For the first time, due to the ongoing pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the competition did not involve the usual symphonic orchestra and was not held per tradition at the Pallati i Kongreseve but rather in an open-air location at the Sheshi Italia.[8][6] As a result of the aforementioned, the performances of the semi-final and final were pre-recorded prior to the scheduled dates.[9]
Contestants
Prior to the scheduled event, RTSH opened a submission period for artists and composers to participate in Festivali i Këngës between August and October 2020.[10] On 28 October, it published a provisory list of 26 artists and songs shortlisted by a jury panel, consisting of Agim Doçi, Alma Bektashi, Eugent Bushpepa, Jonida Maliqi and Klodian Qafoku, to compete in the semi-final of the contest.[11][12][13][14] On 16 November 2020, the broadcaster ultimately released all of the competing songs on its official YouTube channel.[15][16][17]
The first semi-final of Festivali i Këngës took place on 21 December 2020 and was broadcast at 21:00 (CET).[3][20] During the show, the competing participants performed the official studio versions of their respective entries.[9] Prior to the second semi-final, the selected 18 songs to advance to the final were announced.[21]
The second semi-final of Festivali i Këngës took place on 22 December 2020 and was broadcast at 21:00 (CET).[3][20] During the show, the competing participants performed the acoustic versions of their respective entries.[9]
The grand final of Festivali i Këngës took place on 23 December 2020 and was broadcast at 21:00 (CET).[3][20] 18 songs competed and the winner was determined by the combination of the votes from a seven-member jury panel, consisting of Andri Xhahu, Kastriot Çaushi, Prec Zogaj, Rame Lahaj, Robert Radoja, Vasil Tole and Zana Shuteriqi.[22] Before the end of the competition, Anxhela Peristeri with "Karma" emerged as the winner and was simultaneously announced as Albania's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021.[23][24]
RTSH provided international live streaming of the two semi-finals and the grand final of Festivali i Këngës through their official YouTube channel with no commentary.[20][25][26]
^Prior to the first semi-final, Manjola Nallbani announced that she has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and she has not withdrawn from the competition.[18] However, during the scheduled rehearsals of the competition, she was ultimately forced to withdraw.[19]
^"Ja këngët e Fest '59" (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 29 October 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
