Albania

Adrian Lulgjuraj

About Quick Facts NameAdrian Lulgjuraj Born19 August 1980 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali i Këngës 2015Festivali i Këngës 2012 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongIdentitet (2013, with Bledar Sejko) Biography Adrian Lulgjuraj was born on 19 February 1980 in Ulcinj, a town in Montenegro with a significant Albanian population. He has been actively involved in the music scene for many years and has gained a reputation as one of the prominent Albanian artists. Lulgjuraj made his debut in the Albanian music scene in 2010, making appearances on several TV programs and notable music festivals like Top Fest. Competing twice, he consistently reached the finals and garnered multiple times. In 2013, Adrian Lulgjuraj, along with Bledar Sejko, represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Malmö, Sweden. He got this opportunity because he and Bledar won Festivali i Këngës 54, in December 2015. They performed the song “Identitet”, which is a rock-inspired track. While they showcased a powerful performance, they unfortunately did not qualify for the final.Adrian Lulgjuraj also took part in Festivali i Këngës 56, in December 2015. His self penned song “Jeto de ëndërro” reached the final but did not reach the top-10 of the contest. Entries Identitet (& Bledar Sejko) Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2013 LanguageAlbania LyricsEda Sejko MusicBledar Sejko BackingsErgys AbdyliEldi SmajaErdis KrajaErgys Turku Results Semi Points: 31Position: 15Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/3u5Se-vJ6MA?si=yy4l6zckg9GO31j0

Liverpool live: red screens, a poet and an orange dress

The last part of the rehearsals for today is finished. We have now seen all the entries of both semifinals twice. photo credits: EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett/Chloe Hashemi San Marino Not much has been changed for San Marino since the previous rehearsal, at least that is what eurovision.tv tells us. So there is still the band playing in a reddish surrounding, with the graphics on the LED-screens having a main role. Still, no expectations at all for San Marino, as they have a 34th place at the betting odds. Austria The webteam of eurovision.tv was surprised about the impact of the graphics during the Austrian performance. We were not. We already saw that it was impressive during the first rehearsals and what we saw of it. No changes are made since the first rehearsal. Of course there is a main role for Teya, Salena and Edgar Allan Poe. In the betting odds, Austria is 9th. A higher placing however should also be possible. Albania What is remarkable of the Albanian performance is the use of the LED-screen and the LED-lightning on the floor. Maybe it helps, because Albania will face a hard time qualifying. A 35th place at the bookmakers is not very helpfull. Hopefully for Albina and her family the bookies are wrong this time. Lithuania Other clothes for Monika Linkytė: still orange, but she is now wearing a strapless minidress. That is the main change in the act of Monika, at least that is what the eurovision.tv webteam notices. The bookmakers have a 27th place now for Lithuania, but in the semifinal ranking they are 5th. So a place in the final for Lithuania is likely. Australia There are no changes noticed in the previews. Australia has a performance that at least the reporters of eurovision.tv like, for what it’s worth. When the performance start, Voyager frontman Daniel Erin is actually sitting in the car. The rest of the performance is around the car. Australia is currently number 13 in the overall betting odds ranking. in collaboration with Eurovision Artists

Liverpool live: rehearsal schedule

Today the rehearsals for the 2nd semifinal will be finished. The 11 countries that didn’t rehearse for a second time yet will do so today. We will closely follow it again. 11.30 – 11.50 Cyprus11.55 – 12.15 Iceland12.20 – 12.40 Greece12.45 – 13.05 Poland13.10 – 13.30 Slovenia13.35 – 13.55 Georgia 15.00 – 15.20 San Marino15.25 – 15.45 Austria15.50 – 16.10 Albania16.15 – 16.35 Lithuania16.40 – 17.00 Australia

Liverpool live: eyes, a typewriter and a car

The third day of rehearsals is already halfway. We are looking at the last six entries we haven’t heard and seen yet (except the Big Five and Ukraine). photo credits: EBU/Sarah Luise Bennett/Corinne Cumming Georgia Iru wears a white dress, and what is very remarkable on her looks is the huge bracelet she is wearing on her right arm. Iru is standing on a raised platform in the middle of the stage. She stands there during the entire performance. The LED screeen shows smoke that twirls and turbulent weather. And if you see that, there is only one thing you need: indeed, a wind machine! And it’s there! And of course Iru is surrounded by smoke. San Marino Singer E-King wears a glitter jacket while the rest of the band Piqued Jacks wear black. On stage we have the huge LED wall that spots a lot of red: we see eyes, we see lips, all in a cartoon way. Piqued Jacks use the whole stage, E-King appears as the clear frontman. At several moments, he even lies down on the floor while singing. Austria Teya and Salena are wearing opposite colours: Teya wears black and Salena white, both with red blouses. The LED-screens play the main role in the Austrian act. It looks like Teya and Salena start their performance in front of a huge oldfashioned typewriter. In the typewriter a piece of paper with a picture of Edgar Allan Poe. Later we see the two ladies in red and with sunglasses on the screen, and Edgar in red. Albania Albina and the Kelmendi family all wear black. The colours at the LED screen are also black…. and red, the colours of the Albanian flag. Many flames during the Albanian performance. This song has quite an emotional performans. Albina sits on the floor for a moment, family members surround her with raised hands. Sacha Jean Baptiste did the staging for this entry. Lithuania Monika Linkytė wears an orange suit. She is surrounded by the four backings who all wear black. First she stands on a red background. Later we see half a circle, black, with indian like signs projected on it. She and the backing vocals are standing still at some moments, but walk around later, especially when the “Čiūto Tūto” part is sung. Australia Australia is the last country to perform. Voyager singer Daniel Estrin wears a blue suit with a chequered pattern. The band has a car on stage, a Toyota MR2, a car from the eighties and nineties. On the LED-screens we see a road, mountains and a setting sun. Red fireworks are visible at the end of the song. in collaboration with Eurovision Artists

