Albania In The Eurovision Song Contest 2023
Assigned to the second semi-final on 10 May 2023, Albania placed 9th with a total of 83 points and qualified for the final. At the conclusion of the final on 13 May, the nation placed 22nd with a total of 76 points. This was the 11th occasion that Albania qualified for the final out of the 19 times it had participated in Eurovision.
Background
The Eurovision Song Contest is broadcast in Albania by the national broadcaster, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH), which also organises Festivali i Këngës as the national selection contest for Eurovision. Prior to the 2023 contest, the nation had participated in the contest 18 times since its first entry in 2004. It achieved its highest placement in the in 2012, securing the fifth place with the song "Suus" performed by Rona Nishliu. The second-highest finish was seventh place in 2004, with the song "The Image of You" by Anjeza Shahini. Albania had previously failed to qualify for the final on nine occasions, most recently in 2022. On 3 June 2022, RTSH announced the nation's participation in the 2023 contest and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed its intent to participate on 20 October. Once again, the nation announced the use of Festivali i Këngës to help select its entry.
Before Eurovision
Festivali i Këngës
The representative for Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was chosen during the 61st edition of Festivali i Këngës. The festival was organised by the national broadcaster RTSH in December 2022 and was hosted by Albanian presenter Arbana Osmani. The event was held at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania and consisted of three semi-finals on the respective dates of 19, 20 and 21 December and a final round on 22 December 2022. Following an application process, 26 participants were selected by RTSH to compete.
The selection process underwent a significant transformation, shifting from an exclusive jury voting to a system involving both public and jury voting. While the jury retained the authority to choose the top three, the overall winner no longer received an automatic Eurovision invitation. Instead, the Albanian representative was selected through a dedicated televoting process.
Final
The final of Festivali i Këngës was held on 22 December 2022. Despite Elsa Lila's win in the jury vote with "Evita", Albina and Familja Kelmendi with the song "Duje" won the public vote and were chosen as Albanian representatives for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
Key: Winner Second place Third place
Draw | Artist | Song |
---|---|---|
1
|
2 Farm | "Atomike" |
2
|
Sergio Hajdini | "Vështirë" |
3
|
Gjergj Kaçinari | "Dje" |
4
|
Alban Kondi and Lore | "Melodi" |
5
|
Vanesa Sono | "Aroma jonë" |
6
|
Elsa Lila | "Evita" |
7
|
Erma Mici | "Kozmosi i dashurisë" |
8
|
Franc Koruni | "Në pritje" |
9
|
Gent Hoxha | "Ajër" |
10
|
Petrit Çarkaxhiu | "Emri yt mirësi" |
11
|
Melodajna Mancaku | "Gjysma e zemrës sime" |
12
|
Manjola Nallbani | "Duaj" |
13
|
Urban Band | "Në çdo hap" |
14
|
Enxhi Nasufi | "Burrë" |
15
|
Rovena Dilo | "Motit" |
16
|
Fifi | "Stop" |
17
|
Rezarta Smaja | "N'Eden" |
18
|
Evi Reçi | "Ma kthe" |
19
|
Fabian Basha | "Një gotë" |
20
|
Albina and Familja Kelmendi | "Duje" |
21
|
Lynx | "Nëse ke besim" |
Preparation and promotion
On 10 March 2023, a revamped version of "Duje" was released alongside the premiere of a music video on the official YouTube channel of the Eurovision Song Contest. Changes to the song pertained to its orchestration, while the bulk of the song remained the same as had been previously performed. Ahead of the contest, Albina and Familja Kelmendi conducted promotional activities in April 2023. This included appearing as one of 14 contest participants on 1 April at the Polish Eurovision Party in Warsaw, followed on 8 April by an appearance as one of 18 contest participants at the fifth annual Israel Calling event in Tel Aviv. The next weekend saw the group at the Eurovision in Concert series in Amsterdam, Netherlands on 15 April.
