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Albania has unveiled the lineup for Festivali i Këngës 64, confirming its role once again as the nation’s platform for selecting its Eurovision representative. The Albanian broadcaster Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) received over 100 entries for the competition this year, a record-breaking figure.
The full participants list, signals the start of Albania’s most anticipated music event, which will play out across four themed nights in December, culminating in the public and jury jointly choosing Albania’s Eurovision 2026 act.
- 2 Farm
- Alis
- Egzon Pireci
- Endri Kaçaçi
- Enxhi Nasufi
- Erand Sojli
- Erik Lloshi
- Evi Reçi
- Fifi & Tiri Gjoci
- Frensi
- Gerta Mahmutaj
- Ghiti
- Gresa Gjocera & Bledi Kaso
- Inis Neziri
- Kamela Islamaj
- Kimi
- Kleansa Susaj
- Lorenc Hasrama
- Luna Çausholli
- Malvina Likaj
- Rezarta Smaja
- Rigersa Loka
- Sara Kapo
- Savjana Vjerdha
- Sheila
- Sihana Haxhnikaj
- Threex
- Vedat Ademi
The selection process for Festivali i Këngës 64 reflects a renewed focus on originality and quality. Producer Belioza Çoku explained that all entries were thoroughly vetted, with RTSH implementing stringent protocols to avoid the use of artificial intelligence and to uphold high professional standards. “Our approach is to ensure each song is authentic and meets the festival’s prestige”, Çoku told Albanian media.
The format retains its familiar four-night structure: two semi-finals, a “Nata e Nostalgjisë” (Night of Nostalgia) – an evening dedicated to classic Albanian pop, and a grand final. Each evening will feature performances from this year’s shortlisted acts. As in recent years, the winner will be decided through a blend of public and jury votes, with an app now allowing fans to vote in real time for their favourites.
Today’s announcement arrives after a year marked by both triumph and uncertainty for Albania. Shkodra Elektronike gave the nation its first top ten Eurovision finish since 2012, ending eighth in Basel with the song “Zjerm”. Yet, broadcaster RTSH faced questions over Albania’s future participation, only recently securing its place at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna following a debt renegotiation with the European Broadcasting Union.