Liverpool live: a headroll, tropical graphics and little hearts

Today is the 3rd day of rehearsals. After today we have heard and seen all the songs, except the Big Five and Ukraine. photo credits: EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett/Corinne Cummings Estonia Estonian Alika is wearing an all blue combination when she sings her song. As in the national final, the song starts with a piano that plays itself. In the beginning Alika sits on the music stool, later she stands behind the microphone. The LED screens on the background are greenish blue, varied with gold. Iceland Diljá is wearing a silver suit. She shows a lot of energy with kicks and gymnastic moves. She even makes a head roll! Diljá is surrounded by drums. The background colours change all the time, from green to blue to black with a daffodil (?) and to a sunflower. A lot happens during this show! Greece Victor Vernicos weirs beige while on stage, and yes, like in the video he has shorts. Victor dances but every now and then he is sitting on the floor, also just like in the video. On the LED screens in the background we see huge pictures of Victor himself. Later we see Greek letters in white on the screens. Victor is surrounded by smoke. Poland Blanka has a dress that is half in purple and half in orange. She is on stage with four dancers. At the background during the song you see tropical pictures on the LED screen. Halfway, Blanka changes her dress in a short, red one. The last chorus of the song is accompanied by a rain of fireworks. Slovenia The band Joker Out is wearing pink and purple pants with blouses in all kind of colours. A lot of red stroboscopic light is surrounding the band. In the end, you see the words Joker Out in white on a black screen, and the band members make hearts with their hands. Eurovision.tv mentions the enthousiasm of the band. in collaboration with Eurovision Artists

Liverpool Live: rehearsal schedule

Already for the third day, we have rehearsals. Eurovision Universe will keep you updated about everything that happens during the rehearsals. This is what you can expect today: 11.30 – 12.00 Estonia12.10 – 12.40 Iceland12.50 – 13.20 Greece13.30 – 14.00 Poland15.10 – 15.40 Slovenia15.50 – 16.20 Georgia16.30 – 17.00 San Marino17.10 – 17.40 Austria17.50 – 18.20 Albania18.30 – 19.00 Lithuania19.10 – 19.40 Australia

Albina Kelmendi

© EBU/Chloe Hashemi About Quick Facts NameAlbina Kelmendi Born27 January 1998 Nationality🇦🇱 Albanian National SelectionFestivali i Këngës 2022 In Eurovision2023 Liverpool SongDuje (2023) Biography Albina Kelmendi is an Albanian singer and songwriter from Kosovo. She was born in Peja, Kosovo (then part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia). She studied clarinet and piano at a music school in her hometown and began performing with her family under the name Family Band. She became famous in 2014, when she was runner-up in the fourth season of The Voice of Albania. A year later, she took part in the twelfth edition of Top Fest, where she presented the song “Nuk ka ma mirle”. In June 2022, Albina Kelmendi released her debut album, “Nana loke”. In December of the same year, she participated in the 61st Song Festival, where she presented the song “Duje”, during the performance of which she was accompanied by five members of her family named the Familja Kelmendi. Despite being ranked second in the final night, the result of which was decided by a jury, the public vote chose her as the Albanian representative at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, United Kingdom. They reached the final and became 22nd there. Entries Duje Country🇦🇱 Albania Year2023 LanguageAlbanian LyricsEriona Rushiti MusicEnis Mullaj BackingsBujar KelmendiAlbana KelmendiAlbin KelmendiVesa KelmendiSidorela Gashi – Kelmendi Results Semi Points: 83Position: 9Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 76Position: 22Running order: 10 https://youtu.be/TI9rSDhXwyc

Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi go to Liverpool

Albina & Familja Kelmendi have won the televote of Festivali i Këngës 61, and thus will represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool next year. The song “Duje” () is written by Eriona Rushiti and composed by Enis Mullaj. Here is the full list of participants: 2 Farm, “Atornike” Sergio Hajdini, “Vështirë” Gjergj Kaçinari, “Dje” Alban Kondi & Lorela Karoshi, “Melodi” Vanessa Sono, “Aroma jonë” Elsa Lila, “Evita” Erma Mici, “Kozmosi i dashurisë” Franc Koruni, “Në pritje” Gent Hoxha, “Ajër” Petrit Çarkaxhiu, “Emri yt mirësi” Melodajna Mancaku, “Gjysma e zemrës sime” Manjola Nalbani, “Dua” Urban Band, “Në çdo hap” Enxhi Nasufi, “Burrë” Rovena Dilo,“Motit” Fifi, “Stop” Rezarta Smaja, “N’Eden” Evi Reçi, “Ma khte” Fabian Basha, “Një gotë” Albina & Familja Kelmendi,“Duje” LYNX, “Nëse ke besim” The expert jury had no vote in who is going to Eurovision. Their top-3 was: Elsa Lila,“Evita” Albina & Familja Kelmendi, “Duje” 2 Farm, “Atornike” Therefore, Elsa Lila became the overall winner for a 3rd time. However, she never represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest, while the previous two times where before 2004, Albania’s debut.

Albania: Festivali i Këngës 61, final

Tonight is the night: Albania will select it’s Eurovision entry. After two semifinals and a night with duets, the country will make a final decision. The show can be watched at 21.00 CET here and here and on Youtube. 21 songs are left. These are the titles: Enxhi Nasufi sings “Burrë” Erma Mici sings “Kozmosi i dashurisë” Fabian Basha sings “Një gotë” Fifi sings “Stop” Urban Band sings “Në çdo hap” 2 Farm sing “Atornike” Rezarta Smaja sings “N’Eden” Albina & Familja Kelmendi sing “Duje” Sergio Hajdini sings “Vështirë” Rovena Dilo sings “Motit” Melodajna Mancaku sings “Gjysma e zemrës sime” Gjergj Kaçinari sings “Dje” Franc Koruni sings “Në pritje” Petrit Çarkaxhiu sings “Emri yt mirësi” Elsa Lila sings “Evita” Genti Hoxha sings “Ajër” Evi Reçi sings “Ma khte” Manjola Nalbani sings “Dua” LYNX sings “Nëse ke besim” Alban Kondi & Lorela Karoshi sing “Melodi” Vanessa Sono sings “Aroma jonë” Enxhi Nasufi took part in the 2016 final and became 6th.Fabian Basha took part in 2008 and became 15th in the final as a member of the group Produkt 28.The Urban Band reached the final last year.Rezarta Smaja took part in 2013 (7th), in 2014 (7th), in 2015 (7th), in 2016 (with Klodian Kaçani, 4th), in 2017 (7th), in 2018 (with Luiz Ejlli, final), and in 2022 (final).Rovena Dilo took part in 2004 (final), in 2008 (semifinal), in 2009 (with Eugent Bushpepa, 12th) and in 2010 (10th).Gjergj Kaçinari took part last year and reached the final.Franc Koruni took part in 2017 (11th) and 2021 (semifinal).Evi Reçi participated in 2021 and 2022, both times finalist.Manjola Nalbani took part in 2006 (final), 2008 (6th), 2018 (final). Due to a positive Corona test, she had to withdraw in 2021.LYNX took part in 2013 (14th), 2014 (15th), 2017 (10th) and 2018 (semifinal).Alban Kondi took part in 2008 as a member of Produkt 28 (15th).Lorela Karoshi took part in 2017 (12th).

Albania: Festivali i Këngës 61, semifinal 2

The Albanian national selection starts tonight. In four evenings, Albania will make a choice. Tonight, the second semifinal will be held. It starts at 21.00 CET and you can watch it here and here and on Youtube. Albania usually is the first country to select an entry. Not this year, as we already know Ukraine’s entry. The Albanians will select through four evenings. The seminfinals will be held on Monday and Tuesday, another show, not with the participating songs, will be on Wednesday. Thhe final will be on Thursday. These are tonight’s entries: Melodajna Mancaku sings “Gjysma e zemrës sime” Permit of Stay sings “Fobia” Arsi Bako sings “Sonte dua të jem me ty” Gjergj Kaçinari sings “Dje” Franc Koruni sings “Në pritje” Petrit Çarkaxhiu sings “Emri yt mirësi” Elsa Lila sings “Evita” Genti Hoxha sings “Ajër” Evi Reçi sings “Ma khte” Manjola Nalbani sings “Dua” LYNX sings “Nëse ke besim” Alban Kondi & Lorela Karoshi sing “Melodi” Vanessa Sono sings “Aroma jonë” Gjergj Kaçinari took part last year and reached the final.Franc Koruni took part in 2017 (11th) and 2021 (semifinal).Evi Reçi participated in 2021 and 2022, both times finalist.Manjola Nalbani took part in 2006 (final), 2008 (6th), 2018 (final). Due to a positive Corona test, she had to withdraw in 2021.LYNX took part in 2013 (14th), 2014 (15th), 2017 (10th) and 2018 (semifinal).Alban Kondi took part in 2008 as a member of Produkt 28 (15th).Lorela Karoshi took part in 2017 (12th).