The 63rd edition of Festivali i Këngës was organised by Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) took place from 19 to 22 December 2024.[1][2] The contest consisted of two semi-finals on 19 and 20 December, followed by a nostalgia night on 21 December and conclude in the grand final on 22 December.[1] The four live shows were hosted by Enkel Demi and Ornela Bregu, and held at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania.[1][3][4]
In June 2024, Albanian singer Elhaida Dani, who won the 53rd edition of Festivali i Këngës, was announced as the artistic director of the contest.[5]
Voting
For the 63rd edition of Festivali i Këngës, a professional jury chaired by Zana Çela, with members Ylljet Aliçka, Alma Bektashi, Florent Boshnjaku, Jonida Maliqi, Merita Rexha Tërshana, and Ramona Tullumani, assessed 30 contestants over the two semi-finals.[6] The jury selected the 15 finalists for the grand final, with the final result determined by both a jury and televoting.[6] After the finalists were announced during the nostalgia night, voters from abroad were able to vote through an online platform, with the votes cast there being entitled the "diaspora's votes".[7][8] In addition to the diaspora's votes, voters from Albania and Kosovo cast their votes via SMS, with each voter allowed to vote up to five times for their preferred artist's code.[8][7] In the final, all 7 members of the jury awarded 12, 10 and 8–1 points to their 10 favourite songs, with SMS voting and online voting proportionally awarding 80 and 70 points, respectively.[7][9]
Contestants
RTSH initiated an application period for artists and composers interested in participating in the 63rd edition of Festivali i Këngës from 27 September to 29 September 2024.[10] At the closing of the submission period, 85 entries had been received.[11] A total of 30 artists appeared on the provisional list of artists selected to compete in the festival, which was published on 7 October.[12][13] The titles of their songs were revealed in batches between 21 October and 15 November.[14][15]
On 19 November 2024, Olsi Bylyku announced his withdrawal from the contest. Klea Dina was designated as his replacement.[16]
Albanian rapper Noizy (left) and French singer Slimane (right) were the special guests of the first semi-final Festivali i Këngës.
The semi-finals of Festivali i Këngës took place on 19 and 20 December 2024.[17] The opening of the first semi-final was marked by a performance of the song "Fëmija e parë" by Albanian singer Vaçe Zela interpreted by Elhaida Dani and an accompanying children choir.[18][19] Albanian rapper Noizy and French singer Slimane were the special guests of the first semi-final.[20][21][22] Albanian dancer Klaudia Pepa and singer Aleksandër Gjoka were the special guests of the second semi-final.[23][24][25] It further included a performance of K'cimi i Tropojës, which was recently inscribed on the UNESCOIntangible Cultural Heritage list for its cultural significance.[26][27][28] 15 contestants competed in each semi-final, with 15 advancing to the grand final.
1 2 Kleansa Susaj was initially scheduled to perform in the 13th position but ultimately performed after Shkodra Elektronike.
Nostalgia night
The poem "Mall" by Ismail Kadare (pictured) was performed during Nostalgia night.
The nostalgia night of Festivali i Këngës took place on the 21th of December 2024 at 21:00 CET.[17][31][32] The show began with the poem "Mall" by internationally acclaimed Albanian poet Ismail Kadare, interpreted by actor Viktor Zhusti and accompanied by piano music performed by singer Redon Makashi.[33] For the show, the contestants were paired up to perform songs that have competed in previous editions of the contest.
The grand final of Festivali i Këngës will take place on 22 December 2024 at 21:00 (CET).[17][35][36] Kosovo-Albanian rapper MC Kresha with the song "Era" opened the show of the grand final.[37][38] Xhevdet Ferri’s daughter and Arta Dade were featured with speaking roles during the grand final, while Elhaida Dani spoke and performed a song.[39]Shkodra Elektronike won with the song "Zjerm", winning both the jury and the televoting. Elvana Gjata with the song "Karnaval" finished second, and Alis Kallaçi with the song "Mjegull" finished third. Additionally, "Zjerm" by Shkodra Elektronike received the Critic's Choice award, while "Lutem" by Vesa Smolica received the Best Lyrics award.[7]
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