Ever since Albania started participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, in 2004, the Albanian representative has been chosen in the Festivali i Këngës, a venerable event that has been held every year since 1962, organised by the public broadcaster RTSH. This year, the Festivali i Këngës will consist of two parts: a competition for new talents trying to enter the showbiz, and a contest of well-known stars of the Albanian music scene. Tonight, the stars will present their songs for the first time - this is the list of their entries:
- Anjeza Shahini - Pasqyra E Vetës
- Teuta Kurti - Mall I Pashuar
- Claudio La Regina - Ave Maria
- Kamela Islami - Kalimtar
- Bojken Lako & Banda Adriatica - Love Love Love
- Rona Nishliu - Kalorësi I Dashurisë
- Dorina Garuci - Sekreti I Dashurisë
- Juliana Pasha - Nuk Di Përse
- Denisa Macaj - Arie
- Erga Halilaj - Party
- Era Rusi - U Dashuruam
- Flaka Krelani - Lë Të Bëhet
- Mariza Ikonomi - Vazhdoj Këndoj
- Erti Hizmo & Lindita Halimi - Nuk Të Dorezohem
- Stefi & Endrri Prifti - Akoma S'Është Vendosur
- Guximtar Rushani - Gëzuar
- Rovena Dilo - Përtej Kohës
- Kejsi Tola - Pse Ekzistojmë
On the second night, on the 25th of December, the youngsters will present their entries. In the end, a jury will vote on the performances, and the winner will gain an additional spot in the final show along with the artists in the stars section. Here is the list of entries for the second show:
- Stefan Marena - Retë S'Na Ndajnë
- Brikena Asa - Sa Dua Unë
- Onanta Spahiu - Dashurisë I Erdhi Vjeshta
- Jona Koleci - Stinë Dashurie
- Nazmie Selimi - Beso Akoma
- Goldi Halili - Tirana Broadway
- Iris Hoxha - Zërin Tim Ta Ndjesh
- Supernova - Gabimi
- Ardita Tusha - Je Larg
- Selina Prelaj - Të Dy E Dimë
- Vitmar Basha - Një Tjetër Jetë
- Lutus - Botë Pa Sy
- Kelly - Ajo
- Dorina Toçi - Një Fjalë Të Ngrohtë
- Borana Kalemi - Ti
- Amanda Ujkaj & Violeta Lulgjuraj - Vitet Më Të Bukura
- Yje Të Panjohur - Si Dy Të Huaj
- Çlirim Leka - Nata Ime
The third show, to take place on the 26th of December, will feature all of the entries in the stars section, but performed in different versions or as duets with other artists. In the final, to take place on the 27th of December, all entries in the stars section as well as the winner of the new talents section will be performed again in their original versions. In the end, an expert jury will pick the winner, who will represent Albania in the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest.
The four shows, all of which will be aired from 20:30 CET, will be presented by Miriam Cani and Alban Skenderaj. Both already participated in the Albanian national final for the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest. Miriam Cani was previously a member of the German girl band Preluders, whose greatest hit Everyday Girl made it to the top spot of the German sales charts back in 2003. All festival evenings will be broadcast live and in full length on TVSH, which can be received all over Europe via satellite (Eutelsat W2 at 16°E).
