2024

🇱🇹 Lithuania: first episode of Eurovizija LT

Tonight is the night: the first episode of the Lithuanian preselection Eurovizija LT will be held. The show will exist of 5 semifinals, each with 8 songs. Two songs will head to the final. The show will start at 20.00 CET and you can watch it here or at the LRT app. These are the 8 competing songs of tonight: Živilė Gedvilaitė sings “Save me” Antoine Wend sings “Say no more” Marius Petrauskas sings “Kol laiko yra” Silvester Belt sings “Luktelk” Aistay sings “You” VB Gang sings “Kaboom!!” Luka sings “Move on” Clockwork Creep sings “Empty” Živilė Gedvilaitė took part in 2018 and reached the wildcard round. In 2019 he was in the semifinals, in 2022 in the quarter finals.Marius Petrauskas participated in the heats in 2017 and 2018.Aistay took part in the 2020 heats.VB Gang (Vidas Bareikis) took part in the heats in 2017 and reached the wildcard round in 2018.Clockwork Creep reached the quarter finals in 2022.

🇳🇴 Norway: Melodi Grand Prix starts

The Norwegian national final Melodi Grand Prix starts today. We will be able to watch three heats with 6 songs each. Half of the songs will go through to the final. The show starts at 19.50 CET and you can watch it here. These are the six entries of tonight: Mathilde SPZ feat. Chris Archer and Slam Dunk sing “Woman show” Fredrik Halland sings “Stranded” Myra sings “Heart on fire” Gothminister sings “We come alive” Ingrid Jasmin sings “Eya” Margaret Berger sings “Oblivion” Gothminister took part in the 2013 semifinal.Margaret Berger represented Norway in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. Margaret Berger sings “I feed you my love” in 2013.

🇲🇩 MOLDOVA: audition round!

Today, the audition round in Moldova will be held. 30 songs will take part in Etapa Națională, the national selection of Moldova. 10 of them will be selected for the final. The show starts at 15.00 CET and you can watch it here, here or on YouTube. These are the 30 titles: Anna G sings “Ay Ay Ay” Anna Gulko sings “Perfect place” Cătălina Solomac sings “Fever” Denis Midone sings “Back to me” DPSTP sings “Rise up” Formația Vele sings “Carnaval” Iulia Teleucă sings “Runaway” Laura sings “Spune-mi” Maria Colac sings “Break free” Max Cara sings “Broke the chain” Natalia Barbu sings “In the middle” Nicoleta Sava sings “Brava” Nino sings “Up again” OL sings “No time no space” Oleg Spînu sings “Jungle” Oliv Sky sings “Another universe” Oliv Sky sings “Loud and clear” Poli sings “Lui” Reghina Alexandrina sings “Contrasens” Sasha Bognibov sings “Married to twins” Sasha Letty sings “DNA” Tudor Bumbac sings “Tudorel” Valeria Pasha sings “Anti-princess” Valleria sings “Rule (Rai di ri di)” Valleria sings “Run” Victor Gulic sings “Fever” Victor Lozinsky sings “Dirty wind/Joker and Harley move” Viola Julea sings “Light up!” Y-Limit sings “Revolution” Y-Limit sings “what’s the fun” Anna Gulko participated in 2010 (internet round), 2012 (14th), 2013 (13th), 2014 (semifinal) and 2016 (semifinal)Denis Midone took part in 2020 (14th) and 2022.Formaţia Vele auditioned last year.Natalia Barbu represented Moldova in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest. In 2011 she became 2nd in the national final.Nicoleta Sava became 7th in 2018.Nino reached a 7th place in 2022.OL was 6th last year.Sasha Bognibov auditioned in 2007, took part in the 2010 internet round, took part in 2022 and auditioned in 2023.Sasha Letty was 14th in 2020.Tudor Bumbac auditioned in 2020 and in 2022.Valleria auditioned last year.Victor Gulic was 9th last year.Viola Julea took part in 2022.Y-Limit auditioned in 2022 and 2023. Natalia Barbu sang “Fight” in ESC 2007.

