, he participated as a soloist in the "Gold...
won the 44th edition of FIK, but he also failed to impress in the 2006 contest
Eurovision Song Contest 2006
The Eurovision Song Contest 2006 was the 51st Eurovision Song Contest, held at the Olympic Indoor Hall in Athens, Greece on 18 May and 20 May 2006 . The hosting national broadcaster of the contest was Ellinikí Radiofonía Tileórasi . The Finnish band Lordi won the contest with the song "Hard Rock...
, failing to qualify in the semi-final. In 2006, Frederik Ndoci
Frederik Ndoci
Frederik Ndoci is an Albanian songwriter and international recording artist, he was 5-th finalist of IMA he received 14 grammy nomination on the 49-th GRAMMY AWARDS in all categories...
& Aida Ndoci were the winners of Festivali i Këngës, making this the second time Frederik wins this contest, the first one being in 1989. He also failed to reach the final in Eurovision Song Contest 2007
Eurovision Song Contest 2007
The Eurovision Song Contest 2007 was the 52nd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It was won by first-time appearance as an independent country Serbia and was held at the Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland from 10 May to 12 May. The host broadcaster was YLE.Finland earned the right to host...
. FIK 2007
Festivali I Këngës 46
Festivali i Këngës 46 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the fifth Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania from 29 entrants; however, only 17 made it to the final...
was won by Olta Boka
Olta Boka
Olta Boka is an Albanian singer who was chosen to represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with her song "Zemrën e lamë peng". She won the Albanian national final, called Festivali i Këngës, and competed in the second semifinal, on May 22 and won a place in the final on May 24 where...
who performed in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2008
Eurovision Song Contest 2008
The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was the 53rd edition of the Contest. It was hosted in Belgrade, Serbia after Marija Šerifović won the 2007 Contest in Helsinki, Finland. This year was the first contest to have two semi-finals which were held on 20 and 22 May, and the final held on 24 May 2008...
. She was able to qualify for the final by a thin margin, however the final scoreboard did not work in her favor, placing 17th of 25.
Hosts
| Year | Edition | Hosts | Venue | Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Festivali i Këngës 01 | Margarita Xhepa Margarita Xhepa Margarita Xhepa is an Albanian stage and film actress. She began her career in Tirana, at the National Theatre . There she acted in plays by Anton Chekov, Friedrich Schiller, and Nikolai Gogol, among others.... & Luigj Gurakuqi Jr. |
ILA Venue | Luigj Gurakuqi Jr. |
| 1963 | Festivali i Këngës 02 | Vera Zheji & Skifter Këlliçi | ILA Venue | Luigj Gurakuqi Jr. |
| 1964 | Festivali i Këngës 03 | Drita Bardhi & Vangjel Heba | ILA Venue | Luigj Gurakuqi Jr. |
| 1965 | Festivali i Këngës 04 | Drita Bardhi & Bujar Kapexhiu | ILA Venue | Luigj Gurakuqi Jr. |
| 1966 | Festivali i Këngës 05 | Drita Bardhi & Bujar Kapexhiu | ILA Venue | ? |
| 1967 | Festivali i Këngës 06 | Albert Minga & Drita Bardhi | ILA Venue | ? |
| 1968 | Festivali i Këngës 07 | Drita Bardhi & Roland Trebicka | ILA Venue | ? |
| 1969 | Festivali i Këngës 08 | Elisabeta Vasili & Kiço Fotiadhi | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Albert Minga |
| 1970 | Festivali i Këngës 09 | Adriana Fishta & Mevlan Shanaj | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Albert Minga |
| 1971 | Festivali i Këngës 10 | Edi Luarasi & Viktor Zhusti | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Mihallaq Luarasi |
| 1972 | Festivali i Këngës 11 Festivali I Këngës 11 Festivali i Këngës 11 took place from 22 to 25 December 1972 in Tirana, Albania, and was organized and produced by Albanian Public Radio and Television... |
Edi Luarasi & Bujar Kapexhiu | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Mihallaq Luarasi |
| 1973 | Festivali i Këngës 12 | Flutura Çangu & Pandi Siku | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Albert Minga |
| 1974 | Festivali i Këngës 13 | Arta Dade & Esat Teliti | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Albert Minga |
| 1975 | Festivali i Këngës 14 | Rezarta Malaj & Kastriot Caushi | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Mevlan Shanaj |
| 1976 | Festivali i Këngës 15 | Rezana Celiku & Ilir Bibolli | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Albert Minga & Osman Mula |
| 1977 | Festivali i Këngës 16 | Zerina Kuke& Ilir Bibolli | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Osman Mula |
| 1978 | Festivali i Këngës 17 | Zerina Kuke& Ndriçim Xhepa Ndriçim Xhepa Ndriçim Xhepa is an Albanian stage and film actor. He has acted at the National Theater of Albania. He is very well known in Albania as an award-winning actor.-Filmography:... |
Theater of Opera & Ballet | Osman Mula |
| 1979 | Festivali i Këngës 18 | Mimoza Tafaj& Pirro Kita | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Osman Mula |
| 1980 | Festivali i Këngës 19 | Silvana Braçe & Dhimitër Gjoka | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Osman Mula |
| 1981 | Festivali i Këngës 20 | Ndriçim Xhepa Ndriçim Xhepa Ndriçim Xhepa is an Albanian stage and film actor. He has acted at the National Theater of Albania. He is very well known in Albania as an award-winning actor.-Filmography:... & Anisa Markajan |
Theater of Opera & Ballet | Osman Mula |
| 1982 | Festivali i Këngës 21 | Dhimiter Gjoka & Dhurata Kasmi | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Osman Mula |
| 1983 | Festivali i Këngës 22 | Ndriçim Xhepa Ndriçim Xhepa Ndriçim Xhepa is an Albanian stage and film actor. He has acted at the National Theater of Albania. He is very well known in Albania as an award-winning actor.-Filmography:... & Matilda Makoçi |
Theater of Opera & Ballet | Osman Mula |
| 1984 | Festivali i Këngës 23 | Elvira Diamanti & Artan Imami | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Albert Minga |
| 1985 | Festivali i Këngës 24 | Yllka Mujo Yllka Mujo Yllka Mujo is an Albanian actress. Mujo is especially known for her distinguished roles in Albanian movies during the communist regime.-Filmography:The following list is filmography containing major roles played by Mujo.... |
Theater of Opera & Ballet | Vera Grabocka |
| 1986 | Festivali i Këngës 25 | Ema Ndoja | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Vera Grabocka |
| 1987 | Festivali i Këngës 26 | Silvana Braçe | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Vera Grabocka |
| 1988 | Festivali i Këngës 27 | Ina Gjika | Theater of Opera & Ballet | Vera Grabocka |
| 1989 | Festivali i Këngës 28 | Luiza Xhuvani | Palace of Congresses | Vera Grabocka |
| 1990 | Festivali i Këngës 29 | Leon Menkshi Leon Menkshi Leon Menkshi is a famous Albanian TV personality. Leon is a professional Journalist and one of Albania's outstanding and charming news anchors; he is also known as a radio host and interviewer... & Kristi Rrapo |
Palace of Congresses | Osman Mula |
