Festivali i Këngës 61

{{short description|61st edition of Festivali i Këngës}}

{{good article}}

{{Infobox song contest

| name = Festivali i Këngës

| year = 61

| logo = 125px

| semi1 = 19 December 2022

| semi2 = 20 December 2022

| semi3 = 21 December 2022
{{small|(Nostalgia Night)}}

| final = 22 December 2022

| presenters = Arbana Osmani

| host = {{lang|sq|Radio Televizioni Shqiptar|i=no}} (RTSH)

| venue = Palace of Congresses, Tirana

| entries = 26

| vote = Jury selected the top three contestants, which included awards for alternative and young groups and established artists. Public selected the Albanian representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

| prev_year = 60

| next_year = 62

| section1 = Festival selection

| winner1 = "Evita" by Elsa Lila

| section2 = Eurovision selection

| winner2 = "{{lang|sq|Duje|i=no}}" by Albina and Familja Kelmendi

}}

{{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|i=no}} 61 was the 61st edition of the annual Albanian music competition {{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|i=no}}. The contest was organised by {{lang|sq|Radio Televizioni Shqiptar|i=no}} (RTSH) at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. It encompassed two semi-finals held on 19 and 20 December, succeeded by a nostalgia night on 21 December and culminated in the final on 22 December 2022. The four live shows were hosted by Arbana Osmani. Elsa Lila resulted as the winner of the contest with the song "Evita". The Albanian representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was selected by the public, with "{{lang|sq|Duje|i=no}}" performed by Albina and Familja Kelmendi emerging as the representative.

Format

The 61st edition of {{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|i=no}} was organised by {{lang|sq|Radio Televizioni Shqiptar|i=no}} (RTSH) and consisted of three semi-finals on the respective dates of 19, 20 and 21 December and the final on 22 December 2022.{{cite web |publisher=Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) |title=Arbana Osmani drejton Festivalin e Këngës, prezanton bashkëpunëtorët |url=https://lajme.rtsh.al/artikull/arbana-osmani-drejton-festivalin-e-kenges-prezanton-bashkepunetoret |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218153240/https://lajme.rtsh.al/artikull/arbana-osmani-drejton-festivalin-e-kenges-prezanton-bashkepunetoret |archive-date=18 December 2022 |language=sq |date=12 November 2022 |url-status=live}} The four live shows were hosted by Albanian presenter Arbana Osmani and held at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania.{{cite web |last=Adams |first=William Lee |publisher=Wiwibloggs |title=Festivali i Këngës 61: How to watch Albania's Eurovision 2023 selection online |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2022/12/19/festivali-i-kenges-61-how-to-watch-albanias-eurovision-2023-selection-online/274238/ |access-date=19 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219164754/https://wiwibloggs.com/2022/12/19/festivali-i-kenges-61-how-to-watch-albanias-eurovision-2023-selection-online/274238/ |archive-date=19 December 2022 |date=19 December 2022 |url-status=live}} Osmani directed the contest along with Bojken Lako, Eduart Grishaj, Eraldo Rexho and Shpëtim Saraçi.

