Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006


Albania was represented by Luiz Ejlli in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with the song "Zjarr e ftohtë". 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.
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" ".

Before Eurovision

Festivali I Këngës 44

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

At Eurovision

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.
Because Albania placed 16th at the 2005 contest, Luiz was forced to compete in the Eurovision semi-final, he performed 6th, following Belarus and preceding the Belgium The entry finished 14th in the semi-final, four places away from a qualification spot with 58 points. Therefore, Albania will have to compete in the semi-final again in ESC 2007.

Points awarded by Albania[Eurovision [Song Contest 2006]]

Semi final

Final

12 points10 points8 points7 points6 points

  • 5 points4 points3 points2 points1 point