Albania: Artists for Festivali i Këngës #65 revealed
The 28 acts competing at Festivali i Këngës #65 have been revealed by the Albanian broadcaster. One of them will represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2027
Albanian broadcaster RTSH has revealed the lineup for Festivali i Këngës #65.
There has been great interest from artists, composers and songwriters from Albania, Kosovo and the diaspora. A total of 28 songs have been selected to compete in Festivali i Këngës #65, which will take place in December 2026.
One of the 28 acts will represent Albania at Eurovision 2027 in Burgas.
Several familiar faces are returning to Festivali i Këngës this year.
Among them is Kejsi Tola, who won Festivali i Këngës in 2008 and went on to represent Albania at Eurovision 2009 in Moscow with the song "Carry Me In Your Dreams".
Orgesa Zaimi is also returning, having competed in the festival five times before, most recently in 2024.
Rock band Djemtë e Detit has an even longer history with the festival, dating back to 1991, while Gjergj Jorgaqi returns after last competing in 2003.
The 28 song titles and the exact dates of the festival have yet to be announced.
The submission window was open from 22 to 27 September 2026. According to the festival's rules, all competing songs must be original, previously unreleased and performed in Albanian. Songs must not exceed four minutes, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their creation is prohibited.
All performers must be over 18 years old and may only compete with one song each. Composers are also limited to one composition, while lyricists and arrangers may contribute to a maximum of two entries each.
Albania in Eurovision
Since their debut in 2004, Albania has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest every year. Their best result is a 5th place finish in 2012, when Rona Nishliu sang "Suus."
Out of the 22 times Albania has participated, they have qualified for the Grand Final 13 times.