= Voting structure =

The selection process for the winner of the 61st edition of {{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|i=no}} and Albanian representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 underwent a significant change.{{cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |publisher=Eurovoix |title=Albania: Public Will Select Entry for Eurovision 2023 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/10/28/%F0%9F%87%A6%F0%9F%87%B1-albania-public-will-select-entry-for-eurovision-2023/ |access-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204162709/https://eurovoix.com/2022/10/28/%F0%9F%87%A6%F0%9F%87%B1-albania-public-will-select-entry-for-eurovision-2023/ |archive-date=4 February 2023 |date=28 October 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Adams |first=William Lee |publisher=Wiwibloggs |title=Albania: Report says RTSH will add televote to Festivali i Këngës 61 |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2022/09/11/albania-rtsh-televote-festivali-i-kenges-61/273334/ |access-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204163221/https://wiwibloggs.com/2022/09/11/albania-rtsh-televote-festivali-i-kenges-61/273334/ |archive-date=4 February 2023 |date=11 September 2022 |url-status=live}} Prior to this, the winner was determined by a jury vote, which faced controversy due to allegations of nepotism and corruption.{{cite web |last=Christou |first=Costa |publisher=ESCXtra |title=Xtra Debate: Rethinking the role of jurors going into the 2020 national final season |url=https://escxtra.com/2019/12/30/xtra-debate-rethinking-the-role-of-jurors-going-into-the-2020-national-final-season/ |access-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203181918/https://escxtra.com/2019/12/30/xtra-debate-rethinking-the-role-of-jurors-going-into-the-2020-national-final-season/ |archive-date=3 December 2022 |date=30 December 2019 |url-status=live}} In response, the organisers of RTSH introduced a new system combining public and jury voting. While the top three and two prizes would continue to be chosen by the jury, the winner would no longer receive an invitation to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. Instead, the Albanian representative for the contest would be selected through a separate televoting process.

Contestants

RTSH initiated an application period for artists and composers interested in participating in the 61st edition of {{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|i=no}} from 3 June to 30 October 2022.{{cite web |last=Tejeci |first=Erdi |publisher=Wiwibloggs |title=Albania: RTSH opens song submissions for Festivali i Këngës 61 |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2022/06/03/albania-rtsh-opens-song-submissions-for-festivali-i-kenges-61/272671/ |access-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202155433/https://wiwibloggs.com/2022/06/03/albania-rtsh-opens-song-submissions-for-festivali-i-kenges-61/272671/ |archive-date=2 December 2022 |date=3 June 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Santos |first=Pedro |publisher=Eurovisionworld |title=Albania 2022: Submissions for Festivali i Këngës open until October |url=https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/albania-submissions-for-festivali-i-kenges-open-until-october |access-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007085704/https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/albania-submissions-for-festivali-i-kenges-open-until-october |archive-date=7 October 2022 |date=28 July 2022 |url-status=live}} Following the application process, a provisional list of 26 participants was published by the broadcaster on 27 October, three days prior to the end of the application period.{{cite web |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU) |title=Albania's 'Festivali i Këngës' will have 26 participants |url=https://eurovision.tv/country-updates-eurovision-2023/albanias-festivali-i-kenges-will-have-26-participants |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105155059/https://eurovision.tv/country-updates-eurovision-2023/albanias-festivali-i-kenges-will-have-26-participants |archive-date=5 November 2022 |date=27 October 2022 |url-status=live}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"

|+Competing entries

! scope="col" |Artist(s)

! scope="col" |Song

! scope="col" |Composer(s)

! scope="col" |Lyricist

scope="row" |2 Farm

|"Atomike"

| colspan="2" |Klevis Bega (Kastro Zizo), Renan Berati, Redvis Mazi

scope="row" |Alban Kondi and Lorè

|"Melodi"

| colspan="2" |Alban Kondi

scope="row" |Albina & Familja Kelmendi

|"Duje"

|Enis Mullaj

|Eriona Rushiti

scope="row" |Anduel Kovaçi

|"Malli"

| colspan="2" |Irkenc Hyka

scope="row" |Arsi Bako

|"Sonte dua të jem me ty"

|Osman Mula

|Evis Mula

scope="row" |Elsa Lila

|"Evita"

| colspan="2" |Elsa Lila

scope="row" |Enxhi Nasufi

|"Burrë"

| colspan="2" |Enxhi Nasufi, Andrei "Alandy" Vornicu

scope="row" |Erma Mici

|"Kozmosi i dashurisë"

|Erma Mici, Andi Lazaj

|Erma Mici

scope="row" |Evi Reçi

|"Ma kthe"

|Ervin Gonxhi

|Vojsava Alla

scope="row" |Fabian Basha

|"Një gotë"

|Alban Kondi, Fabian Basha

|Alban Kondi

scope="row" |Fifi

|"Stop"

|Filloreta "Fifi" Raçi, Fatjo Miftaraj

|Filloreta "Fifi" Raçi

scope="row" |Franc Koruni

|"Në pritje"

| colspan="2" |Franc Koruni

scope="row" |Gent Hoxha

|"Ajër"

|Jeris Kaso

|Elio Shuli

scope="row" |Gjergj Kaçinari

|"Dje"

| colspan="2" |Gjergj Kaçinari

scope="row" |Luna Çausholli

|"Jetën ta fal"

|Endri Shani

|Pandi Laço

scope="row" |Lynx

|"Nëse ke besim"

| colspan="2" |Lynx

scope="row" |Manjola Nallbani

|"Duaj"

|Kledi Bahiti

|Manjola Nallbani

scope="row" |Melodajn Mancaku

|"Gjysma e zemrës sime"

|Wendi Mancaku

|Melodajn Mancaku

scope="row" |Permit of Stay

|"Fobia"

| colspan="2" |Ergys Meta

scope="row" |Petrit Çarkaxhiu

|"Emri yt mirësi"

| colspan="2" |Petrit Çarkaxhiu

scope="row" |Rezarta Smaja

|"N'Eden"

| colspan="2" |Eriona Rushiti

scope="row" |Rovena Dilo

|"Motit"

|Aldo Shqalshi

|Rovena Dilo

scope="row" |Sara Kapo

|"Para teje"

| colspan="2" |Sara Kapo

scope="row" |Sergio Hajdini

|"Vështirë"

| colspan="2" |Serxhio Hajdini

scope="row" |Urban Band

|"Në çdo hap"

|Klodian Rexhepaj

|Florian "Kelly" Çarkanji

scope="row" |Vanesa Sono

|"Aroma jonë"

|Vanesa Sono

|Alban Kondi

Shows

= Semi-finals =

The semi-finals of {{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|i=no}} took place on 19 December and 20 December 2022 and were broadcast live at 21:00 (CET) on the respective dates.{{cite web |publisher=Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) |title=19 dhjetori çel siparin, ja artistët që këndojnë në natën e parë të Fest 61 |url=https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/19-dhjetori-cel-siparin-ja-artistet-qe-kendojne-ne-naten-e-pare-te-fest-61 |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218150150/https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/19-dhjetori-cel-siparin-ja-artistet-qe-kendojne-ne-naten-e-pare-te-fest-61 |archive-date=18 December 2022 |language=sq |date=16 December 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |publisher=Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) |title=Kush janë këngëtarët e natës së dytë, zbulohen surprizat! |url=https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/kush-jane-kengetaret-e-nates-se-dyte-zbulohen-surprizat |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218150806/https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/kush-jane-kengetaret-e-nates-se-dyte-zbulohen-surprizat |archive-date=18 December 2022 |language=sq |date=16 December 2022 |url-status=live}} Albanian actress Margarita Xhepa was the special guest of the first semi-final, performing a monologue to raise awareness about domestic violence against women and share her own experiences.{{cite web |work=Panorama |title=Margaria Xhepa mesazh emocionues në skenën e festivalit të fundvitit: Grua nuk është faji yt, guxo dhe kundërshto |url=http://www.panorama.com.al/margarita-xhepa-mesazh-emocionues-ne-skenen-e-festivalit-te-fundvitit-grua-nuk-eshte-faji-yt-guxo-dhe-kundershto/ |access-date=24 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219222204/http://www.panorama.com.al/margarita-xhepa-mesazh-emocionues-ne-skenen-e-festivalit-te-fundvitit-grua-nuk-eshte-faji-yt-guxo-dhe-kundershto/ |archive-date=19 December 2022 |language=sq |date=19 December 2022 |url-status=live}} Following the conclusion of the second semi-final, five out of ten contestants from the New artists were selected by a jury to advance to the final, while all 16 contestants from the Big artists automatically qualified for the final.{{cite web |publisher=Eurovoix |title=Albania: Five New Artists Advance To Festivali i Këngës 61 Final |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/12/20/five-new-artists-festivali-kenges/ |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227203551/https://eurovoix.com/2022/12/20/five-new-artists-festivali-kenges/ |archive-date=27 December 2022 |date=20 December 2022 |url-status=live}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-break}}