| 1991 | Festivali i Këngës 30 | Leon Menkshi Leon Menkshi Leon Menkshi is a famous Albanian TV personality. Leon is a professional Journalist and one of Albania's outstanding and charming news anchors; he is also known as a radio host and interviewer... , Ema Andrea & Rudina Magjistari |
Palace of Congresses | Vera Grabocka |
| 1992 | Festivali i Këngës 31 | Dritan Boriçi, Fjoralba Shehu, Sokol Balza & Rudina Magjistari | Palace of Congresses | Leonard Gjata |
| 1993 | Festivali i Këngës 32 | Silvana Braçe, Ndriçim Xhepa Ndriçim Xhepa Ndriçim Xhepa is an Albanian stage and film actor. He has acted at the National Theater of Albania. He is very well known in Albania as an award-winning actor.-Filmography:... & Juela Meçani |
Palace of Congresses | Leonard Gjata & Mishel Koçiu |
| 1994 | Festivali i Këngës 33 | Reiz Çiço & Doris Petrela | Palace of Congresses | Vera Grabocka & Mishel Koçiu |
| 1995 | Festivali i Këngës 34 | Reiz Çiço & Doris Petrela | Palace of Congresses | Osman Mula |
| 1996 | Festivali i Këngës 35 | Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea is an Albanian singer, song-writer, producer and presenter.- Career as a Singer/Composer :Born in Tirana, Albania, he began singing as a child, at the age of 5... , Valbona Çoba & Rudina Magjistari |
Palace of Congresses | Osman Mula |
| 1997 | Festivali i Këngës 36 | Adi Krasta, Vilma Papajani, Hygerta Sako Hygerta Sako Hygerta Sako was Miss Albania in 1995 and represented Albania at Miss Europe 1996 where she placed among the semifinalists.-References:... & Monika Zguro Monika Zguro Monika Zguro won the title of Miss Albania 1993. She represented Albania at Miss Universe 1993 and Miss Europe 1995, where she finished third.-References:... |
Palace of Congresses | Leonard Gjata |
| 1998 | Festivali i Këngës 37 | Gazmend Gjoka, Inis Gjoni, Hygerta Sako Hygerta Sako Hygerta Sako was Miss Albania in 1995 and represented Albania at Miss Europe 1996 where she placed among the semifinalists.-References:... & Luigj Gurakuqi Jr. |
Palace of Congresses | Petrit Bozo |
| 1999 | Festivali i Këngës 38 | Adi Krasta, Inis Gjoni, Hygerta Sako Hygerta Sako Hygerta Sako was Miss Albania in 1995 and represented Albania at Miss Europe 1996 where she placed among the semifinalists.-References:... & Klodiana Maliqi |
Palace of Congresses | Petrit Bozo |
| 2000 | Festivali i Këngës 39 | Erion Mustafaraj & Ornela Bregu | Palace of Congresses | Leonard Gjata |
| 2001 | Festivali i Këngës 40 | Alban Dudushi & Ornela Bregu | Palace of Congresses | Leonard Gjata |
| 2002 | Festivali i Këngës 41 | Adi Krasta & Ann Francis Vata | Palace of Congresses | Pali Kuke |
| 2003 | Festivali i Këngës 42 Festivali I Këngës 42 Festivali i Këngës 42 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the first Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 30 songs competed but only 18 made it to the final... |
Adi Krasta & Ledina Çelo Ledina Çelo Ledina Çelo is an Albanian singer and model.In December 2003 she hosted the Albanian national Final for the Eurovision Song Contest. One year later she participated herself and won with Nesër Shkoj, on the Eurovision she decided to sing in English with Tomorrow I Go... |
Palace of Congresses | Pali Kuke |
| 2004 | Festivali i Këngës 43 Festivali I Këngës 43 Festivali i Këngës 43 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the second Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 32 songs competed for the win but only 18 made it to the final... |
Leon Menkshi Leon Menkshi Leon Menkshi is a famous Albanian TV personality. Leon is a professional Journalist and one of Albania's outstanding and charming news anchors; he is also known as a radio host and interviewer... & Hueida Elsajed |
Palace of Congresses | Pali Kuke |
| 2005 | Festivali i Këngës 44 Festivali I Këngës 44 Festivali i Këngës 44 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the third Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 34 songs competed for the win but only 20 made it to the final... |
Soni Malaj Soni Malaj Soni Malaj is an Albanian singer. She has won competitions like "Top Fest" , the second place in "Kenga Magjike" with Flori Mumajesi with the song "Fluturimi 3470" . In 2010, she took part on the Albanian transmission "Dancing with the Stars Albania 1" and she went into the final night... & Drini Zeqo |
Palace of Congresses | Leonard Gjata |
| 2006 | Festivali i Këngës 45 Festivali I Këngës 45 Festivali i Këngës 45 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final , in addition to a Youth Night competition which selected 2 artists on 4 & 5 December 2006. FIK 45 was used to select the fourth Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania... |
Adi Krasta, Vesa Luma & Ermela Teli | Palace of Congresses | Pali Kuke |
| 2007 | Festivali i Këngës 46 Festivali I Këngës 46 Festivali i Këngës 46 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the fifth Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania from 29 entrants; however, only 17 made it to the final... |
Elsa Lila Elsa Lila Elsa Lila is an Albanian singer.-Early life:Elsa Lila was born in Tirana, Albania. Her father was a singer of the former Albanian state choir, while her mother was a violinist, so both parents raised her on theatre, and music, giving her a great love for the arts... & Pirro Çako Pirro Çako Pirro Çako is an Albanian singer and composer. In 1988 he won the Albanian national festival as a composer with the song E duam lumturinë . The song was interpreted by Parashqevi Simaku. He has so far issued two albums: Herët a vonë in June 2004 and including 15 songs, and more recently, a second... |
Palace of Congresses | Pali Kuke |
| 2008 | Festivali i Këngës 47 Festivali I Këngës 47 Festivali i Këngës 47 took place at the Palace of Congres in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final with 20 entrants competing. The winner was determined by a jury of 7 judges. The RTSH orchestra was present, but the option of playback was available to the performers... |
Elsa Lila Elsa Lila Elsa Lila is an Albanian singer.-Early life:Elsa Lila was born in Tirana, Albania. Her father was a singer of the former Albanian state choir, while her mother was a violinist, so both parents raised her on theatre, and music, giving her a great love for the arts... , Julian Deda & Gentian Zenelaj |
Palace of Congresses | Pali Kuke |
| 2009 | Festivali i Këngës 48 | Alban Skenderaj Alban Skënderaj Alban Skënderaj born 1982 in Vlora, Albania is a singer who at fourtheen moved to Pistoia, Italy were he lives still today with his family. Alban's father was an army official and also the author of various books and poetry and prose. His mother worked in the laboratory of the town's aqueduct... & Miriam Cani Miriam Cani Miriam Cani is a German singer and television host of Albanian descent. At the age of six she moved together with her family to Heidelberg, Germany were she soon attained German citizenship along with the rest of her family. She was a member of the successful German pop girl group Preluders... |
Palace of Congresses | Osman Mula |
| 2010 | Festivali i Këngës 49 | Jonida Maliqi, Josif Gjipali & Mirela Naska | Palace of Congresses | Bojken Lako |
Winners