🇬🇪 Nutsa Buzaladze represents Georgia

Former American Idol participant Nutsa Buzaladze will represent Georgia. That is what Georgian public broadcaster 1TV announced today. Nutsa Buzaladze is a Georgian singer and performer, renowned for her exceptional vocal talent and dynamic stage presence. Born in the scenic city of Batumi, Georgia, Nutsa’s love for music was evident from a young age. Growing up in a family with a strong musical background, she was encouraged to pursue her passion, which laid the foundation for her future success. Nutsa’s journey to stardom accelerated when she won the New Wave competition in 2014 in Jurmala, Latvia. This significant achievement highlighted her remarkable vocal range and expressive performance style, bringing her widespread acclaim. Her performances, featuring a mix of heartfelt ballads and energetic tunes, captivated both the judges and the audience, marking her as a versatile and compelling artist. In addition to her success in New Wave, Nutsa gained international recognition through her participation in American Idol. She participated in this contest in 2023 and ended up in the top-12 of the show. Beyond these competitions, Nutsa has released a variety of singles and music videos. Her work often intertwines her Georgian roots with contemporary influences, offering a fresh and engaging sound to her listeners. Nutsa’s music career is also marked by her philanthropic endeavors. She actively participates in charity events and initiatives, using her influence to support various causes. The song Nutsa will present in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest will be revealed in the upcoming weeks. Nutsa Buzaladze with Kylie Minogue during American Idol.

🇲🇩 🇳🇴 🇱🇹 🇮🇱 Update on several countries

Yesterday was the last quiet Saturday in the Eurovision universe. We have some upcoming events however: Moldova 31 songs will enter the annual audition round. 32 songs were planned, but Aliona Moon, who was selected, withdrew. We still have Natalia Barbu, the 2007 contestant, who will attempt to represent the country again. And….. Pasha Parfeny (2012 and 2023) wrote a song for Valeria Pasha. Norway Melodi Grand Prix, the Norwegian selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, starts next Saturday too. Last week, it was announced that KEiiNO and Margaret Berger will return. As 50% of the duo Mistra, we will also see Benedicte Adrian. Who!? Well, she was also 50% of Dollie Deluxe (1984). Lithuania Also Lithuania starts with their national selection. The name Pabandom iš naujo! is gone, the contest will now take place under the name Eurovizija LT. Not new is the name of one of the favourites: Monika. Could it be Monika Marija this time? A familiar name among the contestants however is…. The Roop!!! Will Lithuania colour yellow again? Israel The time of the auditions is over. The jury made a shortlist of 14 contestants. Devided over 2 shows, they performed again. This time, only the artist who was placed last is out of the competition. 3 January Mika Moshe, 96% Or Cohen, 94% Jonathan Bitton, 65% Moria Angel, 50% Dor Shimon, 60% Gal Kafri, 41% – eliminated Eden Golan, 85% 7 January Lian Biran, 93% Ido Bartal, 67% Shai Tamino, 84% Yehuda Saado, 50% – eliminated Orel David, 95% Mika Kertis, 72% Arik Sinai, 91% Arik Sinai also participated in the national final in 1985, and became 4th.

