This year, Albania will be represented at Junior Eurovision 2022 by Kejtlin Gjata with her ballad, 'Pakëz diell' (A Bit of Sunlight).
You can find details on the entry, the artist, comments from the Aussievision team and the history of Albania at Junior Eurovision below.
The artist: Kejtlin Gjata
Kejtlin Gjata comes from Dürres, the second most populous city in Albania, located in the west coast of the country. Her hobbies include writing poetry and painting. Additionally, she enjoys spending her time by the sea and being close to nature.
She was selected to represent Albania at Junior Eurovision by the Albanian broadcaster, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) via their national selection, Junior Fest 2022.
Junior Fest 2022 took place at the Gjon Simoni Hall in Tirana on the October 25, 2022. Kejtlin was drawn to perform 'Pakëz diell' 13th in the running order. With 17 other contestants, this year's Junior Fest was competitive, but 'Pakëz diell' proved to be triumphant.
The entry: 'Pakëz diell'
'Pakëz diell' is a piano heavy ballad. At Junior Fest, the stage was surrounded by leaves and flowers, with stars featured on the LED screens.
'Pakëz diell' translates to 'A Bit of Sunlight'. Songs mentioning the sun, with a ballad-like feel have been a recipe for success at Junior Eurovision in the past. The song "Mzeo" (Sun), sung by Mariam Mamadashvili won the 2016 Contest for Georgia.
Comments from the Aussievision team
This is one which is going to live or die on the live performance. The song itself is a nice, well-structured ballad with some big vocal showcase moments but no obvious hooks to stick in the memory. It's a big sing for a young vocalist, too, and could easily get the better of even a confident performer on the night. Fortunately, Kejtlin's performance at the national final was very strong and assured, and so I'm confident that she'll be able to nail it on the night. She is the heart of this performance, and I have no doubt that she's going to bring the same energy in Yerevan. Good luck Albania! ~ Teddy
Kejtlin gives us some great vocals in this touching and emotional ballad. ~ Kyriakos
Albania at Junior Eurovision
Albania first participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 with the song 'Kam një këngë vetëm për ju' by Igzidora Gjeta, finishing 12th with 35 points. They then took a few years off, returning in 2015 with the song 'Dambaje' by Mishela Rapo, which to date, is Albania's best result, finishing 5th with 93 points. Apart from the 2020 edition, They have participated every year since.
Albania are yet to win the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Could 2022 be their year? In a matter of weeks, we'll find out.
Junior Eurovision 2022 will be held in Yerevan on December 11, 2022 (December 12, 2022 in Australia).
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