Eurovision Fact file: Albania

Recently, Albanian broadcaster RTSH announced the submission dates for their annual music event, Festivali i Kenges – which since 2003 has also doubled up as a national selection for Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest – so we saw it fit to look back on Albania and their time in contest in years gone by.

Albania first entered Eurovision back in 2004 in Turkey, Anjeza Shahini was the entrant with the song “The Image Of You” and despite it being their debut year, Albania placed seventh in the grand final, to this day is they second highest finish in the contest. The only time Anjeza’s efforts have been surpassed was in 2012 in Azerbaijan, when Rona Nishliu and her rather unique vocals stormed the voting and finished fifth in the grand final, scoring 146 points.

Elhaida Dani performing in Vienna

In the twelve times Albania have entered they have failed to qualify on five occasions – 2006, 2007, 2011, 2013 and 2014, the lowest placing coming in 2007 where they finished 17^th in the semi final. Last May Elhaida Dani and “I’m Alive” scoring only 34 points in the Final, despite it being one of the public’s top picks leading up to the contest, she was heavily marked down in the jury final, placing 20^th in contrast with the public, who had ranked the song 9^th overall in the final. 
When it comes to the voting with Albania in the grand final, they have one clear ally in where their points go – Greece. In the 12 contests that Albania has participated in, they have awarded Greece a whopping 119 points – that’s 9.9 points on average per contest. 

When it comes to countries voting for Albania however, their most common source of points have come from Macedonia, who have awarded hem 79 points over the years, followed shortly by Greece who have given 63 points.

Although it is currently unconfirmed if Albania will be participating in Stockholm next year, their strong qualification makes this highly likely, with a decision expected in the coming months.  

Elliot Harris - The Euro Trip Contributor