class="sortable wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
+ Semi-final 1{{ndash}}19 December 2022
Draw

! Artist

! Song

! Qualification

scope="row" | {{center|1}}

| Enxhi Nasufi

| "{{lang|sq|Burrë|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

style="background:#CEDFF2;"

! scope="row" | {{center|2}}

| Erma Mici

| "{{lang|sq|Kozmosi i dashurisë|i=no}}"

| Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|3}}

| Fabian Basha

| "{{lang|sq|Një gotë|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

style="background:#FF7F7F;"

! scope="row" | {{center|4}}

| Anduel Kovaçi

| "{{lang|sq|Malli|i=no}}"

| Non-Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|5}}

| Fifi

| "Stop"

| Automatic Qualifier

style="background:#CEDFF2;"

! scope="row" | {{center|6}}

| Urban Band

| "{{lang|sq|Në çdo hap|i=no}}"

| Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|7}}

| 2 Farm

| "{{lang|sq|Atomike|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

style="background:#FF7F7F;"

! scope="row" | {{center|8}}

| Sara Kapo

| "{{lang|sq|Para teje|i=no}}"

| Non-Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|9}}

| Rezarta Smaja

| "{{lang|sq|N'Eden|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|10}}

| Albina and Familja Kelmendi

| "{{lang|sq|Duje|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|11}}

| Sergio Hajdini

| "{{lang|sq|Vështirë|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

style="background:#FF7F7F;"

! scope="row" | {{center|12}}

| Luna Çausholli

| "{{lang|sq|Jetën ta fal|i=no}}"

| Non-Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|13}}

| Rovena Dilo

| "{{lang|sq|Motit|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

{{col-break}}

class="sortable wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
+ Semi-final 2{{ndash}}20 December 2022
Draw

! Artist

! Song

! Qualification

style="background:#CEDFF2;"

! scope="row" | {{center|1}}

| Melodajn Mancaku

| "{{lang|sq|Gjysma e zemrës sime|i=no}}"

| Qualifier

style="background:#FF7F7F;"

! scope="row" | {{center|2}}

| Permit of Stay

| "{{lang|sq|Fobia|i=no}}"

| Non-Qualifier

style="background:#FF7F7F;"

! scope="row" | {{center|3}}

| Arsi Bako

| "{{lang|sq|Sonte dua të jem me ty|i=no}}"

| Non-Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|4}}

| Gjergj Kaçinari

| "{{lang|sq|Dje|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|5}}

| Franc Koruni

| "{{lang|sq|Në pritje|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|6}}

| Petrit Çarkaxhiu

| "{{lang|sq|Emri yt mirësi|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|7}}

| Elsa Lila

| "Evita"

| Automatic Qualifier

style="background:#CEDFF2;"

! scope="row" | {{center|8}}

| Gent Hoxha

| "{{lang|sq|Ajër|i=no}}"

| Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|9}}

| Evi Reçi

| "{{lang|sq|Ma kthe|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|10}}

| Manjola Nallbani

| "{{lang|sq|Duaj|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|11}}

| Lynx

| "{{lang|sq|Nëse ke besim|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

scope="row" | {{center|12}}

| Alban Kondi and Lore

| "{{lang|sq|Melodi|i=no}}"

| Automatic Qualifier

style="background:#CEDFF2;"

