Lindita Halimi to Fly the Albanian Flag in Kyiv!

Last night, the final for the Albanian song festival, Festivali i Këngës took place, where 14 acts fought it out for the top spot, which also gives that winner the opportunity to represent Albania at Eurovision.

The shows’ hosts were Kasem Hoxha and Ledina Çelo, the latter having represented Albania at Eurovision in 2005. The winner of the show was decided by a mix of jury and televote. The full list of participants can be seen below:

• Dilan Reka – Mos Harro

• Edea Demaliaj – Besoj në ëndrra

• Fabiola Agalliu & Agnesa Çavolli – Shkon e vjen

• Flaka Krelani – Osiris

• Franc Koruni – Macka

• Genc Salihu – Këtu

• Lindita Halimi – Botë

• Lorela – Me ty

• LYNX – Sot

• Orges Toçe – Shi Diamanëth

• Rezarta Smaja – Pse Prite Gjatë

• Xhesika Polo – Eva jam unë

• XUXI – Metropol

• Yll Limani – Shiu

The winner of the show was Lindita Halimi with Botë, and coming second was Genc Salihu with the song Këtu, and third was Dilan Reka with Mos Harro. Lindita Halimi is 27 years of age, and was born in Kosovo. She rose to fame after winning the 6^th edition of the contest Top Fest. In 2013, Lindita moved to the US where she participated on the American version of Idol. She has also participated in Festivali i Këngës before, placing third.

Her song translates to ‘World’, and was written by Klodian Qafoku and Gerald Xhari. This could be the first Eurovision 2017 we have heard, although Albania often changes either the language of the song, or the song completely so whether Botë will be the Eurovision song or not is yet to be known. You can watch her performance here: