Eurovision 2008 - Albania

Zemrën lamë peng
Olta Boka

Music: Adrian Hila
Lyrics: Pandi Laco


History (1956 to 2007):

Albania's previous appearances: 4 year(s) out of 52
Years participated: 2004-
Best result: 7th (2004)

Albania entered Eurovision for the first time in 2004, and defied the sceptics by doing much better than many had expected. Anjeza Shahini and her song of 'The image of you' finished an impressive 4th in the Semi Final, easily qualifying for the Final where it finished 7th. As a result, Albania enjoyed the advantage of a guaranteed place in the Final for 2005. Sticking to what seemed like a winning formula, Albania chose another shouty woman (Ledino Celo) singing an energetic song in English ('Tomorrow I go'). The resulting 16th place with 53 points (including what risks becoming a customary exchange of high marks with Greece and Macedonia) was no disgrace, but it lacked the sweet charm of Anjeza's effort the year before. The result saw Albania having to take part in the 2006 Semi Final, where hopes rested on the 20-year-old Luiz Ejlli and the song 'Zjarr e ftohtë'. However, Luiz's decent performance and 14th place was not enough, meaning that Albania must once again take part in the Semi Final in 2007.

In 2007 Albania was represented by Frederik Ndoci and his wife Aida.


This year's entry:




My prediction & opinioin:


This year’s entry from Albania is a beautiful ballad, that reminds of Molitva, and it will remind the Romanians of Shine (2nd place in their NF). The vocal is strong, and with all the comedy in the night it can go all the way.

My prediction for the Semi Final: 1st to 3rd
My prediction for the Final: Definite qualifier; 1st to 4th, possible winner