When it was announced in early June that the artistic direction of the ART Festival at ART would be taken over by Vera Grabocka and Alketa Vejsiu, people - who, starting from online surveys, didn't have much interest - were curious because of the doubt has long produced successful formulas. However, as always there was no strong debate about the winner, which according to some rumors had been predetermined from the beginning. Some said she would win Elvana, others thought the award would go to Arilene, others wrote public letters about the lack of transparency and why a particular song was not accepted. But here we are, two days before the release of all the songs that will compete and the question naturally arises again: Is the winner really known?
1. Which artist has the public interest most?
Ever since the list of participating singers was made public, Elvana Gjata's name has been most prominent in the big award. In a Wiwibloggs poll - the site that updates all the information about Eurovision - published a poll asking: Which singer are you looking forward to? With a clear margin of votes, Elvana stands at 37.47%. At this point, the public interest in Elvana, which has been praised or declared a winner in any competition, such as Top Fest or Dancing with the Stars, is understandable.
Besides Elvana, another strong contender is Arilena, which is ranked second with 22.03% in the Wiwibloggs poll. Arilena, who has somehow been managing Vejsiu and Grabocka since she was announced as the X Factor winner, is known in Russia, thanks to the international success of the song "November", and in several other European countries.
Like Elvana, Arilena is one of the singers most interested in the public, which makes you think that they are two of the main contenders, who have not disappointed with their participation in festivals, albums or clips.
2. Some srtists can be strong competitors.
Olta Boka, in an interview with Aperitiv Fest, said she did not aim for victory, but welcomed it. Unlike other artists, Olta has previously touched on Eurovision and has a lighter weight of emotions. Olta Boka ranks third, behind Arilena, with 8.6% of the vote. On the other hand, we have Albreie Hadergjonaj, a friend of Vera Grabocka. It seems as if Albania has not aimed at Eurovision and has come more from its friendship with Summer, but let's not forget that the singer has brought powerful songs wherever she is presented. Suffice it to remember the 2015 "Magic Song" ballad with outstretched hand.
3. The power of live interpretation.
In a festival that greatly appreciates the ability to control emotions and perform live, artists who have proven to be capable of giving an outstanding performance can certainly be favored. The Era of Russia has proven to be a "beast" in the live, and no half note is wrong. Moreover, sources for Anabel.al say that Era will present a super song. So it might be the Era of Russia too.
4. But we can have surprises.
Uendi Mancaku, the artist who was praised a year ago in "Magic Song" as "Best New Artist" can be a surprise. Wendy and Tiri Gjoci, the latter also competitors, were the singers who accompanied Jonida Maliqi to Eurovision as the second voices. On the other hand, Kanita, who was artistically formed on the X Factor and brought on successful ballads like the one in Magic Song, may surprise us as well.
5. The jury!
We should add that of special importance is the jury, which can change the outcome. Alketa Vejsiu told Aperitiv Fest that she "doesn't know the jury yet" as three foreign representatives from Eurovision will arrive.
To answer the question in the title, this year, we can hardly say for sure who will grab the first prize. Until the December 22 finale, we have to wait. Whether he deserved it or not, we discuss it later.