! scope="row" | {{center|13}}

| Vanesa Sono

| "{{lang|sq|Aroma jonë|i=no}}"

| Qualifier

{{col-end}}

= Nostalgia Night =

The nostalgia night of {{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|i=no}} took place on 21 December 2022 at 21:00 (CET).{{cite web |publisher=Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) |title=Nata e tretë e Fest 61/ Këngëtarët pjesëmarrës dhurojnë sot spektakël magjik, duete me artistë të mirënjohur |url=https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/nata-e-trete-e-fest-61-kengetaret-pjesemarres-dhurojne-sot-spektakel-magjik-duete-me-artiste-te-mirenjohur |access-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204200412/https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/nata-e-trete-e-fest-61-kengetaret-pjesemarres-dhurojne-sot-spektakel-magjik-duete-me-artiste-te-mirenjohur |archive-date=4 February 2023 |language=sq |date=21 December 2022 |url-status=live}} During the show, prominent Albanian singers accompanied the Big artists in performing renditions of historic songs from previous editions of {{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|i=no}}.{{cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |publisher=Eurovoix |title=Tonight: Festivali i Këngës 61{{spaced ndash}}Semi-Final Three |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/12/21/festivali-i-kenges-61-semi-final-three/ |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231001517/https://eurovoix.com/2022/12/21/festivali-i-kenges-61-semi-final-three/ |archive-date=31 December 2022 |date=21 December 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Mitika |first=Katerina |publisher=Eurovision Fun |title=Albania: Tonight the third night of Festivali i Këngës 61! |url=https://eurovisionfun.com/en/2022/12/albania-tonight-the-third-night-of-festivali-i-kenges-61/ |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226070804/https://eurovisionfun.com/en/2022/12/albania-tonight-the-third-night-of-festivali-i-kenges-61/ |archive-date=26 December 2022 |date=21 December 2022 |url-status=live}}

class="sortable wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"

|+ Nostalgia Night{{ndash}}21 December 2022

Draw

! Artist(s)

! Song

! {{abbr|Year|Year of Participation}}

! {{abbr|Artist(s)|Original artists}}

scope="row" | {{center|1}}

| Lynx and Aleksandër Gjoka

| "{{lang|sq|Ecën në shi|i=no}}"

| 1993

| Aleksandër Gjoka

scope="row" | {{center|2}}

| Enxhi Nasufi and Edea Demaliaj

| "{{lang|sq|Mos qaj|i=no}}"

| 1997

| Djemtë e detit

scope="row" | {{center|3}}

| Evi Reçi and Rosela Gjylbegu

| "{{lang|sq|Të kërkoj në ëndërrime|i=no}}"

| 1988

| Eranda and Irma Libohova

scope="row" | {{center|4}}

| Petrit Çarkaxhiu and Bojken Lako

| "{{lang|sq|Asgjë e larget|i=no}}"

| 1999

| Bojken Lako

scope="row" | {{center|5}}

| Rezarta Smaja and Luan Zhegu

| "{{lang|sq|A do vish|i=no}}"

| 1987

| Luan Zhegu

scope="row" | {{center|6}}

| Sergio Hajdini and Kamela Islamaj

| "{{lang|sq|Ne jemi tre|i=no}}"

| 1965

| Fiqrete Kapo and Qemal Kërtusha

scope="row" | {{center|7}}

| Elsa Lila and Capital T

| "{{lang|sq|Pyes lotin|i=no}}"

| 1996

| Elsa Lila

scope="row" | {{center|8}}

| Fabian Basha and Eranda Libohova

| "{{lang|sq|Kthehu për vehte për mua|i=no}}"

| 1996

| Eranda Libohova

scope="row" | {{center|9}}

| Rovena Dilo and Soni Malaj

| "{{lang|sq|Ante i tokës sime|i=no}}"

| 2000

| Rovena Dilo

scope="row" | {{center|10}}

| Franc Koruni and Altin Goci

| "{{lang|sq|Endërroj|i=no}}"

