Albania debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, making an impressive start with Anjeza Shahini’s The Image of You, which finished seventh—still the country’s best result to date. Known for its powerful ballads and strong vocal performances, Albania frequently performs in Albanian, showcasing national pride and linguistic diversity.
The national selection, Festivali i Këngës, has been a cornerstone of Albania’s Eurovision strategy since the beginning, often highlighting emotive ballads and intricate melodies. This festival, one of the oldest in the Balkans, is notable for its live orchestration and emphasis on vocal and musical quality.
Albania’s entries have varied between traditional influences and modern pop, often featuring dramatic staging and themes of resilience and identity. While qualifications have been inconsistent, standout performances include Rona Nishliu’s Suus (5th place in 2012) and Jonida Maliqi’s Ktheju tokës in 2019, which explored themes of migration.
Albania remains a distinctive presence at Eurovision, balancing traditional roots with contemporary appeal.
