The 65th Festivali i Këngës on RTSH will take place on December 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2026. With the dates confirmed and the list of contestants announced, this year’s edition is gearing up for its four nights of competition.
The schedule was made public on October 13, after applications closed and the submissions were assessed. RTSH has announced 28 contestants, including experienced artists and new names from Albanian-speaking lands and the diaspora.
Who is taking part
The list includes Adhurim Demiri, Alegra Jaho, Algert Sala, Ana Bushgjokaj, Ardit Çuni, Arsi Bako, Auron Deva & DJ Sardi, Chip Deva, Djemtë e Detit, Eldis Arrnjeti, Erinda Agolli, Gigliola Haveriku, Gjergj Jorgaqi and Herva Novaku.
Also competing are Josif Gjipali & Ardita Meni, Kejsi Jazxhi, Kejsi Tola, Khuba–Shkëlzen Rexhaj, Leandra Godaj, Martina Serreqi, Michela Paluca, Orgesa Zaimi, Petro Fejza ft. Antonio Papa, Rei Bezhani, Sara Bajraktari, Sigi Bastri, Vanesa Sono and Xhoni Jesku.
New songs, in Albanian and without AI
Under the published conditions, competing songs must be new, previously unreleased and performed entirely in Albanian. The maximum length of a song is four minutes.
This edition’s rules ban the use of artificial intelligence at any stage of a song’s creation. Applications were submitted online from September 22 to 27.
The dates and the contestants are the information confirmed so far. Details of the program for each night and the presenting team will be the subject of separate announcements from the organizers.
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