| Year | Edition | Artist | Song | Composer | Writer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Festivali i Këngës 01 | Vaçe Zela e Qemal Kertusha | "Fëmija i parë Cmimi i trete Fëmija I Parë "Fëmija I Parë" is one of the most famous songs of Vaçe Zela, an Albanian singer, also the first song to win the first edition of Festivali I Këngës. The song is about a happy mother who is thrilled to have been blessed with a child in her life.... " |
Abdulla Grimci | Dionis Bubani |
| 1963 | Festivali i Këngës 02 | [Nikoleta Shoshi] | "Flakë e borë" | Tish Daija | Llazar Siliqi Llazar Siliqi Llazar Siliqi is a notable Albanian poet. He was the librettist of the first Albanian opera, Mrika, composed by Prenkë Jakova.-References:... |
| 1964 | Festivali i Këngës 03 | Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... |
"Sot jam 20 vjeç" | -Llazar Morcka | -Dionis Bubani |
| 1965 | Festivali i Këngës 04 | Tonin Tërshana | "Të dua o det" | Tonin Harapi Tonin Harapi Tonin Harapi was an Albanian composer and teacher. Born in Shkodra, Albania. He studied composition in Moscow, USSR. He was professor of composition at the Conservatory of Tirana; and the winner of many prizes and titles.-Discography:... |
Mark Gurakuqi |
| 1966 | Festivali i Këngës 05 | Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... |
"Shqiponja e lirisë" | Pjetër Gaçi | Ismail Kadare Ismail Kadare Ismail Kadare is an Albanian writer. He is known for his novels, although he was first noticed for his poetry collections. In the 1960s he focused on short stories until the publication of his first novel, The General of the Dead Army. In 1996 he became a lifetime member of the Academy of Moral... |
| 1967 | Festivali i Këngës 06 | Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... |
"Këngë për shkurte vatën" | Ferdinand Deda | Ruzhdi Pulaha |
| 1968 | Festivali i Këngës 07 | Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... & Ramiz Kovaçi |
"Mësuesit hero" | Limoz Dizdari Limoz Dizdari Limoz Dizdari, Merited Artist of Albania, is a well known Albanian composer of classical music and music for movies.-References:... |
Dritero Agolli Dritëro Agolli Dritëro Agolli is an Albanian poet, writer, politician, and former president of the defunct Albanian League of Writers and Artists. He studied in Leningrad in the Soviet Union and wrote primarily poetry, but also short stories, essays, plays, and novels... |
| 1969 | Festivali i Këngës 08 | David Tukiçi David Tukiçi David Tukiçi an Albanian composer and singer born in 1956 Shkodër, Albania. He also holds the Italian citizenship.At 13, he won the 1969 edition of the Festivali i Këngës në RTSH as a singer and then pursued composing training notably with Çesk Zadeja, who was himself a pupil of Dmitri Shostakovich... |
"Dhuratë për ditëlindje" | Nikolla Zoraqi Nikolla Zoraqi Nikolla Zoraqi People's Artist of Albania, was an Albanian composer. His works included movie music and operas, notably Cuca e maleve .-References:... |
Fatos Arapi Fatos Arapi Fatos Arapi is an Albanian poet, short story writer, translator and journalist, laureate of the Struga Poetry Evenings Golden Wreath Award for 2008.-Biography:... |
| 1970 | Festivali i Këngës 09 | Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... |
"Mesnatë" | Shpëtim Kushta | Fatos Arapi Fatos Arapi Fatos Arapi is an Albanian poet, short story writer, translator and journalist, laureate of the Struga Poetry Evenings Golden Wreath Award for 2008.-Biography:... |
| 1971 | Festivali i Këngës 10 | Sherif Merdani | "Kënga e nënës" | Agim Prodani | Agim Shehu |
| 1972 | Festivali i Këngës 11 Festivali I Këngës 11 Festivali i Këngës 11 took place from 22 to 25 December 1972 in Tirana, Albania, and was organized and produced by Albanian Public Radio and Television... |
Tonin Tërshana | "Erdhi pranvera" | Pjetër Gaçi | Fatos Arapi Fatos Arapi Fatos Arapi is an Albanian poet, short story writer, translator and journalist, laureate of the Struga Poetry Evenings Golden Wreath Award for 2008.-Biography:... |
| 1973 | Festivali i Këngës 12 | Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... |
"Gjurmët e arta" | Kujtim Laro | Lirim Deda |
| 1974 | Festivali i Këngës 13 | Alida Hisku | "Vajzat e fshatit tim" | Enver Shëngjergji | Zhuliana Jorganxhi |
| 1975 | Festivali i Këngës 14 | Alida Hisku | "Buka e duarve tona" | Kujtim Laro | Xhevahir Spahiu |
| 1976 | Festivali i Këngës 15 | Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... |
"Nënë moj do pres gërshetin" | Avni Mula Avni Mula Avni Mula is a famous Albanian singer, composer and musician. For his contribution, he has received some of the highest recognition medals from the Albanian government, the People's Artist of Albania decoration and the Honor of the Nation decoration.-Personal life:His family moved from Gjakova to... |
Hysni Milloshi Hysni Milloshi Hysni Milloshi is the founder and incumbent First Secretary of the Communist Party of Albania, successor to the Party of Labor of Albania.During communist rule, Milloshi, who was a member of the Party of Labour, was a writer and a somewhat obscure figure... |
| 1977 | Festivali i Këngës 16 | Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... |
"Gonxhe në pemën e lirisë" | Limoz Dizdari Limoz Dizdari Limoz Dizdari, Merited Artist of Albania, is a well known Albanian composer of classical music and music for movies.-References:... |
Robert Shvarc & Zhuliana Jorganxhi |
| 1978 | Festivali i Këngës 17 | Gaqo Çako | "Këputa një gjethe dafine" | Limoz Dizdari Limoz Dizdari Limoz Dizdari, Merited Artist of Albania, is a well known Albanian composer of classical music and music for movies.-References:... |
Xhevahir Spahiu |
| 1979 | Festivali i Këngës 18 | Zeliha Sina, Liljana Kondakçi Liljana Kondakçi Liljana Kondakçi is an Albanian singer, famous for being a winner of the 18th Festivali i Këngës. She is a Merited Artist of Albania.In 2010 she was arrested in Thessaloniki, Greece and extradited to Italy because of an international arrest warrant released from Catanzaro's pubblico ministero... & Aferdita Zonja |
"Festë ka sot shqipëria" | Agim Prodani | Zhuliana Jorganxhi |
| 1980 | Festivali i Këngës 19 | Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... |
"Shoqet tona ilegale" | Agim Prodani | Zhuliana Jorganxhi |
| 1981 | Festivali i Këngës 20 | Ema Qazimi | "Krenari e brezave" | Feim Ibrahimi Feim Ibrahimi Feim Ibrahimi was born on 20 October 1935 in Gjirokastër, southern Albania. Essentially self-taught in his early years, he became the first significant Albanian composer to study exclusively in his home country, entering the newly-founded Tirana Conservatory in 1962 and studying there with Daija... |
Gjoke Beci |
| 1982 | Festivali i Këngës 21 | Marina Grabovari | "Një djep në barrikadë" | Avni Mula Avni Mula Avni Mula is a famous Albanian singer, composer and musician. For his contribution, he has received some of the highest recognition medals from the Albanian government, the People's Artist of Albania decoration and the Honor of the Nation decoration.-Personal life:His family moved from Gjakova to... |
Hysni Milloshi Hysni Milloshi Hysni Milloshi is the founder and incumbent First Secretary of the Communist Party of Albania, successor to the Party of Labor of Albania.During communist rule, Milloshi, who was a member of the Party of Labour, was a writer and a somewhat obscure figure... |
