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Albania: Festivali i Këngës 64 - Night 1 highlights

  • Writer: Dale Roberts
    Dale Roberts
  • 8 hours ago
  • 3 min read
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This morning, Australian time, Albania's week-long music event Festivali i Këngës (FiK) kicked off its first night, being semi-final 1.


Festivali i Këngës takes place at the Palace of Congresses in the capital Tirana over four nights and will decide who represents Albania at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria.


The first night saw 14 of the 28 participants take part and Aussievision has picked out some of the highlights.


Our top picks


Alis – Nân



The fan-favourite going in delivered an incredible performance. The song brings drama and so does Alis's stage presence. His vocal is incredible from start to finish. The only note is that a lot of the staging and lighting is very dark with some odd camera shots that split opinion. But overall, a package that can definitely win FiK.


Inis Neziri – Ta kam fal 



A star in Albania, this was a very different performance and song to her previous FiK attempts. Gone is the 'park and bark' ballad and replaced with an up-tempo entry with dancers galore. Despite losing a heel early in the performance, Inis was a real pro and powered on. Her vocals were fantastic throughout, and she will be a contender.


Sheila – Zemra e Tokës



The absolute wildcard of FiK this year. Sheila somehow made her 90s/2000s world music chillout dance track come alive live on stage (despite wearing a dead bird on her dress). It is mesmerising and hypnotic, but can it win Fik? It could happen!



Potentials


Rigersa Loka – Albanian Heart



The song with the most English lyrics opened the show with a bang. She gave vocals, her dancers brought movement because Rigersa was planted to the spot. Perhaps as she gets more comfortable during the week, the performance can take it to another level.


Lynx – Nuk kthehem pas



The only rock number tonight and Albania and FiK tend to love a bit of rock. They might not win but they could finish higher than expected.


Enxhi Nasufi – Dritë 



An interesting ballad was delivered with an interesting and slightly clunky theatrical performance. This could tighten up to be a lot more polished on final night.


Lorenc Hasrama – Lamtumirë



A surprise packet last year he is bringing a very Sanremo performance and the Albanian crowd love anything slightly Italian! His vocal has been stronger and with a better performance in the final could eat up some jury and older voters' points.


The WTF


Sara Kapo – Të dua shumë


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To be honest this is in the potential as it brings a really cool 80s/90s indie vibe that no one else has. Sara is captivating in her performance but it does take a turn. She puts on lipstick through the show before ended on a slightly maniacal 'Joker' finish.



Where to watch FiK64:


You can watch Festivali i Këngës 64 on the Albanian broadcaster RTSH's official YouTube channel and through the FiK – Festivali i Këngës"app.  The four-night schedule for FiK64 is as follows:


  • First Semi-Final: Wednesday 17 December 21:00 CET (Thursday morning 7:00am AEDT in Australia)

  • Second Semi-Final: Thursday 18 December 21:00 CET (Friday morning 7:00am AEDT in in Australia)

  • Nostalgia Night: Friday 19 December 21:00 CET (Saturday morning 7:00am AEDT in in Australia)

  • Grand Final: Saturday 20 December 21:00 CET (Sunday morning 7:00am AEDT in in Australia).


For continued updates on all the Eurovision Song Contest news follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and TikTok. All links at: https://linktr.ee/aussievisionnet


 
 
 
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