🇦🇱 🇮🇱 🇨🇭 Update on what happens in and around Europe

Albania has chosen, Israel continues and Switzerland teases. That is what happens in Europe on the field of Eurovision. Albania Albania has chosen. Not Mal Retkonceri, who won Festivali i Këngës goes to Eurovision. The favourite of the televote, Besa Kokëdhima, will do so. It is not known whether her song “Zemrën n’dorë” will be in Eurovision in the way it was presented last week. We will keep you updated. Note that you can find her biography, and all the others of the chosen artists so far, can be found on our website. Israel Israel continues to have auditions. Still, when a candidate gets 70% of the votes (50% of the audience, 50% of an expert jury) they are through to the next round. 17 december Noah Aharon, 94%Zohar Zacharov, 81%Or Giny, 55%Libi Natfali, 82% 18 december Mika Kertis, 87%Israel Levi, 70%Frida Uziel, 57%Eitan Jomo, 90%Romi Netz, 78% Note that Frida Uziel also took part in 2019. She was rejected, but saved by the hosts. This time, a saviour by the hosts is not possible. Frida didn’t make it to the next round 20 december Or Cohen, 83%Gal Kafri, 86%Shoval Mualem, 62%Tahel Perry, 79%Tamar Ben-Zvi, 77% Switzerland Swiss TV announced that they will not be represented by a man with a ballad. Still, everything is possible. A man, with an uptempo song? A woman, with a ballad? Or a woman, but uptempo? Or a group? We don’t know yet, but thanks for the teaser Switzerland!

Besa

© EBU/Alma Bengtsson About Quick Facts NameBesa Kokëdhima Born29 May 1987 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali i Këngës 2024Festivali i Këngës 2011Selecţia Naţională 2009Festivali i Këngës 2009 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongTitan (2024) Biography Besa Kokëdhima is an Albanian singer. She was born 29 May 1986 and known simply as Besa, is a renowned Albanian vocalist. Born into an Albanian family in Fier, Albania, Besa moved to the United Kingdom at 15 for her education. Her musical journey began in 2003 with her debut track “Më Beso,” a collaboration with Florian Mumajesi and Albanian group Produkt 28, earning her the Mikrofoni I Artë award. In 2006, she released her self-titled debut album, a result of collaborations with notable figures in the Albanian music industry. Besa’s musical career includes victories and notable participations in various contests. She won the R&B category at “Notafest” for her single “Lëshoje Hapin.” In december 2008, she participated in Festivali i Këngës. She reached the semi-finals of Romania’s Selecţia Naţională for the Eurovision Song Contest with “Nothin’ Gonna Change.” She was honored as the Best Female Singer at Top Fest 2010 with her single “Kalorësi i Natës.” In December 2010 she participated again in Festivali i Këngës. Besa has released several successful singles, including “Fishekzjarre,” “Burning,” and “Zemrën Dot Nuk ta Lexoj.” In addition to her music, Besa has served as a judge on The Voice of Albania and released two acclaimed albums, “Besa për Festat” and “Ti Je Festa Ime,” featuring collaborations with the National Orchestra. Her French ballad “En Equilibre” marked her entry into the French music scene in 2022. Her selection for Festivali i Këngës 62 with “Zemrën n’dorë” and her subsequent televoting victory to represent Albania in Eurovision 2024 are recent highlights of her career. For the Eurovision Song Contest, Besa changed the song into English language, now entitled “Titan”. Unfortunately, Besa did not manage to make it to the final. Entries Titan Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2024 LanguageEnglish LyricsGia Koka MusicBesa KokëdhimaKledi BahitiFabrice ‘Alias LJ.’ Grandjean BackingsKevonSofia Mountassir DancersRiina HarjuSofia RuijaYasmin Janatuinen Results Semi Points: 14Position: 15Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/aQG22XJIdWw?si=wxdieI4JethPQPMZ

