2024 will mark exactly 20 years ago since Albania debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004. Anjeza Shahini graced the stage with her beautiful ballad “The Image Of You”. Not only did she manage to qualify but she instantly secured her home country of a top 10 place, finishing 7th. In 20 attempts Albania has managed to qualify for the Grand Final 11 times. Rona Nishliu, complete with a dreadlock snaked around her neck, gave Albania its best placement to date, finishing 5th at the 2012 contest. Besides 2 top 10 placements, the country of the 2 headed eagle has given us a wide variety of genres. Along with some fan favourites such as “It’s All About You” by Juliana Pasha (2010), “I’m Alive” by Elhaida Dani (2015) and “Mall” by Eugent Bushpepa (2018), undoubtedly making it one of the more interesting countries at Eurovision.
Since last year Festivali I Këngës saw a change in the rules regarding the act chosen to represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest. Unlike editions prior to 2022 the representative is chosen by televote only. Whereas the winner of FiK is chosen solely by a professional jury. Besa Kokëdhima won the televote with her song “Zemrën n’Dorë” which earned her the right to represent her country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. The jury winner was Mal Retkoceri with his entry “Çmendur”.
Besa is a 37 year old singer from Fier. In 2013 she won the music contest Kënga Magjike so she is no stranger to competitions. Her song “Zemrën n’Dorë” is currently entirely sung in Albanian. However a revamp has been confirmed. It is unclear whether or not the song will be (partly) translated to English. Can Besa bring Albania its third top 10? Read what we think below!
niallpoints review
Niall
I’d seen a lot of conflicting opinions about the full song so I was a bit apprehensive going into the studio version, but there was really no need. This is actually a solid song with lots of different elements that really gel well together. The only thing I don’t really like is the cow impression taking up a large portion of the chorus. Of course this is Albania, so there will be a revamp and Besa has already been getting input from social media, however as it currently is I can see this breaking into the top 20.
Early prediction: 16-20
Tomas
It starts off very strong with a killer vocal from Besa. Unfortunately I lose all interest as the song progresses. There is something about the spoken word in the middle part that bugs me. It feels as if I’ve accidentally switched radio stations mid song. As has been noted however a revamp is confirmed and Besa seems eager to listen to criticism. Never underestimate a good Balkan ballad, and definitely never underestimate Albania! But for now…
Early prediction: NQ