| 1983 | Festivali i Këngës 22 | Tonin Tërshana | "Vajzë moj, lule moj" | Luan Zhegu | Adelina Balashi |
| 1984 | Festivali i Këngës 23 | Gëzim Çela & Nertila Koka | "Çel si gonxhe dashuria" | Vladimir Kotani | Arben Duka |
| 1985 | Festivali i Këngës 24 | Parashqevi Simaku Parashqevi Simaku Parashqevi Simaku is an Albanian singer, noted for her work in the 1980s.In 1983 she released Gëzimi i shtepisë së re... |
"Në moshën e rinisë" | Vladimir Kotani | Arben Duka |
| 1986 | Festivali i Këngës 25 | Nertila Koka | "Dy gëzime në një ditë" | David Tukiçi David Tukiçi David Tukiçi an Albanian composer and singer born in 1956 Shkodër, Albania. He also holds the Italian citizenship.At 13, he won the 1969 edition of the Festivali i Këngës në RTSH as a singer and then pursued composing training notably with Çesk Zadeja, who was himself a pupil of Dmitri Shostakovich... |
Gjoke Beci |
| 1987 | Festivali i Këngës 26 | Irma Libohova & Eranda Libohova | "Nuk e harroj" | Agim Krajka | Arben Duka |
| 1988 | Festivali i Këngës 27 | Parashqevi Simaku Parashqevi Simaku Parashqevi Simaku is an Albanian singer, noted for her work in the 1980s.In 1983 she released Gëzimi i shtepisë së re... |
"E duam lumturinë" | Pirro Çako Pirro Çako Pirro Çako is an Albanian singer and composer. In 1988 he won the Albanian national festival as a composer with the song E duam lumturinë . The song was interpreted by Parashqevi Simaku. He has so far issued two albums: Herët a vonë in June 2004 and including 15 songs, and more recently, a second... |
Agim Doçi |
| 1989 | Festivali i Këngës 28 | Frederik Ndoci Frederik Ndoci Frederik Ndoci is an Albanian songwriter and international recording artist, he was 5-th finalist of IMA he received 14 grammy nomination on the 49-th GRAMMY AWARDS in all categories... , Manjola Nallbani & Julia Ndoci |
"Toka e diellit" | Aleksander Peçi Aleksandër Peçi Aleksandër Peçi is an Albanian composer; one of the most important figures of the contemporary Albanian classical music.... |
Xhevahir Spahiu |
| 1990 | Festivali i Këngës 29 | Anita Bitri Anita Bitri Anita Bitri-Prapaniku was a pop singer and violinist from Albania. She was found dead in her Staten Island home along with her 8-year-old daughter Sibora Nini and 66-year-old mother Azbije... |
"Askush s'do ta besojë" | Flamur Shehu | Jorgo Papingji |
| 1991 | Festivali i Këngës 30 | Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea is an Albanian singer, song-writer, producer and presenter.- Career as a Singer/Composer :Born in Tirana, Albania, he began singing as a child, at the age of 5... |
"Jon" | Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea is an Albanian singer, song-writer, producer and presenter.- Career as a Singer/Composer :Born in Tirana, Albania, he began singing as a child, at the age of 5... |
Xhankarlo Milone & Zhuliana Jorganxhi |
| 1992 | Festivali i Këngës 31 | Aleksandër Gjoka, Manjola Nallbani & Viktor Tahiraj | "Pesha e fatit" | Osman Mula | Alqi Boshnjaku |
| 1993 | Festivali i Këngës 32 | Manjola Nallbani | "Kur e humba një dashuri" | Vladimir Kotani | Jorgo Papingji |
| 1994 | Festivali i Këngës 33 | Mira Konçi | "Të sotmen jeto" | Shpëtim Saraçi | Alqi Boshnjaku |
| 1995 | Festivali i Këngës 34 | Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea is an Albanian singer, song-writer, producer and presenter.- Career as a Singer/Composer :Born in Tirana, Albania, he began singing as a child, at the age of 5... |
"Eja" | Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea is an Albanian singer, song-writer, producer and presenter.- Career as a Singer/Composer :Born in Tirana, Albania, he began singing as a child, at the age of 5... |
Xhevahir Spahiu |
| 1996 | Festivali i Këngës 35 | Elsa Lila Elsa Lila Elsa Lila is an Albanian singer.-Early life:Elsa Lila was born in Tirana, Albania. Her father was a singer of the former Albanian state choir, while her mother was a violinist, so both parents raised her on theatre, and music, giving her a great love for the arts... |
"Pyes lotin" | Valentin Veizi | Enrjeta Sina |
| 1997 | Festivali i Këngës 36 | Elsa Lila Elsa Lila Elsa Lila is an Albanian singer.-Early life:Elsa Lila was born in Tirana, Albania. Her father was a singer of the former Albanian state choir, while her mother was a violinist, so both parents raised her on theatre, and music, giving her a great love for the arts... |
"Larg urrejtjes" | Valentin Veizi | Alqi Boshnjaku |
| 1998 | Festivali i Këngës 37 | Albërie Hadërgjonaj | "Mirësia dhe e vërteta" | Luan Zhegu | Arben Duka |
| 1999 | Festivali i Këngës 38 | Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe is a singer and a three-time Festivali i Këngës winner nowadays living in New York, USA. Aurela represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the entry "Kënga ime". It has been revealed that Aurela will perform her entry under the English title Feel the Passion.Her most... |
"S'jam tribu" | Adrian Hila | Jorgo Papingji |
| 2000 | Festivali i Këngës 39 | Rovena Dilo | "Ante i tokës sime" | Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea is an Albanian singer, song-writer, producer and presenter.- Career as a Singer/Composer :Born in Tirana, Albania, he began singing as a child, at the age of 5... |
Rovena Dilo |
| 2001 | Festivali i Këngës 40 | Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe is a singer and a three-time Festivali i Këngës winner nowadays living in New York, USA. Aurela represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the entry "Kënga ime". It has been revealed that Aurela will perform her entry under the English title Feel the Passion.Her most... |
"Jetoj" | Adrian Hila | Jorgo Papingji |
| 2002 | Festivali i Këngës 41 | Mira Konçi | "Brënda vetes më merr" | Shpëtim Saraçi | Pandi Laço |
| 2003 | Festivali i Këngës 42 Festivali I Këngës 42 Festivali i Këngës 42 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the first Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 30 songs competed but only 18 made it to the final... |
Anjeza Shahini Anjeza Shahini Anjeza Shahini is an Albanian singer. She represented Albania at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "The Image of You" in the country's debut year in the ESC.-Eurovision 2004:... |
"Imazhi yt The Image Of You "The Image of You" was the debut entry for Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest, being performed in English by Anjeza Shahini in the semi-final of the 2004 Contest.... " |
Edmond Zhulali | Agim Doçi |
| 2004 | Festivali i Këngës 43 Festivali I Këngës 43 Festivali i Këngës 43 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the second Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 32 songs competed for the win but only 18 made it to the final... |
Ledina Çelo Ledina Çelo Ledina Çelo is an Albanian singer and model.In December 2003 she hosted the Albanian national Final for the Eurovision Song Contest. One year later she participated herself and won with Nesër Shkoj, on the Eurovision she decided to sing in English with Tomorrow I Go... |