| 1991

| Ritfolk

scope="row" | {{center|11}}

| Fifi and Flori Mumajesi

| "{{lang|sq|Larg u largova|i=no}}"

| 1993

| Haxhi Dauti

scope="row" | {{center|12}}

| Albina Kelmendi and Josif Gjipali

| "{{lang|sq|Na lini të jetojmë|i=no}}"

| 1991

| Tingulli i zjarrtë

scope="row" | {{center|13}}

| Manjola Nallbani and Eneda Tarifa

| "{{lang|sq|Kur e humba një dashuri|i=no}}"

| 1993

| Manjola Nallbani

scope="row" | {{center|14}}

| 2 Farm and Redon Makashi

| "{{lang|sq|Dikur luaja me ndjenjën e saj|i=no}}"

| 1994

| Redon Makashi

scope="row" | {{center|15}}

| Alban Kondi, Lore and West Side Family

| "{{lang|sq|Jehonë|i=no}}"

| 2008

| West Side Family

scope="row" | {{center|16}}

| Gjergj Kaçinari and Elhaida Dani

| "{{lang|sq|Natën vonë|i=no}}"

| 1972

| Vaçe Zela

= Final =

The final of {{lang|sq|Festivali i Këngës|i=no}} took place on 22 December 2022 at 21:00 (CET).{{cite web |publisher=Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) |title=Sot nata finale e FEST 61, lista me këngët dhe kodet e votimit për secilin nga pjesëmarrësit |url=https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/sot-nata-finale-e-fest-61-lista-me-kenget-dhe-kodet-e-votimit-per-secilin-nga-pjesemarresit |access-date=14 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114230431/https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/sot-nata-finale-e-fest-61-lista-me-kenget-dhe-kodet-e-votimit-per-secilin-nga-pjesemarresit |archive-date=14 November 2023 |language=sq |date=22 December 2022 |url-status=live}} Albanian-Belgian singer Gala Dragot and Ukrainian group Kalush, who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, were the interval acts of the final.{{cite web |last=Garrido |first=Mercedes Rodenas |publisher=ESCplus España |title=Festivali i Këngës 61: Elsa Lila gana el festival y Albina y la Familja Kelmendi representará a Albania en Eurovisión 2023 |url=https://www.escplus.es/eurovision/2022/festivali-i-kenges-61-elsa-lila-gana-el-festival-y-albina-y-la-familja-kelmendi-representara-a-albania-en-eurovision-2023/ |access-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204173318/https://www.escplus.es/eurovision/2022/festivali-i-kenges-61-elsa-lila-gana-el-festival-y-albina-y-la-familja-kelmendi-representara-a-albania-en-eurovision-2023/ |archive-date=4 February 2023 |language=es |date=23 December 2022 |url-status=live}} The jury, consisting of Alma Bektashi, Elton Deda, Genc Salihu, Jeani Ciko and Rita Petro, determined Elsa Lila as the winner of the contest with the song "Evita".{{cite web |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU) |title='Festivali i Këngës' chooses Albina & Familja Kelmendi for Albania |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/festivali-i-kenges-chooses-albina-albania |access-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117234838/https://eurovision.tv/story/festivali-i-kenges-chooses-albina-albania |archive-date=17 January 2023 |date=23 December 2022 |url-status=live}} The Albanian representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was selected by televoting, with Albina and Familja Kelmendi with the song "{{lang|sq|Duje|i=no}}" being named as the country's chosen representatives.{{cite web |publisher=Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH)|title=Albina dhe Familja Kelmendi çon Shqipërinë në Eurovision, merr votat maksimale të publikut |url=https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/albina-dhe-familja-kelmendi-con-shqiperine-ne-eurovision-merr-votat-maksimale-te-publikut |access-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204200711/https://festivali.rtsh.al/artikull/albina-dhe-familja-kelmendi-con-shqiperine-ne-eurovision-merr-votat-maksimale-te-publikut |archive-date=4 February 2023 |language=sq |date=23 December 2023 |url-status=live}} Erma Mici received the award for the Best New Artist, while Rovena Dilo was awarded the Career Award.{{cite web |last=Christou |first=Costa |publisher=ESCXtra |title=Albina & Familja Kelmendi to represent Albania at Eurovision 2023 |url=https://escxtra.com/2022/12/23/festivali-i-kenges-61-results/ |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224180913/https://escxtra.com/2022/12/23/festivali-i-kenges-61-results/ |archive-date=24 December 2022 |date=23 December 2022 |url-status=live}}

