Albania Gears Up for Eurovision 2025: A Nostalgic Celebration and New Hope

As the curtains rise for another thrilling season of the Eurovision Song Contest, Albania has confirmed its participation in the 2025 edition, set to take place in Basel. This announcement, made by RTSH, the Albanian national broadcaster, comes with much excitement as the country prepares to select its entrant through the iconic Festivali i Këngës, a beloved tradition that has marked Albania’s Eurovision journey for two decades.

A 20-Year Legacy of Song and Passion

Albania’s Eurovision story began in 2004, when the country made its debut with Anjeza Shahini’s memorable performance of «The Image of You» in Istanbul. Since then, the Festivali i Këngës has been the key platform through which Albania has chosen its Eurovision hopefuls. It’s not just a song contest but a national celebration, one steeped in rich cultural history and vibrant performances.

This year, the 63rd edition of Festivali i Këngës promises to be even more special, as Albania celebrates two decades of Eurovision participation. The festival will feature a ‘Nostalgia Night’, a tribute to the artists and songs that have left their mark on Albania’s Eurovision history. From Rona Nishliu’s haunting vocals in «Suus« that saw Albania achieve its highest-ever placement in 2012, to Kejtlin Gjata‘s evocative 2024 performance with «Titan», this night will honour the diversity of Albania’s musical journey.

A New Chapter Begins

While 2024 may not have been Albania’s most successful year—Besa and her powerful song «Titan» finished 14th out of 15 in the second semi-final—it is clear that the nation is determined to return stronger in 2025. The Festivali i Këngës remains a trusted beacon of Albanian musical excellence, and fans are eager to see who will take the stage this year to represent their country on one of the world’s biggest musical stages.

The format for selecting the Eurovision 2025 representative will remain familiar: a jury vote will determine the winner of the festival, while the Albanian public will decide their Eurovision entrant. This balance of expert opinion and public passion ensures that Albania’s chosen performer resonates both locally and internationally.

RTSH has confirmed that the Festivali i Këngës 63 participants will be revealed on October 10th. With anticipation already building, this year’s line-up is expected to bring together both seasoned performers and fresh talent, each vying for the chance to carry Albania’s musical hopes to Basel.

Albania’s Eurovision Journey: A Brief History

Albania’s relationship with Eurovision is one of pride, persistence, and passion. The country’s Eurovision story began with a promising debut in 2004, when Anjeza Shahini placed 7th with «The Image of You», setting the stage for future success. Since then, Albania has experienced both highs and lows, but through it all, the country’s love for Eurovision has only deepened.

One of Albania’s most iconic moments came in 2012, when Rona Nishliu stunned the audience with her emotionally charged performance of «Suus», earning Albania its best-ever finish—5th place. Her powerful vocals and unique staging captured the attention of Europe and proved that Albania could stand out in the highly competitive Eurovision arena.

Another standout moment came in 2018, when Eugent Bushpepa’s rock ballad «Mall» placed 11th in the Grand Final, once again demonstrating Albania’s ability to captivate international audiences with authentic, heartfelt performances.

Yet, Albania’s Eurovision journey has not been without its challenges. Despite consistently sending strong vocalists and culturally rich songs, the nation has faced tough competition, often finding itself on the edge of qualification. However, each year, Albania returns with renewed energy and determination, reflecting the resilience and creativity of its music scene.

Eyes on Basel: What’s Next?

As Albania prepares for Eurovision 2025, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and hope in the air. Basel promises to be a spectacular host city, and Albania will undoubtedly bring its signature blend of powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling to the stage.

The announcement of the Festivali i Këngës 63 line-up is just weeks away, and as always, the festival is expected to deliver a show full of surprises, nostalgia, and, above all, incredible music. Whether Albania will choose a dynamic young talent or a seasoned star to represent them in Basel, one thing is certain: they will continue to enchant Eurovision audiences with their passion and pride for Albanian music.

As we look towards 2025, Albania’s Eurovision fans can only dream of another magical moment, one that might just see them climb to new heights on the Eurovision scoreboard.

Albania’s Eurovision Highlights:

• 2004: Albania debuts at Eurovision with Anjeza Shahini and «The Image of You», finishing 7th.
• 2012: Rona Nishliu delivers Albania’s best-ever result, placing 5th with the dramatic «Suus».
• 2018: Eugent Bushpepa finishes 11th with «Mall», a fan-favourite rock ballad.
• 2024: Besa represents Albania with «Titan», finishing 14th in the semi-final, but leaving a lasting impression with her powerful vocals.

As the 2025 Eurovision journey unfolds, Albania’s unwavering spirit and love for music will continue to shine.

Source: ESCToday