"Nesër shkoj Tomorrow I Go "Tomorrow I Go" was the Albanian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2005, performed in English by Ledina Çelo.As Albania had finished 7th in the final of the 2004 contest, the song was automatically qualified for the final... " |
Adrian Hila | Pandi Laço |
| 2005 | Festivali i Këngës 44 Festivali I Këngës 44 Festivali i Këngës 44 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the third Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 34 songs competed for the win but only 20 made it to the final... |
Luiz Ejlli Luiz Ejlli Luiz Ejlli is an Albanian singer.-Biography:Luiz Ejlli was born in Shkodra and between 1991 and 2002 he attended the "Prenk Jakova" secondary school in Shkodra. In 1995, he won the Best Voice Prize in "Child National Fesitival" in Shkodra. In 1998, he participated as a soloist in the "Gold... |
"Zjarr e ftohtë Zjarr E Ftohtë "Zjarr e ftohtë" was the Albanian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, performed in Albanian by Luiz Ejlli. This was the first time that the Albanian entry in the contest was sung in Albanian.... " |
Klodian Qafoku | Floran Kondi |
| 2006 | Festivali i Këngës 45 Festivali I Këngës 45 Festivali i Këngës 45 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final , in addition to a Youth Night competition which selected 2 artists on 4 & 5 December 2006. FIK 45 was used to select the fourth Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania... |
Frederik Frederik Ndoci Frederik Ndoci is an Albanian songwriter and international recording artist, he was 5-th finalist of IMA he received 14 grammy nomination on the 49-th GRAMMY AWARDS in all categories... & Aida Ndoci |
"Balada e gurit Hear My Plea "Hear My Plea" was the Albanian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007, performed in English and Albanian by Frederik Ndoci.The song is a dramatic ballad, with Ndoci pleading with an unnamed power to bring his love back to him... " |
Adrian Hila | Pandi Laço |
| 2007 | Festivali i Këngës 46 Festivali I Këngës 46 Festivali i Këngës 46 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the fifth Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania from 29 entrants; however, only 17 made it to the final... |
Olta Boka Olta Boka Olta Boka is an Albanian singer who was chosen to represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with her song "Zemrën e lamë peng". She won the Albanian national final, called Festivali i Këngës, and competed in the second semifinal, on May 22 and won a place in the final on May 24 where... |
"Zemrën e lamë peng Zemrën E Lamë Peng "Zemrën e lamë peng" is the song that represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade, Serbia. The song was sung by Olta Boka and was selected on 16 December 2007 during the televised show Festivali I Këngës.... " |
Adrian Hila | Pandi Laço |
| 2008 | Festivali i Këngës 47 Festivali I Këngës 47 Festivali i Këngës 47 took place at the Palace of Congres in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final with 20 entrants competing. The winner was determined by a jury of 7 judges. The RTSH orchestra was present, but the option of playback was available to the performers... |
Kejsi Tola Kejsi Tola Kejsi Tola is an Albanian singer and the winner of Albanian Idol 2007. In 2008 she was the winning contestant in the Festivali i Këngës competition to find the representative for Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia. Kejsi has a cousin called Öner studying music theory and... |
"Më merr në ëndërr Carry Me in Your Dreams "Carry Me in Your Dreams" was the Albanian entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2009, held in Moscow, Russia. The song was composed by Edmond Zhulali and Agim Doçi, composers of Albania's first entry to Eurovision, "The Image of You" by Anjeza Shahini, and is performed by Albanian singer Kejsi Tola... " |
Edmond Zhulali | Agim Doçi |
| 2009 | Festivali i Këngës 48 | Juliana Pasha Juliana Pasha Juliana Pasha is an Albanian singer. She is very famous in Albania.In 2010 she won Honorary Citizen Award of Burrel from the mayor of the city... |
"Nuk mundem pa ty It's All About You "It's All About You" is a song by Albanian singer Juliana Pasha, written by Ardit Gjebrea and Pirro Çako. The song, performed in Albanian as "Nuk mundem pa ty" , was the winner of Festivali i Këngës 48 in December 2009, and represented Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo, Norway in... " |
Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea is an Albanian singer, song-writer, producer and presenter.- Career as a Singer/Composer :Born in Tirana, Albania, he began singing as a child, at the age of 5... |
Pirro Çako Pirro Çako Pirro Çako is an Albanian singer and composer. In 1988 he won the Albanian national festival as a composer with the song E duam lumturinë . The song was interpreted by Parashqevi Simaku. He has so far issued two albums: Herët a vonë in June 2004 and including 15 songs, and more recently, a second... |
| 2010 | Festivali i Këngës 49 | Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe is a singer and a three-time Festivali i Këngës winner nowadays living in New York, USA. Aurela represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the entry "Kënga ime". It has been revealed that Aurela will perform her entry under the English title Feel the Passion.Her most... |
"Kënga ime" | Shpëtim Saraçi | Sokol Marsi |
Recurring Winners
- Some artists have won Festivali i Këngës more than once:
| Artist | Victories | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela Vaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of... |
11 | 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 19671968, 1970, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1980 |
| Tonin Tërshana | 3 | 1965, 1972, 1983 |
| Manjola Nallbani | 3 | 1989, 1992, 1993 |
| Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe is a singer and a three-time Festivali i Këngës winner nowadays living in New York, USA. Aurela represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the entry "Kënga ime". It has been revealed that Aurela will perform her entry under the English title Feel the Passion.Her most... |
3 | 1999, 2001, 2010 |
| Alida Hisku | 2 | 1974, 1975 |
| Nertila Koka | 2 | 1984, 1986 |
| Parashqevi Simaku Parashqevi Simaku Parashqevi Simaku is an Albanian singer, noted for her work in the 1980s.In 1983 she released Gëzimi i shtepisë së re... |
2 | 1985, 1988 |
| Frederik Ndoci Frederik Ndoci Frederik Ndoci is an Albanian songwriter and international recording artist, he was 5-th finalist of IMA he received 14 grammy nomination on the 49-th GRAMMY AWARDS in all categories... |
2 | 1989, 2006 |
| Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea Ardit Gjebrea is an Albanian singer, song-writer, producer and presenter.- Career as a Singer/Composer :Born in Tirana, Albania, he began singing as a child, at the age of 5... |
2 | 1991, 1995 |
| Mira Konçi | 2 | 1994, 2002 |
| Elsa Lila Elsa Lila Elsa Lila is an Albanian singer.-Early life:Elsa Lila was born in Tirana, Albania. Her father was a singer of the former Albanian state choir, while her mother was a violinist, so both parents raised her on theatre, and music, giving her a great love for the arts... |
