Participants in this edition of the Festival of Song will be judged by five members, two of them Albanian and the other three, from the Eurovision community. Their names were announced just shortly before, on stage, by Alketa Weysiu, who will serve as moderator for three nights.
Weissu said he learned the names of the jury members just moments before he appeared on the scene, "for confidentiality reasons."
Since the artistic direction of this festival was announced, there have been numerous references to the winner. There were few who expressed confidence in the winner, yet without racing. That is, the jury with a foreign majority does not know these rumors and will not be affected.
The first member to be introduced was Dr. Mikaela Minga, ethnomusicologist at the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Art Studies, Center for Albanological Studies, author of several books, articles and essays published in print media. Dr. Minga has a never-ending impressive CV, which you can read here.
Second, Swedish Christer Bjorkman, singer and television producer. He has represented Sweden at Eurovision in 1992. Since 2002, he has served as producer of Melodifestivalen, the festival that selects the Swedish representative at Eurovision.
Third, Greek Dimitris Kontopoulos, renowned Greek composer, active for more than 20 years and focused on dance-pop music. He has composed nine participating Eurovision Song Contest countries, two of which are ranked second and two third.
Fourth, Felix Bergsson of Iceland. Bergsson holds a bachelor of science degree in advanced theater practices. He has been involved in cinema and theater for more than two decades.
And finally Rita Petro, a poet and co-author in 36 textbooks in the subject of Albanian Language and Literature.
