Well it had to happen. As tradition is, we have received word from that outpost of Eurovision – Albania – that their national final, Festivali i Këngës 58, has sent up the white smoke from Tirana and a winner has been announced.
As is also traditional, there was no televoting and the politburo (three international jurors and two from Albania) chose the winner from a starting field of twelve songs.
| Song | Performer(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| Gagnamagnið | Daði & Gagnamagnið | Q |
| Fellibylur | Hildur Vala | |
| Oculis videre | Íva Marín Adrichem | Q |
| Ekkó | Nína | |
| Dreyma | Matti Matt |
After a “spectacular” show that seemingly lasted several lifetimes, the winner was Arilena Ara with her song Shaj. Early (unconfirmed) reports suggest the song will be translated into English for Rotterdam, where it will be called ‘Curse’.
Post-show, host Alketa Vejsiu complained of unfair treatment for fandom fave Elvana Gjata, questioning how the song could score so well with the international jurors and barely register with local judges. Vejsiu went on to suggest the result would have been different had viewers been allowed a vote.
UPDATE: During the live broadcast, viewers saw the top three placements. The full results appeared the next morning at 11:48. I added them immediately. I’m good to you, I am.