We are always grateful for Albania’s Festivali i Këngës, the traditional music event that also serves as the country’s selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. Even in an ordinary year, it serves as the kick-off for the new Eurovision on-season and a nice bit of light in the winter darkness.

But this year more than ever, FiK 59 marked the moment at which we turn our back on the horror year of 2020 – in terms of world events above all, of course, but also as ESC fans with the cancellation of our beloved event for the first time ever – and look to the better times ahead in 2021.

ESC 2021 in Rotterdam might still look quite different to what we’re used to, of course, but at least it will happen. And that “the show must go on” mentality was present in Albania too, right from the moment it was announced that the national final would be held outdoors in order to prevent health risks and allow for social distancing. Even with pre-recorded performances, an outdoor national final in December was a brave choice, but it all worked well enough and served as a timely illustration of how a bit of imagination can help the Eurovision train to keep rolling.

And the winner? Well, in many quarters it was perceived as a two-way battle between Inis Neziri’s “Pendesë” (our chat’s favourite both on the semi-final night and tonight) and “Karma” by Anxhela Peristeri. In the end, Inis didn’t even make the podium – whereas “Karma” did indeed take the crown and will represent Albania in Amsterdam! Let the revamping begin.

So here you have it – officially the first ESC 2021 entry we know, and what a lovely Christmas present it is to now be thinking about 2021 and positive things to come. To each and every one of our readers, we wish you: Gëzuar festat!