2 | 1996, 1997 |
Eurovision Results
| ESC | FIK | Artist | Song | Language | Semi Final | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Eurovision Song Contest 2004 The Eurovision Song Contest 2004, was the 49th Contest and it was held in the Abdi İpekçi Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. This was the first occasion in which the contest was held in Turkey after they had won the competition in 2003 with Sertab Erener singing "Everyway That I Can"... |
42 Festivali I Këngës 42 Festivali i Këngës 42 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the first Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 30 songs competed but only 18 made it to the final... |
Anjeza Shahini Anjeza Shahini Anjeza Shahini is an Albanian singer. She represented Albania at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "The Image of You" in the country's debut year in the ESC.-Eurovision 2004:... |
"The Image of You The Image Of You "The Image of You" was the debut entry for Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest, being performed in English by Anjeza Shahini in the semi-final of the 2004 Contest.... " |
English English language English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria... |
4 / 22 | 7 / 24 |
| 2005 Eurovision Song Contest 2005 The Eurovision Song Contest 2005 was the 50th Eurovision Song Contest, which was held at the Palace of Sports, Kiev, Ukraine. The winner was Greece's My Number One, written by Christos Dantis and Natalia Germanou and performed by Swedish-born Greek singer Elena Paparizou, who scored 230 points,... |
43 Festivali I Këngës 43 Festivali i Këngës 43 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the second Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 32 songs competed for the win but only 18 made it to the final... |
Ledina Çelo Ledina Çelo Ledina Çelo is an Albanian singer and model.In December 2003 she hosted the Albanian national Final for the Eurovision Song Contest. One year later she participated herself and won with Nesër Shkoj, on the Eurovision she decided to sing in English with Tomorrow I Go... |
"Tomorrow I Go Tomorrow I Go "Tomorrow I Go" was the Albanian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2005, performed in English by Ledina Çelo.As Albania had finished 7th in the final of the 2004 contest, the song was automatically qualified for the final... " |
English English language English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria... |
— | 16 / 24 |
| 2006 Eurovision Song Contest 2006 The Eurovision Song Contest 2006 was the 51st Eurovision Song Contest, held at the Olympic Indoor Hall in Athens, Greece on 18 May and 20 May 2006 . The hosting national broadcaster of the contest was Ellinikí Radiofonía Tileórasi . The Finnish band Lordi won the contest with the song "Hard Rock... |
44 Festivali I Këngës 44 Festivali i Këngës 44 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the third Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania. 34 songs competed for the win but only 20 made it to the final... |
Luiz Ejlli Luiz Ejlli Luiz Ejlli is an Albanian singer.-Biography:Luiz Ejlli was born in Shkodra and between 1991 and 2002 he attended the "Prenk Jakova" secondary school in Shkodra. In 1995, he won the Best Voice Prize in "Child National Fesitival" in Shkodra. In 1998, he participated as a soloist in the "Gold... |
"Zjarr e ftohtë Zjarr E Ftohtë "Zjarr e ftohtë" was the Albanian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, performed in Albanian by Luiz Ejlli. This was the first time that the Albanian entry in the contest was sung in Albanian.... " |
Albanian Albanian language Albanian is an Indo-European language spoken by approximately 7.6 million people, primarily in Albania and Kosovo but also in other areas of the Balkans in which there is an Albanian population, including western Macedonia, southern Montenegro, southern Serbia and northwestern Greece... |
14 / 23 | DNQ |
| 2007 Eurovision Song Contest 2007 The Eurovision Song Contest 2007 was the 52nd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It was won by first-time appearance as an independent country Serbia and was held at the Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland from 10 May to 12 May. The host broadcaster was YLE.Finland earned the right to host... |
45 Festivali I Këngës 45 Festivali i Këngës 45 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final , in addition to a Youth Night competition which selected 2 artists on 4 & 5 December 2006. FIK 45 was used to select the fourth Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania... |
Frederik Ndoci Frederik Ndoci Frederik Ndoci is an Albanian songwriter and international recording artist, he was 5-th finalist of IMA he received 14 grammy nomination on the 49-th GRAMMY AWARDS in all categories... |
"Hear My Plea Hear My Plea "Hear My Plea" was the Albanian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007, performed in English and Albanian by Frederik Ndoci.The song is a dramatic ballad, with Ndoci pleading with an unnamed power to bring his love back to him... " |
Albanian Albanian language Albanian is an Indo-European language spoken by approximately 7.6 million people, primarily in Albania and Kosovo but also in other areas of the Balkans in which there is an Albanian population, including western Macedonia, southern Montenegro, southern Serbia and northwestern Greece... & English English language English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria... |
17 / 28 | DNQ |
| 2008 Eurovision Song Contest 2008 The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was the 53rd edition of the Contest. It was hosted in Belgrade, Serbia after Marija Šerifović won the 2007 Contest in Helsinki, Finland. This year was the first contest to have two semi-finals which were held on 20 and 22 May, and the final held on 24 May 2008... |
46 Festivali I Këngës 46 Festivali i Këngës 46 took place in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final . This contest was used to select the fifth Eurovision Song Contest entry for Albania from 29 entrants; however, only 17 made it to the final... |
Olta Boka Olta Boka Olta Boka is an Albanian singer who was chosen to represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with her song "Zemrën e lamë peng". She won the Albanian national final, called Festivali i Këngës, and competed in the second semifinal, on May 22 and won a place in the final on May 24 where... |
"Zemrën e lamë peng Zemrën E Lamë Peng "Zemrën e lamë peng" is the song that represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade, Serbia. The song was sung by Olta Boka and was selected on 16 December 2007 during the televised show Festivali I Këngës.... " |
Albanian Albanian language Albanian is an Indo-European language spoken by approximately 7.6 million people, primarily in Albania and Kosovo but also in other areas of the Balkans in which there is an Albanian population, including western Macedonia, southern Montenegro, southern Serbia and northwestern Greece... |
9 / 19 | 16 / 25 |
