EUROVISION 2024 ALBANIA: BESA - TITAN + FESTIVAL I KENGES 2024

The 62nd Festivali i Këngës was held in December 2023 and Besa won the ticket to Eurovision song contest with her Zemrën n'dorë while the winner was Mal Retkoceri with Çmendur, but as for the second year there's the new separate voting (or public's vote) for the Eurovision entry she's the one. In true Albanian style her song was later revamped and translated in English and became TiTAN.

Besa Kokëdhima (37) is Albanian singer. She was born to a wealthy family, her father being a local politican, and at the age of 15 she moved to United Kingdom to finish her education. Her music career started back in 2003 with Më Beso and it was already an awarded song of the year. In 2006 she released her debut album. She's no stranger to festival and contests. She won Kënga Magjike 2013 with Tatuazh në zemër, she also won Notafest with Lëshoje Hapin. In 2010 she was awarded The Best female singer in Top Fest with Kalorësi i Natës. In 2009 she even tried the Romanian selection for Eurovision with Nothin' gonna change but staying in semifinals.

She has released since several hit singles like 1,2,3 and C'est la vie, and a total of four albums. Recently she's been also doing career in France and released her debut French single En equilibre in 2022. She's also the most loved The Voice of Albania judges.

So, what do I think? I think I'm in love. I loved the original Albanian version and it took me awhile to adjust and accept the English version, especially as it was also changed in arrangement. But now I like that, too. Along with Slimane Besa is the artist I want to explore after Eurovision and check her back catalogue properly as there's something about her I really like.

Our Home Jury wasn't as enthusiastic as I am, lining more with the betting odds and polls. So, let TiTAN and Besa be my guilty pleasure.

Festivali i Këngës

1. Mal Retkoceri - Çmendur

2. Tiri Gjoci - Në ëndërr

3. Shpat Deda - S'mund t'fitoj pa ty

Critic's price: Martina Serrreqi - Vetëm ty

Best Newcomer: PeterPan Quartet - Edhe një herë

Televote winner: Besa Kokëdhima - Zemrën n'dorë

Check out the rest of the festival here

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Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

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