Albania: Festivali i Kenges 59 to take place in an open air venue in December

The Albanian national broadcaster, RTSH, has revealed that the upcoming 59th edition of Festivali i Kenges, the show that determines the nations's Eurovision act, will unfold in an open air venue in December.

Precisely, during a press conference at RTSH’s headquarters in Tirana, the broadcaster revealed that Festivali i Kenges 59 will unfold over three shows that will take place 17-26 December in Tirana. The exact dates will be scheduled according to the weather conditions and the COVID 19 restrictions during that period.

The traditional music event will see a total of 26 contestants will take to the stage while it wii be conducted by Blendi Salaj and Jonida Vokshi and will be directed by Martin Leka. All three shows will unfold in an open air venue, namely next to the Italia Square in Tirana due to the COVID-19 restrictions in the country.

Albania in Eurovision

In 2004 Albania participated for the first time in the contest with Anjeza Shahini and the entry “The Image of You”, which came 7th . The country hasn’t scored a victory yet in its 16 participations up to date. Its best result was achieved in 2012 with Rona Nishliu and her 5th placing in Baku with her song “Suus”.

In 2019 Jonida Maliqi won the Festivali i Kenges 2018 and became the 16th Albanian representative in Eurovision. Her song Ktheju Tokes ended in the 17th place of the Grand final.

This year Arilena Ara was set to perform her song Fall From Sky on the Eurovision stage in Rotterdam, but saw her journey ending due to the coronavirus outbreak as the contest was cancelled .