Festivali i Këngës on RTSH is an annual Albanian music festival organised by Radio Televizioni Shqiptar. Its tradition began in 1962. This profile brings together background information and confirmed details about the 65th edition, Fest 65.
History
The first edition was held in Tirana in December 1962. Vaçe Zela’s performance of “Fëmija i parë”, composed by Abdulla Grimci with lyrics by Dionis Budani, stands out in its history. Over the years, the festival has provided a stage for composers, lyricists and performers from different generations.
Connection with Eurovision
In December 2003, Anjeza Shahini won the 42nd edition with “Imazhi yt” and became Albania’s first Eurovision representative in 2004. The English version, “The Image of You”, placed seventh in Istanbul. The festival subsequently became the route for selecting Albanian Eurovision representatives.
A major Eurovision result was Rona Nishliu’s fifth place with “Suus” in Baku in 2012. The festival’s history brings together performers from different generations and a tradition of original composition and orchestral performance.
Fest 65 — the 2026 edition
- Edition: 65th.
- Organiser: Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH).
- Dates: December 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2026.
- Competition nights: four.
- Participants: 28 competing artists or acts.
- Applications: September 22–27, 2026, through the official online form.
- Status on November 1, 2026: ahead of the four competition nights; this edition’s winner has not yet been determined.
Fest 65 participants
According to the list published by RTSH, the following artists are participating in the 65th edition:
- 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
- Herva Novaku
- 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
- Xhoni Jesku
Competition requirements
Songs must be in Albanian, original and previously unreleased, with a maximum duration of four minutes. RTSH does not allow artificial intelligence to be used in creating competing songs. Failure to meet the criteria results in exclusion from the participation competition.
Performers must be over 18. The performer and songwriters must be Albanian. A singer may submit one song and a composer one composition, including co-authored work. Lyricists and arrangers may each contribute to up to two entries.
Programme details still to be confirmed
The official sources consulted for this profile confirm the dates and participants. The Fest 65 venue, broadcast times, presenters, jury, complete song titles and nightly running order have not been documented here without a verified announcement. These details can be added after confirmation by the organiser.
