I have waited for a while before posting Albania's review just to make sure that my enthusiasm and bias will settle down.
'Zjerm' is my personal favourite entry for the season and coming from a nation that has not had great success in Eurovision makes things more complicated. I will try to be as much objective as possible but you have been warned.
I loved the entry since its audio release before Festival I Kenges and never looked back. It is an interesting mix of electro/dance music with traditional music instruments that manages to blend them nicely offering an authentic and filling experience.
The song progresses nicely after grabbing your attention from the very first second and Beatrice is a true performer. The break in the middle with Kole's lyrics does add to the song's value but it is very clear that Kole does not feel 100% comfortable and this is something that needs to be addressed for Eurovision.
I do have the suspicion that Albania could have an impact with both constituencies, ticking boxes and oozing authenticity. Albania by numbers has a secured amount of points coming from diaspora and friends (50-80) and adding 20-30 points with each constituency might be enough to secure them the Top-10 place that they have been missing for 13 years! This is the first Albanian entry after a very long time that will be getting points in Public vote outside of their diaspora deservedly.
In my opinion, the actual result does not matter that much for Albania because this is the kind of entries they should be sending to Eurovision, representing their culture and tradition but showing some ambition as well.
I do believe that Albania has a unique chance to create some hype after the Semi - Final and fight/contend for a spot in the Top-5 but this might be a tough ask for them. I believe they will land somewhere in the middle being 8th-10th.
What do I see in my crystal ball?
Albania cruising to the Final and most probably cracks the Top-5 in the Semi - Final. The hype will get traction and Albania will secure its first Top-10 result since 2012 finishing 8th-10th. I will not be surprised if they finish in Top-10 with both constituencies.
Televoting Potential: 8.5/10
Jury Potential: 7.5/10
Staging Potential: 8.5/10
Momentum: 7.5/10
My Opinion: 10/10
Total: 42/50
What the fair winning chance % would be?
0.1% - 1%
Best case scenario:
6th-8th
Worst case scenario:
14th-17th
Pre-Contest estimated points:
SF: 75-105
F: J: 75-100 - PV: 75-125 - Tot: 150-225
Share your thoughts in the comments area. Is Albania capable of pulling a 'Shum' and crack the Top-5?
You can hear my thoughts about Albania in the 1st episode of the Eurovision Analysis podcast 'Talk About Things' co-hosted with the Eurovision experts @mat_rickard and @Panos_Zannettos at
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