As a new Eurovision season is in full swing, more countries reveal their plans for Tel Aviv. Today, Albania’s Head of Delegation confirmed to ESCXTRA they will indeed participate at Eurovision next May!

Participation and Festivali i Këngës continue

In 2019, it will be Albania’s 16th participation at Eurovision, having participated every year since their debut in 2004. Once again, Albania will pick Eugent Bushpepa’s successor through the iconic Festivali i Këngës. The Festival usually takes place in late December, making Albania one of the first countries to reveal their Eurovision entrant.

Eurovision Song Contest 2019

The 2019 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place on 14, 16 and 18 May in Tel Aviv, Israel. This follows Israel’s Netta Barzilai’s victory with her catchy entry “Toy“. So far, 29 countries have either confirmed participation or intent to participate. As we previously reported, countries will have until sometime in October to confirm their participation in Tel Aviv.

Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest

Albania first participated at Eurovision back in 2004 and participated every year since. Anjeza Shahini was the first to fly the country’s flag at the contest with her song “The Image of You“. She finished in a very respectable 7th place with 106. Over the years, Albania qualified for the final on 8 occasions. So far, their best result is Rona Nishliu’s 5th place achieved in Baku in 2012 with her song “Suus“. Albania’s most recently qualified in 2018 with Eugent Bushpepa and his song “Mall“. He ended the night on 11th place with 184 points, giving Albania their third best result at the contest.

Are you happy Albania will participate in Israel? Who would you like see fly Albania’s flag at the contest? What is your favourite Albanian entry at the contest so far?

Let us know in the comments section below and on all social media platforms at @ESCXTRA!