At Eurovision
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Eurovision_2023_-_Jury_Final_-_Albania_-_Albina_%26_Familja_Kelmendi_%2803%29.jpg/220px-Eurovision_2023_-_Jury_Final_-_Albania_-_Albina_%26_Familja_Kelmendi_%2803%29.jpg)
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was hosted at the Liverpool Arena in Liverpool, United Kingdom; it comprised two semi-finals held on 9 and 11 May, respectively, and a final on 13 May 2023. According to the Eurovision regulations, all participating countries, except for the host nation and the "Big Five" of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, were required to qualify from one of the two semi-finals to participate in the final. The top 10 countries from each semi-final proceeded to the final.
Prior to the allocation draw, the EBU categorised the participating countries into six pots based on previous voting patterns to minimise the chance of neighborly voting. On 31 January 2023, the allocation draw at St George's Hall in Liverpool determined each nation's semi-final and which half of the semi-final they would compete in. Therein, Albania was scheduled for the second half of the second semi-final. Following the release of all entries, the producers of the contest on 22 March arranged the semi-final running order to avoid grouping similar songs; Albania was given 14th in the running order, following Austria and preceding Lithuania.
Performances
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Tirana_from_South.jpg/220px-Tirana_from_South.jpg)
Albania's participation in the 2023 contest encompassed a series of rehearsals, beginning with the first rehearsal on 2 May and following by the second rehearsal on 5 May. Furthermore, the dress rehearsals for the second semi-final occurred on 8 and 9 May that provided a comprehensive preview of their stage performance in preparation for the live broadcast. The Albanian performance was directed by Swedish artistic director Sacha Jean-Baptiste, who had previously directed the staging for Albania in the 2021 contest. The stage presentation showcased a dark color scheme, integrating black and red reminiscent of the Albanian flag on LED screens. Dynamic elements, including flames and pyrotechnics, were also incorporated into the staging. The introductory postcards for the contest comprised three distinct international locations selected to convey a connecting theme. Filmed at the Arboretum Sofiyivka in Uman, Ukraine, Sefton Park in Liverpool, UK, and Grand Park of Tirana, Albania, the postcard with Albina and Familja Kelmendi showed a family sharing a traditional Albanian meal in the Grand Park.
Soon after securing a place in the final following its ninth place finish in the semi-final, a winners' press conference convened for the 10 qualifying nations. During this event, the qualifying artists participated in a draw to determine their placement in the final. The draw followed the order of appearance in the semi-final running order, with Albania being drawn to perform in the first half. Subsequently, the show's producers established the running order for the final, assigning Albania the 10th position, succeeding Sweden and preceding Italy. In the final, Albania placed 22nd of the 26 finalists.
Voting
The voting system during the shows of the contest encompassed the allocation of points by countries on a scale of 1–8, 10 and 12, with one set of points determined by their professional jury and another from televoting. However, in the semi-final, the results relied exclusively on the televoting, aligning with the format between 2004 and 2007. The jury of each nation comprised five music industry professionals, all of whom held citizenship in the respective country they represented. These jurors assessed each entry based on criteria such as vocal capacity, stage performance, and song composition and originality, as well as the overall impression left by the act. For the voting portion of the final, Andri Xhahu served as the Albanian spokesperson announcing the country's jury voting results.
In the 2023 contest, Albania participated in the second semi-final and finished in 9th position with a total of 83 points. This was the 11th time that Albania had qualified for the final, out of the 19 times it had participated in Eurovision. Slovenia and the Rest of the World each awarded 12 points to the nation, followed by Greece with 10 points and Belgium and Romania with 8 points each. In the final, Albania finished in the 22nd position with a total of 76 points. Switzerland's televoting granted 12 points to the nation, while Azerbaijan's jury and Germany's televoting both awarded 8 points. Albania's televoting granted 12 points to Australia in the second semi-final; in the final, the nation's jury awarded 12 points to Sweden and its televoting 12 points to Italy. Below is a breakdown that provides a detailed overview of the points awarded to Albania in both the second semi-final and final of the 2023 contest, along with the corresponding allocations by Albania on both occasions. Furthermore, it includes a breakdown of the jury voting and televoting conducted during the two live shows.
