Fruit, Veg and a Kid Called Kroni: Albania Chooses Its Junior Eurovision 2025 Star in Shkodër

There’s nothing quite like a children’s music festival to remind us that chaos, innocence, and surprisingly sharp vocals can coexist in glorious harmony. Albania’s Festivali Mbarëkombëtar i Këngës për Fëmijë held its 63rd edition over three exuberant nights in Shkodër, and we now have a winner: Kroni Pula, singing Fruta Perime — yes, “Fruit and Vegetables.”

Move over pop divas — it’s broccoli’s time to shine.

Hosted with great enthusiasm by Edona Reshitaj and Erdit Asllanaj just outside the Migjeni Theatre, the final night saw all 29 contestants — split between “Young” and “Junior” categories — take the stage once more. The Junior category winner earns the coveted ticket to represent Albania at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

The Selection Process
The winner was determined by a 50/50 jury split: half professionals, half children. Because who better to judge a song for kids than other kids, and who better to keep them in check than opera legends like Inva Mula?

Yes, the Albanian soprano herself returned to the festival where she once competed — and clearly still has a soft spot for it. “I feel small,” she said. “This is where I learned stagecraft, competition, and emotion.” To be fair, few things are as emotional as watching a six-year-old sing a power ballad about their pet snail.

The Big Moment
Kroni Pula, now the face of Albanian childhood, confessed he didn’t think he’d win. But he did — and dedicated the song to his late grandfather. Cue the collective national sigh.

Among the junior finalists were songs about first teachers, waves of the heart, Albanian identity and yes — fireworks. But Fruta Perime struck the right balance of charm, meaning and, well, produce.

The Unsung Heroes
Behind the scenes, months of preparation took place at the “Kujtim Alija” Children’s Centre. Director Orjeta Kelaj highlighted the teamwork, the choir’s dedication, and the minor miracle of keeping 29 children on pitch (and on time).

Results Round-up
Among the Young category, Maria Kalaja charmed the jury with “Ja çfarë bëri bubi im” (“Here’s what my dog did”) — a song that may or may not be biographical. Second went to Drini Drishti (Dua) and third to Aiden Balla with the cryptic Do lejleku akullore (“Every ice cream stork”).

In the Junior category, Ea Zoga and Prishila Puka took 2nd and 3rd respectively. Best Performer Awards were handed out generously to keep morale high — and probably because every child deserved a moment of glory.

Albania has once again proven that its pipeline of talent (and poetic vegetable metaphors) is strong. See you in Junior Eurovision 2025 — and bring snacks.

Source. cna. al