Key:

{{Color box|gold||border=darkgray}} Winner

{{Color box|silver||border=darkgray}} Second place

{{Color box|#CC9966||border=darkgray}} Third place

class="sortable wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
+ Final{{ndash}}22 December 2022{{cite web |last=Santos |first=Pedro |publisher=Eurovisionworld |title=Albina Kelmendi to represent Albania at Eurovision 2023 |url=https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/albina-familja-kelmendi-to-represent-albania-in-eurovision-2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115105839/https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/albina-familja-kelmendi-to-represent-albania-in-eurovision-2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |date=23 December 2022 |url-status=live}}
Draw

! Artist

! Song

bgcolor="cc9966"

! scope="row" | {{center|1}}

| 2 Farm

| "{{lang|sq|Atomike|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|2}}

| Sergio Hajdini

| "{{lang|sq|Vështirë|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|3}}

| Gjergj Kaçinari

| "{{lang|sq|Dje|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|4}}

| Alban Kondi and Lore

| "{{lang|sq|Melodi|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|5}}

| Vanesa Sono

| "{{lang|sq|Aroma jonë|i=no}}"

bgcolor="gold"

! scope="row" | {{center|6}}

| Elsa Lila

| "Evita"

scope="row" | {{center|7}}

| Erma Mici

| "{{lang|sq|Kozmosi i dashurisë|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|8}}

| Franc Koruni

| "{{lang|sq|Në pritje|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|9}}

| Gent Hoxha

| "{{lang|sq|Ajër|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|10}}

| Petrit Çarkaxhiu

| "{{lang|sq|Emri yt mirësi|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|11}}

| Melodajna Mancaku

| "{{lang|sq|Gjysma e zemrës sime|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|12}}

| Manjola Nallbani

| "{{lang|sq|Duaj|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|13}}

| Urban Band

| "{{lang|sq|Në çdo hap|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|14}}

| Enxhi Nasufi

| "{{lang|sq|Burrë|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|15}}

| Rovena Dilo

| "{{lang|sq|Motit|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|16}}

| Fifi

| "Stop"

scope="row" | {{center|17}}

| Rezarta Smaja

| "{{lang|sq|N'Eden|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|18}}

| Evi Reçi

| "{{lang|sq|Ma kthe|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|19}}

| Fabian Basha

| "{{lang|sq|Një gotë|i=no}}"

bgcolor="silver"

! scope="row" | {{center|20}}

| Albina and Familja Kelmendi

| "{{lang|sq|Duje|i=no}}"

scope="row" | {{center|21}}

| Lynx

| "{{lang|sq|Nëse ke besim|i=no}}"

Broadcasts

The four live shows of Festivali i Këngës were broadcast live from 19 December to 22 December 2022 on RTSH in Albania and Radio Televizioni i Kosovës (RTK) in Kosovo. RTSH further provided international live streaming of the shows through their official website, without any accompanying commentary.

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
+ Broadcasters
Country

! Show(s)

! Broadcaster(s)

! {{abbr|Ref|References}}

scope="row"| {{Flagu|Albania}}

| rowspan="2" | All shows

| Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH)

| rowspan="2" | {{center|}}

scope="row"| {{Flagu|Kosovo}}

| Radio Televizioni i Kosovës (RTK)

See also

References