Points awarded to Albania
|
|
Points awarded by Albania
|
|
Detailed voting results
The following members comprised the Albanian jury:
- Sonila Djepaxhia
- Josif Gjipali
- Sokol Marsi
- Eneda Tarifa
- Haig Zacharian
Draw | Country | Televote | |
---|---|---|---|
Rank | Points | ||
01 | ![]() |
12 | |
02 | ![]() |
3 | 8 |
03 | ![]() |
14 | |
04 | ![]() |
9 | 2 |
05 | ![]() |
8 | 3 |
06 | ![]() |
5 | 6 |
07 | ![]() |
10 | 1 |
08 | ![]() |
11 | |
09 | ![]() |
4 | 7 |
10 | ![]() |
7 | 4 |
11 | ![]() |
13 | |
12 | ![]() |
15 | |
13 | ![]() |
2 | 10 |
14 | ![]() |
||
15 | ![]() |
6 | 5 |
16 | ![]() |
1 | 12 |
Draw | Country | Jury | Televote | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Juror 1 | Juror 2 | Juror 3 | Juror 4 | Juror 5 | Rank | Points | Rank | Points | ||
01 | ![]() |
24 | 25 | 21 | 15 | 14 | 25 | 20 | ||
02 | ![]() |
8 | 14 | 20 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 25 | ||
03 | ![]() |
2 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 17 | 4 | 7 | 18 | |
04 | ![]() |
23 | 15 | 11 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 10 | 1 | |
05 | ![]() |
15 | 16 | 23 | 18 | 19 | 24 | 21 | ||
06 | ![]() |
11 | 4 | 10 | 21 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 3 | |
07 | ![]() |
16 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 16 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 7 |
08 | ![]() |
10 | 6 | 4 | 22 | 23 | 10 | 1 | 19 | |
09 | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 10 |
10 | ![]() |
|||||||||
11 | ![]() |
4 | 17 | 6 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 12 |
12 | ![]() |
3 | 19 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 14 | |
13 | ![]() |
25 | 18 | 24 | 14 | 12 | 22 | 5 | 6 | |
14 | ![]() |
5 | 21 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 15 | ||
15 | ![]() |
6 | 20 | 14 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 24 | |
16 | ![]() |
9 | 7 | 15 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 17 | |
17 | ![]() |
17 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 12 | |
18 | ![]() |
22 | 12 | 17 | 19 | 15 | 21 | 16 | ||
19 | ![]() |
18 | 22 | 16 | 20 | 4 | 16 | 11 | ||
20 | ![]() |
12 | 23 | 22 | 25 | 13 | 23 | 7 | 4 | |
21 | ![]() |
21 | 24 | 18 | 7 | 11 | 17 | 22 | ||
22 | ![]() |
19 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 23 | ||
23 | ![]() |
13 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
24 | ![]() |
14 | 2 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 12 | 9 | 2 | |
25 | ![]() |
20 | 9 | 19 | 24 | 25 | 20 | 3 | 8 | |
26 | ![]() |
7 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 24 | 11 | 13 |
References
- ^ "Countries: Albania". European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Jiandani, Sanjay (Sergio) (3 June 2022). "Albania: RTSH confirms participation at Eurovision 2023: FiK 61 preparations kick off". ESCToday. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
- ^ Santos, Pedro (3 June 2022). "Albania 2023: Submissions open for Festivali i Këngës 61". Eurovision World. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
- ^ "Eurovision 2023: Here are the 37 countries competing in Liverpool". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 20 October 2022. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
- ^ Granger, Anthony (28 October 2022). "Albania: Public Will Select Entry for Eurovision 2023". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "'Festivali i Këngës' chooses Albina & Familja Kelmendi for Albania". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 23 December 2022. Archived from the original on 17 January 2023. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
- ^ "Albina dhe Familja Kelmendi çon Shqipërinë në Eurovision, merr votat maksimale të publikut" [Albina and the Kelmendi Family lead Albania to Eurovision, receive the maximum votes of the public] (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 23 December 2023. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
- ^ "Arbana Osmani drejton Festivalin e Këngës, prezanton bashkëpunëtorët" [Arbana Osmani directs the Song Festival, introduces the collaborators] (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 12 November 2022. Archived from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
- ^ Adams, William Lee (19 December 2022). "Festivali i Këngës 61: How to watch Albania's Eurovision 2023 selection online". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
- ^ "Albania's 'Festivali i Këngës' will have 26 participants". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 27 October 2022. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
- ^ Adams, William Lee (11 September 2022). "Albania: Report says RTSH will add televote to Festivali i Këngës 61". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
