RTSH has revealed the revamped version of the Albanian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Jonida Maliqi was selected to represent the nation in Albania with “Ktheju Tokës” back in December, and now her song has undergone a major revamp.
The recording of the new version took place in Stockholm, Sweden last month with composer Eriona Rushiti, Enis Mullaj and Sokol Marsi. As the song’s lyrics refer to the Albanian immigrants around the world, it would’ve been a mistake translating it to English, however, the biggest question many fans were asking was whether Jonida will be keeping it in the original language or rather have it remade for the grandiose contest.
As for Albania, the country is known for bringing English songs to the Eurovision stage – they did it from 2014 to 2017, but since Eugent Bushpepa kept his song “Mall” in the original format last year, singer Jonida hopes to replicate his success, as she stated she would keep her winning song as it is.
What is different then? Well, most of the song has remained the same, but the Albanian number has gained more atmosphere, and also, the opening beat has changed, breaking up the repetitive rhythm present. To the first verse, flute-like sounds were added, and they have added some more instrumental layers to the chorus, making it more dramatic and deep.
Watch the artistic music video with for the revamped version of “Ktheju Tokës” below:
All acts of the acts have now been announced, they are Srbuk for Armenia, Tamta for Cyprus, Jonida Maliqi for Albania, Eliot for Belgium, Miki for Spain, Serhat for San Marino, Duncan Laurence for The Netherlands, Tamara Todevska for North Macedonia, Michela Pace for Malta, Bilal Hassani for France, Lake Malawi for the Czech Republic, PÆNDA for Austria, Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman for Finland. Michael Rice for the United Kingdom, Sergey Lazarev for Russia, Mahmood for Italy, Kate Miller-Heidke for Australia, D-Moll for Montenegro, Kobi Marimi for Israel, Katerine Duska for Greece, Joci Pápai for Hungary, Jurijus for Lithuania, Leonora for Denmark, S!sters for Germany, Ester Peony for Romania, Victor Crone for Estonia, Roko for Croatia, Carousel for Latvia, Tulia for Poland, Hatari for Iceland, Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl for Slovenia, KEiiNO for Norway, Nevena Bozovic for Serbia, Conan Osíris for Portugal, Oto Nemsadze for Georgia, Anna Odobescu for Moldova, Luca Hänni for Switzerland, John Lundvik for Sweden, Zena for Belarus, Sarah McTernan for Ireland, and Chingiz for Azerbaijan.
The 2019 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted at the Expo Tel Aviv in Israel after Netta won last year with the song “Toy”. The two Semi-Finals will take place on 14 May and 16 May with the Grand Final taking place on 18 May. A total of 41 countries will compete in the contest.