Besa to represent Albania at Eurovision 2024
The public has decided and chosen Besa Kokëdhima to wave Albania's flag at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö with the song "Zemrën n'dorë"
After four nights of music and performances, we now know who will be following in the footsteps of Albina & Familja Kelmendi, and representing the country at Eurovision.
Like last year, the representative was fully chosen by a public vote. With that, the Albanian public has selected Besa Kokëdhima to be their Eurovision 2024 representative.
Mal Retkoceri wins Festivali i Këngës, Besa Kokëdhima goes to Eurovision.
The song "Zemrën n'dorë" was written by Besa Kokëdhima, Kledi Bahiti, and Rozana Radi.
About Besa Kokëdhima
Besa Kokëdhima (best known by Besa) was born in 1986 in Fier, Albania. Besa has been active in the music industry since 2003 and has numerous songs and albums to her name.
In 2009, she participated in Romania's national selection for Eurovision, Selecţia Naţională 2009, where she made it to the semi finals with her song "Nothing Gonna Change." Besa also took home the crown in the 15th edition of Kënga Magjike in 2013. She also competed in Notafest with her R&B song "Lëshoje Hapin," which earned her 1st place, and Top Fest, where she won best female singer with her song titled "Kalorësi I Natës."
Besa has earned decent commercial success with her songs in Albania. In 2016 her song "123" (featuring Flori Mumajesi) charted to number 8, as well as having the song "C'est la vie" (featuring BledBeats) chart number 1 in 2020.
Festivali i Këngës 62
Albania used their song festival, Festivali i Këngës, as their national selection for Eurovision 2024. 31 entries were up for competition with the Albanian Eurovision representative decided by public vote, whereas the jury decided the winner of the song festival itself.
A total of four live shows took place:
- Night 1: 19 December 2023
- Night 2: 20 December 2023
- Night 3: 21 December 2023 (Nostalgia Night)
- Night 4: 22 December 2023
All four shows took place at the Palace of Congress in Tirana and were hosted by Adriana Matoshi, Kledi Kadiu, Xhuliano Dule, and Krisa Çaush.
Albania 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 19 times Albania has participated, they have qualified for the Grand Final 11 times.