- ^ "Sot nata finale e FEST 61, lista me këngët dhe kodet e votimit për secilin nga pjesëmarrësit" [Today is the final night of FEST 61, the list of songs and voting codes for each of the participants] (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 22 December 2022. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ Albina & Familja Kelmendi – Duje – Albania – Official Music Video – Eurovision 2023. Eurovision Song Contest. 10 March 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ Jiandani, Sanjay (11 March 2023). "Albania: Official music video of 'Duje' released". ESCToday. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Tejeci, Erdi (10 March 2023). "Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi release 'Duje' revamp and music video for Eurovision 2023". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Van Leijden, Bo (27 March 2023). "Vesna, Albina & Familja Kelmendi and more join the line-up for the Polish Eurovision Party". ESCXtra. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Grace, Emily (3 April 2023). "Israel: Over Fifteen Artists Now Confirmed for Israel Calling 2023". Eurovoix. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Van Leijden, Bente (1 April 2023). "Sweden, Denmark, and Albania have been added to the Eurovision in Concert line-up!". ESCXtra. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Eurovision Song Contest – Liverpool 2023". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Archived from the original on 15 November 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "The Rules of the Contest 2023". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "How to watch the Eurovision 2023 Semi-Final Allocation Draw". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 15 November 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Eurovision 2023: Allocation Draw results". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 15 November 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Eurovision 2023: Semi-Final running orders revealed!". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 22 March 2023. Archived from the original on 15 November 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Eurovision 2023: Rehearsal Schedule". Eurovision World. 30 April 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Live Blog: Tuesday 2 May". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 2 May 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Live Blog: Friday 5 May". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Albania takes to the stage..." Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 2 May 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Granger, Anthony (2 May 2023). "Albania: All The Details About Albina & Familija Kelmendi's First Rehearsal". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Mitika, Katerina (2 May 2023). "Eurovision 2023: Albania's First Rehearsal!". Eurovision Fun. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Eurovision 2023 Postcards: 37 artists across 111 locations". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 11 April 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Farren, Neil (12 May 2023). "Live From Liverpool: Eurovision 2023 Grand Final Dress Rehearsal". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi Film Eurovision 2023 Postcard". Eurovoix. 31 March 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Liverpool 2023 – Second Semi-Final: Detailed voting results: Albania". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Second Semi-Final: Qualifiers' press conference". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 12 May 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Holdiness, Timothy (12 May 2023). "Semi-final two qualifiers draw their halves for the Grand Final". ESCXtra. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Eurovision 2023: The Grand Final running order". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 12 May 2023. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Grand Final of Liverpool 2023". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "How can I vote for my favourite Eurovision song?". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 16 May 2019. Archived from the original on 15 November 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Voting changes announced for Eurovision Song Contest 2023". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 22 November 2022. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
- ^ Granger, Anthony (30 April 2023). "Albania: Andri Xhahu Spokesperson For Eurovision 2023". Eurovoix.
- ^ "Liverpool 2023 – Final: Detailed voting results: Albania". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Liverpool 2023 – Grand Final: Jurors". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Results of the Second Semi-final of Liverpool 2023 – Albania". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Retrieved 5 March 2024.