| 2009 Eurovision Song Contest 2009 The Eurovision Song Contest 2009 was the 54th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest and was hosted by Russia after their win in 2008. It took place between 12 and 16 May 2009 at the Olympic Indoor Arena in Moscow, Russia.... |
47 Festivali I Këngës 47 Festivali i Këngës 47 took place at the Palace of Congres in Tirana, Albania. There were two semifinals and a final with 20 entrants competing. The winner was determined by a jury of 7 judges. The RTSH orchestra was present, but the option of playback was available to the performers... |
Kejsi Tola Kejsi Tola Kejsi Tola is an Albanian singer and the winner of Albanian Idol 2007. In 2008 she was the winning contestant in the Festivali i Këngës competition to find the representative for Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia. Kejsi has a cousin called Öner studying music theory and... |
"Carry Me in Your Dreams Carry Me in Your Dreams "Carry Me in Your Dreams" was the Albanian entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2009, held in Moscow, Russia. The song was composed by Edmond Zhulali and Agim Doçi, composers of Albania's first entry to Eurovision, "The Image of You" by Anjeza Shahini, and is performed by Albanian singer Kejsi Tola... " |
English English language English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria... |
7 / 19 | 17 / 25 |
| 2010 Eurovision Song Contest 2010 The Eurovision Song Contest 2010 was the 55th annual Eurovision Song Contest, broadcast from the Telenor Arena in Bærum, Greater Oslo, Norway. It was the third time Norway had hosted the contest, having previously done so in 1986 and 1996. The 2010 winner was Germany with Lena singing "Satellite",... |
48 | Juliana Pasha Juliana Pasha Juliana Pasha is an Albanian singer. She is very famous in Albania.In 2010 she won Honorary Citizen Award of Burrel from the mayor of the city... |
"It's All About You It's All About You "It's All About You" is a song by Albanian singer Juliana Pasha, written by Ardit Gjebrea and Pirro Çako. The song, performed in Albanian as "Nuk mundem pa ty" , was the winner of Festivali i Këngës 48 in December 2009, and represented Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo, Norway in... " |
English English language English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria... |
6 / 17 | 16 / 25 |
| 2011 Eurovision Song Contest 2011 The Eurovision Song Contest 2011 was the 56th annual Eurovision Song Contest and was won by Eldar & Nigar performing "Running Scared" for Azerbaijan. The event took place in the Esprit Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany, following Germany's win in the previous year... |
49 | Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe Aurela Gaçe is a singer and a three-time Festivali i Këngës winner nowadays living in New York, USA. Aurela represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the entry "Kënga ime". It has been revealed that Aurela will perform her entry under the English title Feel the Passion.Her most... |
"Feel the Passion Feel the Passion "Feel the Passion" is a song by Aurela Gaçe, composed by Shpëtim Saraçi and with lyrics by Sokol Marsi. The song was the winner of the 49th edition of the Albanian musical festival Festivali i Këngës, performed as "Kënga ime" on 25 December 2010, and represented Albania at the Eurovision Song... " |
English English language English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria... & Albanian Albanian language Albanian is an Indo-European language spoken by approximately 7.6 million people, primarily in Albania and Kosovo but also in other areas of the Balkans in which there is an Albanian population, including western Macedonia, southern Montenegro, southern Serbia and northwestern Greece... |
14/19 | X |
Trivia
- In the early editions of Festivali i Këngës, each song would be interpreted two or three times by different singers.
- In 1980, it has been rumoured that the government intervened in the selection of the winner, giving the victory to "Shoqet tona ilegale" by Vaçe ZelaVaçe ZelaVaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of...
instead of "Njerëzit e agimeve" by Alida Hisku. - In 1987, it was said that Kozma Dushi with the song "Lot me ty o djalë" was set to be declared the winner, however minutes before the jury made their decision, the wife of the country's ruler, Nexhmije HoxhaNexhmije HoxhaNexhmije Hoxha is the widow of Albanian Socialist leader Enver Hoxha.-Personal history:Hoxha was born in Debar, Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes; present-day Debar, Republic of Macedonia. She studied at a high school in Tirana. After the war, she continued her studies at the State University...
, declared that she did not want that song to win, so another song was chosen to win. - In 1994, Mariza Ikonomi became the youngest singer to compete in the festival at the age of 12, in a duet with Françesk Radi and their song "Telefonatë zemrash".
- In 1995, the song "E Doni Dashurinë" by Luan Zhegu & Ledina ÇeloLedina ÇeloLedina Çelo is an Albanian singer and model.In December 2003 she hosted the Albanian national Final for the Eurovision Song Contest. One year later she participated herself and won with Nesër Shkoj, on the Eurovision she decided to sing in English with Tomorrow I Go...
was reported to be the most applauded song in Festivali i Këngës history to date, a total applause time of 7 minutes and 11 seconds. - In 1997, Alma Bektashi had a wardrobe malfunction on stage when her dress fell off, revealing her breast. The cameras managed to avoid the incident, however the audience received a full view of the incident.
- In 1998 the first Kosovar-Albanian singer, Albërie Hadërgjonaj with the song "Mirësia dhe e vërteta", was declared the winner.
- In 1999, the song "Apokalipsi" by Irma & Eranda Libohova was claimed to be the real winner instead of Aurela GaçeAurela GaçeAurela Gaçe is a singer and a three-time Festivali i Këngës winner nowadays living in New York, USA. Aurela represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the entry "Kënga ime". It has been revealed that Aurela will perform her entry under the English title Feel the Passion.Her most...
's "S'jam tribu". - In 2004, Ledina ÇeloLedina ÇeloLedina Çelo is an Albanian singer and model.In December 2003 she hosted the Albanian national Final for the Eurovision Song Contest. One year later she participated herself and won with Nesër Shkoj, on the Eurovision she decided to sing in English with Tomorrow I Go...
was the center of attention when it was rumored that she had not done any stage praeparantion before her performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2005Eurovision Song Contest 2005The Eurovision Song Contest 2005 was the 50th Eurovision Song Contest, which was held at the Palace of Sports, Kiev, Ukraine. The winner was Greece's My Number One, written by Christos Dantis and Natalia Germanou and performed by Swedish-born Greek singer Elena Paparizou, who scored 230 points,...
in KievKievKiev or Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. The population as of the 2001 census was 2,611,300. However, higher numbers have been cited in the press....
, UkraineUkraineUkraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
.
Scandals
- In 1963, Besnik Taraveshi was the first singer to be prosecuted by the Communist Dictatorship, ahead of many to come throughout the history of the festival. This was due to his interpretation and mispronunciation of a word in the song "Djaloshi dhe shiu".
- In 1964, head of the jury Llazar SiliqiLlazar SiliqiLlazar Siliqi is a notable Albanian poet. He was the librettist of the first Albanian opera, Mrika, composed by Prenkë Jakova.-References:...
decided that no first place will be awarded, due to the low quality of the songs. Instead, "Dritaren kërkoj" by Vaçe ZelaVaçe ZelaVaçe Zela is an Albanian singer. She began her career at a young age and in 1962 was the first to win the Albanian Song Festival . A 10 time winner of the festival, Vaçe gained fame during the communist era and was awarded the Merited Artist of Albania prize in 1973 and the People's Artist of...
was awarded second place, and two other songs awarded third place. - In 1972, paranoid Albanian dictator Enver HoxhaEnver HoxhaEnver Halil Hoxha was a Marxist–Leninist revolutionary andthe leader of Albania from the end of World War II until his death in 1985, as the First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania...
deemed the organisers of Festivali i Këngës 11Festivali I Këngës 11Festivali i Këngës 11 took place from 22 to 25 December 1972 in Tirana, Albania, and was organized and produced by Albanian Public Radio and Television...
to be "Enemies of The People", a name given to all the subjects who he considered a danger to the country. Unluckily, many of them were prosecuted after being accused of endangering the country's mentality by introducing an immoral aspect to the show, and plotting against the government by influencing the Albanian youth at the time. RTSH general director at the time Todi Lubonja, together with the festival's director Mihal Luarasi and singer Sherif Merdani were sentenced and would remain imprisoned for sixteen years until 1989, while many of the others involved were banned from working in television and/or were deported to remote Albanian cities .
The claims were out of context and these punishments were used as an example and a statement for future organisers. There is a whole book dedicated to this event: Festivali i Njëmbëdhjetë (The 11th Festival), written by Skifter Këlliçi.
- In 1999, Irma & Eranda Libohova protested against the jury by leaving the Palace of Congresses when it was announced that their song had come in 2nd place.
- In 2003, the same scenario happened, this time with singer Mariza Ikonomi, who was eager to represent AlbaniaAlbaniaAlbania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
for the first time in the Eurovision Song ContestEurovision Song ContestThe Eurovision Song Contest is an annual competition held among active member countries of the European Broadcasting Union .Each member country submits a song to be performed on live television and then casts votes for the other countries' songs to determine the most popular song in the competition...
. She lost to Anjeza ShahiniAnjeza ShahiniAnjeza Shahini is an Albanian singer. She represented Albania at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "The Image of You" in the country's debut year in the ESC.-Eurovision 2004:...
. - In 2004, the producers of the song "Nesër shkojTomorrow I Go"Tomorrow I Go" was the Albanian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2005, performed in English by Ledina Çelo.As Albania had finished 7th in the final of the 2004 contest, the song was automatically qualified for the final...
" filed a law-suit against Ledina ÇeloLedina ÇeloLedina Çelo is an Albanian singer and model.In December 2003 she hosted the Albanian national Final for the Eurovision Song Contest. One year later she participated herself and won with Nesër Shkoj, on the Eurovision she decided to sing in English with Tomorrow I Go...
because she had signed contracts with a phone company without previously consulting them. She was also accused of not attending the conferences set up the producers and that she had not rehearsed the song enough. The suit was dropped within the week that it was filed. - In 2006, Greta Koçi was so disappointed from her 5th placing with the song "Eja zemër" that she burst out in tears, while her mother faced off the festival's 7 member jury with allegations of corruption and incompetence.
- In 2007, Blero dropped out of the competition, claiming that he was asked for a large amount of money in exchange of a victory by an anonymous caller. He also claimed that the first three positions were already decided by the organizers prior to the event. The jury and the festival administration replied in a press statement that it was Blero who had asked for the first prize by sending an SMS which stated that he would withdraw if his victory was not guaranteed.
- Also in 2007, Manjola Nallbani accused the festival authorities that they had sabotaged her song. Her voice was not heard at all in the hall, instead the public only heard the orchestra and the playback. This was confirmed by the general director of the festival Zamira Koleci. Nallbani declared that she would no longer participate in this event and called certain organizers mafiosos.
- The 2007 edition also provoked a huge public reaction and massive press attention after the song of "Jeta kërkon dashuri" by Flaka Krelani and Doruntina DishaDoruntina DishaDoruntina Disha is an Kosovan-Albanian singer.-Early life:At four years of age, Disha and her family moved to Oslo because of the political problems in Kosovo. Disha started to sing when she was seven in Oslo...
placed second, prompting corruption accusations about the jury, namely Gjergj XhuvaniGjergj XhuvaniGjergj Xhuvani is an Albanian film director, screenwriter, and producer. He graduated from Tirana's Academy of Arts in 1986....
and Alban SkënderajAlban SkënderajAlban Skënderaj born 1982 in Vlora, Albania is a singer who at fourtheen moved to Pistoia, Italy were he lives still today with his family. Alban's father was an army official and also the author of various books and poetry and prose. His mother worked in the laboratory of the town's aqueduct...
. These two judges did not give any points to this song, while four judges awarded it maximum points and Rudina Magjistari awarded it the second highest points. General Director Zamira Koleci in a press interview called the two judges "gangsters and racists" after their boycott of the song from the Kosovo Albanian singers. Edmond Zhulali, composer of the song and artistic director of FIK, submitted a request to the RTSH council for the jury's votes to be disqualified. The council however turned down this request after 2 hours of debate.
Twin Contests
- Kënga MagjikeKënga MagjikeKënga Magjike is one of the main musical events in Albania.Throughout its history, different broadcasters have been credited with the production and airing of this event, including RTSH, Klan TV, TVA, RTV NRG and RTV21, RTK , as well as many radio stations.Kënga Magjike was created by singer,...
- Sanremo Music FestivalFestival della canzone italianaThe Festival della canzone italiana di Sanremo is a popular Italian song contest, held annually in the city of Sanremo, in Italy, and consisting of a competition amongst previously unreleased songs...
- Eurovision Song ContestEurovision Song ContestThe Eurovision Song Contest is an annual competition held among active member countries of the European Broadcasting Union .Each member country submits a song to be performed on live television and then casts votes for the other countries' songs to determine the most popular song in the competition...