As is usually the case, the Song Festival is always accompanied by numerous debates, starting with the way of organizing the spectacle , the voting process to the winner that is usually said to be predetermined .
"I wanted this year an optimistic, positivist song that gives courage and hope, far from Balkan episodes and dramas, because Europe now sees us, but we still do not see ourselves so, unfortunately. You bring me that song, me and many women I know, "wrote someone Soni Malaj on Instagram.
"Thank you very much for the message. The only misfortune goes to my associates who insisted strongly that I accept the offers of other countries very important to represent them in the Eurosong, which sought an artist who knows very well the scene scene and stage performance . I did not accept that I have a bad one, I am idealistic for my country, but I think I need to be more realistic. Have a good time and a fantastic year, "answered Soni.
Her "Strongest" song - which spoke of the strength of women versus any difficulty - was one of the main contenders to win the first prize. In online surveys, Soni ranked first in the first place, and in second place with a nearly negligible margin from the first place.
However in the final, her song was ranked fourth. "Return to Earth" - Jonida Maliqi won first place with 228 points.