Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006

ESC National Year
Year = 2006
Country = ALB
Preselection = Festivali I Këngës 44
Preselection date = Semi-finals
16 December 2005
17 December 2005
Final
18 December 2005
Entrant = Luiz Ejlli
Song = "Zjarr E Ftohtë"
SF result = "Failed to qualify" (14th)
Final result =

Albania chose their entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 on 18 December 2005, using a combination of a public televote and a panel of judges, which gave Luiz Ejlli victory with the song "Zjarr E Ftohtë" (Cold Fire). The victory prompted something of an outcry in Albania, some expressing accusations of jury bias as they thought other songs, for example that of Anjeza Shahini were better.

The song contained elements of ethnic Albanian folk music, and used traditional Balkan instruments. The song was composed by Klodian Qafoku and written by Dr. Flori. The song was performed in Albanian in Athens. It is the first Albanian Eurovision entry in Albanian, as 2004's "The Image of You" and "Tomorrow I Go", the 2005 entry, were both in English.

As Albania did not automatically qualify for the final on the basis of their performance in 2005, they had to compete in the semifinal. The entry finished 14th in the semi-final, four places away from a qualification spot with 58 points.

This song used traditional Albanian instruments, and a peculiar old man!

Luiz Ejlli was the first male performer to represent his country. Ejlli has been well-known in Albania since winning the 2004 "Idols" show. He also competed in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 pre-qualifying contest, finishing second with the song "Hëna Dhe Vjet dashurojnë" (The Moon And The Stars Are Loving)".

Festivali I Këngës 44

"For the semi-finals, see Festivali I Këngës 44."

ee also

*Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest
*Festivali I Këngës 44