Songs released for Albania's National Final FiK58

The 20 songs competing in the Albanian national final Festivali i Këngës 58 (FiK) have been released.

The songs had been delayed after the tragic earhquake struck the nation in late November killing 51 people and injuring thousands.

The show will go on though and the broadcaster RTSH released the competing entrants via YouTube today.

WATCH ALL 20 SONGS ON THE FiK58 YOUTUBE PLAYLIST HERE.

The 20 songs and artists are:

1. Wendi Mancaku – “Ende” (Still)

2. Valon Shehu – “Kutia e Pandorës” (Pandora’s box)

3. Tiri Gjoci – “Me gotën bosh” (With an Empty Glass)

4. Sara Bajraktari – “Ajër” (Air)

5. Robert Berisha – “Ajo nuk është unë” (She is not me)

6. Renis Gjoka – “Loja” (The Game)

7. Olta Boka – “Shkrime në mur” (Writings on the wall)

8. Nadia & Genc Tukiçi – “Ju flet Tirana” (Tirana Calling)

9. Kastro Zizo (né Kleviz Bega) – “Asaj” (Her)

10. Kanita – “Ankth” (Anxiety)

11. Kamela Islamaj – “Më ngjyros” (Colour Me)

12. Gena – “Shqiponja e lirë” (Free Eagle)

13. Era Rusi – “Eja Merre” (Come and Get It)

14. Elvana Gjata – “Me tana” (With all)

15. Eli Fara & Stresi – “Bohem” (Boheme)

16. Devis Xherahu – “Bisedoj me serenatën” (Talking with serenade)

17. Bojken Lako – “Malaseen” (She left me unseen)

18. Arilena Ara “Shaj” (Swear, as in the curse)

19. Aldo Bardhi – “Melodi”

20. Albërie Hadërgjonaj “Ku ta gjej dikë ta dua” (Where to find someone to love)
    

There are also a couple of notable composers. Albania's 2018 representative Eugent Bushpepa has written the song for Valon Shehu. While Darko Dimitrov, who was responsible for jury winner 'Proud' representing North Macedonia this year, has composed the music for two entries - Arilena Ara and Era Rusi.

You will notice most of the songs exceed the three minute mark. This is because FiK58, a little like Sanremo, is a song contest in its own right. The winning songs usually has a revamp before Eurovision to get it down to 3 minutes. In the past songs have been completely changed, but in recent years it has only been changed to fit the timing issue.

FiK58 will feature two show for the semi finals on 19 and 20 December (the morning of 20 and 21 Australian time) with the final on 22 December (the morning of 23 December Australian time).

Mahmood and Eleni Foureira will be special guests during the show.

We will give you all timings and how to watch the show in due course. Follow @aussievisionnet on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date.