RTSH has unveiled the official lineup for Festivali i Këngës 63, where 30 artists will compete in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana for a chance to represent Albania at Eurovision 2025 in Basel. The selection committee, composed of industry professionals, reviewed 85 submissions to select a diverse mix of established stars, returning favorites, and emerging talent. This year, the festival reverts to its traditional format, where the professional jury’s winner will directly become Albania’s Eurovision entrant.
Leading the pack is Elvana Gjata, one of Albania’s most successful pop artists. Gjata, known for her previous entry Me Tana in 2019, narrowly missed out on victory that year. Her popularity, bolstered by recent collaborations with other notable Albanian stars like Dhurata Dora, makes her a strong contender in this year’s festival.
Returning to the stage is Mal Retkoceri, last year’s winner of Festivali i Këngës. Despite his victory, he did not represent Albania at Eurovision due to the televote selection process. With RTSH’s decision to eliminate the separate televote, Retkoceri has another shot at representing his country.
Other notable names include Erma Mici, who has previously competed in Albania’s Eurovision selections and reached the finals, and Gjergj Kaçinari, who has consistently made it to the final stages of the festival in recent years. Martina Serreqi and Kleansa Susaj also return after making notable appearances, highlighting the festival’s blend of established talent and emerging artists.
The festival also welcomes newcomers like Alis Kallacej, who gained fame through X Factor Albania, Algert Sala, a rising pop artist, and other young artists like Luna Çausholli and Santino De Bartolo.
The complete list of participants for Festivali i Këngës 63 includes:
- Algert Sala
- Alis Kallacej
- Ardit Çuni
- Devis Xherahu
- Djemtë e Detit
- Elvana Gjata
- Endrik Beba
- Epos Grup
- Erma Mici
- Frensi Revania
- Gjergj Kaçinari
- Gresa Gjocera
- Jet
- Kejsi Jazxhi
- Kleansa Susaj
- Laurjan Ejlli ft. Adelina Corraj
- Lorenc Hasrama
- Luna Çausholli
- Mal Retkoceri
- Martina Serreqi
- Mihallaq Andrea
- Nita Latifi
- Olsi Bylyku
- Orgesa Zaimi
- Rea Nuhu
- Ronaldo Mesuli
- Santino De Bartolo
- Shkodra Elektronike
- Stine
- Vesa Smolica.
Festivali i Këngës has been Albania’s selection process for Eurovision since its adoption as the national final in 2004. Known for its long tradition of blending Albania’s musical roots with modern influences, the festival continues to serve as an influential platform for artists. The 63rd edition, under the artistic direction of Elhaida Dani, is anticipated to showcase a wide range of musical styles as artists vie for the coveted spot at Eurovision.