🇦🇱 Besa Kokëdhima represents Albania

Besa Kokhëdima represents Albania with the song “Zemrën n’dorë “. The song was chosen by televoting out of all the participating songs from Festivali i Këngës, the national song contest in Albania. Besa wrote the song together with Kledi Bahiti and Rozana Radi. The winner of the contest itself was Mal Retkoceri. These are, as far as we know, the results of the contest: Mal Retkoceri, “Çmendur” Tiri Gjoci, “Në ënderr” Shpat Deda, “S’mund t’fitoj pa ty” other songs in the final: Kastro Zino, “2073” Erina & The Elementals, “Jeten n’skaj” Melodajn Mancaku, “Nuk jemi më” Kleansa Susaj, “Pikture” Irma Lepuri, “Me prit” Festina Mejzini, “Melos” Eldis Arrnjeti, “Nje kujtim” Martina Serreqi, “Vetem ty” Besa Krasniqi, “Esenciale” Sergio Hajdini, “Uragan” Olimpia Smajlaj, “Saj” Anduel Kovaci, “Nan” Michela Paluca, “Për veten” PeterPan Quartet, “Nje here” Besa Kokëdhima, “Zemrën n’dorë” Arsi Bako, “Sgjohu” Elsa Lila, “Mars” Andi Tanko, “Herë pas here” Big Basta & Vesa Luma, “Mbinatyrale”

🇦🇱 Albania: second night Festivali i Këngës

Tonight is the second night of Festivali i Këngës, the Albanian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. The second semifinal will be held tonight, 21.00 CET. You can watch it here and on YouTube. The show will be aired from the Palace of Congress in Tirana and will be hosted by Adriana Matoshi, Kledi Kadiu, Xhuliano Dule & Krisa Çaushi. Full results are not expected tonight. These are the songs: Big Basta & Vesa Luma sing “Mbinatyrale” Elsa Lila sings “Mars” Jasmina Hako sings “Ti” Michela Paluca sings “Për veten” Anduel Kovaci sings “Nan’” Irma Lepuri sings “Me prit” Eden Baja sings “Ajër” Erina & The Elementals sing “Jetën n’Skaj” Kleansa Susaj sings “Pikturë” Arsi Bako sings “Zgjohu” Tiri Gjoci sings “Në ëndërr” Besa Krasniqi sings “Esenciale” Bledi Kaso sings “Çdo gjë mbaroi” Troy Band sing “Horizonti i ëndrrave” Martina Serreqi sings “Vetëm ty” Vesa Luma took part in 2005 (final), 2008 (semifinal) and 2013 (15th).Elsa Lila won Festivali i Këngës last year, but the choice of the televoters went to Eurovision.Arsi Bako took part in the 2023 semifinal.Tiri Gjoci participated in 2018 (final) and 2020 (final).Besa Krasniqi took part in 2016 (final).

🇦🇱 Albania: Festivali i Këngës, first evening tonight

Tonight is the first night of Festivali i Këngës, the Albanian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. Normally, this marks the start of the national final season. However, this year everything is different. We already know two songs for Eurovision. The first semifinal will be held tonight, 20.00 CET. You can watch it here on YouTube and on Facebook. The show will be aired from the Palace of Congress in Tirana and will be hosted by Adriana Matoshi, Kledi Kadiu, Xhuliano Dule & Krisa Çaushi. Full results are not expected tonight. These are the songs: Stivi Ushe sings “Askush si ty” Besa Kokëdhima sings “Zemrën n’dorë” Mal Retkorceri sings “Çmendur” Eldis Arrnjeti sings “Nje kujtim” Shpat Deda sings “S’mund t’fitoj pa ty” Jehona Ponari sings “Evol” PeterPan Quartet sings “Edhe nje here” Festina Mejzini sings “Melos” Kastro Zizo sings “2073” Luan Durmishi sings “Përsëritja” Melodajn Mancaku sings “Nuk jemi ne” Olsi Ballta sings “Unë” Andi Tanko sings “Herë pas here” Sergio Hajdini sings “Uragan” Santino de Bartolo sings “Dua të rry me ty” Olimpia Smajlaj sings “Asaj” Besa Kokëdhima already took part in 2009 (4th) and 2011 (8th).Festina Mejzini was present in 2017 (semifinal), 2018 (final) and 2021 (3rd).Kastro Zizo participated in 2020 (semifinal), 2021 (final) and 2022 (semifinal).Melodajna Mancaku and Sergio Hajdini both reached the final in 2023.Andi Tanko took part in the 2016 semifinal.Olimpia Smajlaj reached the final in 2022.