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Jonida Maliqi sings 'Ktheju tokës' in Albania's first rehearsal

07 May 2019 at 12:25 CEST
Jonida Maliqi represented Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019 EBU / Thomas Hanses
Albanian hopeful Jonida Maliqi took the rehearsal stage this morning in her first run through of 'Ktheju tokës' in Tel Aviv. The singer, dressed in a full-length black gown decorated in gold, delivered the powerful performance without moving from centre stage.

Jonida will take the stage 14th in the second Semi-Final on Thursday 16 May at Expo Tel Aviv in Israel.

About Jonida

Jonida Maliqi is a graduate of the University of Arts in Tirana and studied the violin and guitar. She won many prizes and awards, including the first place in several national children festivals in Albania and Albania's musical event Kënga Magjike. Jonida not only performs as a solo artist, but has also starred in various musicals in Albania. Besides being a singer, she is also a presenter, hosting several musical and dancing shows on Albanian television. With her 435,000 Instagram followers she is a well known influencer and fashion icon in her home country.

READ MORE: Jonida Maliqi's participant profile

What happens on stage?

Dark staging with hues of blue and red highlight Jonida's haunting performance of Ktheju tokës, in English Return to the Land, a candid story of emigration. This is in line with her dimly-lit and emotionally evocative music video where she performs with images of fire and rain. Near the end of the live performance, an eagle is displayed on screen. Jonida is joined by three backing singers who stand on an elevated platform right of centre.

Do you think Jonida Maliqi will take Albania to the Grand Final? Let us know in the comments!