Three artists are out of the running to represent Albania at Eurovision next year. A total of 20 artists competed, with six artists in the newcomer section. Just three of these artists qualified.
This year’s line-up features 14 established artists alongside 6 newcomers. During the first semi-final, three of the newcomers were eliminated. Here are the eliminated acts:
- Kejsi Rustja – “Vallëzoj me ty” (I dance with you) – Newcomer
- Xhuliana Pjetra – “Baladë” (Ballad) – Newcomer
- Viola Xhemali – “Eja si erë” (Come as the wind) – Newcomer
This leaves the following artists still in the running to represent Albania at Eurovision:
- Kelly – “Meteor”
- Mirud – “Për dreq” (Damn)
- Urban Band – “Padrejtësi” (Injustice)
- Evi Reci – “Me duaj” (Love me)
- Kastro Zizo – “Kujë” (Mourn)
- Ester Zahiri – “Hiena” (Hyena) – Newcomer
- Eldis Arrnjeti – “Refuzoj” (I refuse) – Newcomer
- Olimpia Smajlaj – “Dua” (I want) – Newcomer
- Shega – “Një” (One)
- Gjergj Kaçinari – “Në ëndërr mbete ti” (You remain in dreams)
- Denis Skura – “Pse nuk flet, mama?” (Why don’t you talk, mum?)
- Endri & Stefi – “Triumfi i jetës” (The triumph of life)
- Janex – “Deluzional” (Delusional)
- Ronela Hajati – “Sekret” (Secret)
- Sajmir Çili – “Nën maskë” (Under the mask)
- Rezarta Smaja – “E jemja nuse” (The bride of mine)
- Alban Ramosaj – “Theje” (Crush)
This edition of the contest is hosted by Ardit Gjebrea alongside Jonida Maliqi, Xhemi Shehu, Klevi Kadilli and Isli Islami.