Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019
Albania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel, with the song "Ktheju tokës" performed by Jonida Maliqi. Its selected entry was chosen through the national selection competition Festivali i Këngës organised by Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) in December 2018. To this point, the nation had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest fifteen times since its first entry in 2004. Prior to the contest, the song was promoted by a music video and live performances in the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Ana Golja co-hosted the 57th edition of Festivali i Këngës
Jonida Maliqi during a rehearsal for the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.
"Ktheju tokës" is a song by Albanian singer Jonida Maliqi. It was released as a single on 8 March 2019 by Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) and Universal. The song was composed and written by Eriona Rushiti, and produced by Enis Mullaj. It is musically an authentic and rhythmic Albanian-language folk-electronic ballad backed by traditional Albanian instruments. Lyrically, the song addresses the theme of migration, particularly to that of the Albanian people during the Kosovo War in the late 20th century.
Jonida Maliqi performing during a rehearsal. She wore a full-length black gown decorated with filigree and ancient Illyrian symbols.