TIRANA, May 16 – Europe’s attention turns to Vienna this Saturday as the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 grand final takes place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Austria. Albania will perform fifth among the 25 competing countries with singer Alis Kallaçi and the song “Nân” [Mother].
Alis qualified for the final after his performance in the second semi-final. The Albanian entry drew international attention, including coverage from the BBC, while actress Rajmonda Bulku joined the stage performance in Vienna.
Meanwhile, Alis sent a video message to the RTSH1 programme “Në Kohë Reale” [In Real Time], where he thanked supporters and urged Albanians worldwide to continue voting for Albania and song number 05 in the final.
In addition, RTSH Director General Eni Vasili praised the work behind Albania’s Eurovision participation. She highlighted the preparation process led by the RTSH team, including staging, production, costumes and promotional activities since the national song festival in December.
Support from the Albanian diaspora remains important under Eurovision voting rules. Viewers cannot vote for their own country from inside their national territory. However, Albanians living abroad in participating countries may vote by phone, SMS or through esc.vote, according to local broadcaster instructions.
Meanwhile, online voting for audiences in non-participating countries, including the United States, remains available through esc.vote under the “Rest of the World” system. Eurovision organisers said viewers may vote up to 10 times, while voting will remain open throughout the live show and for around 40 minutes after the final performance.
The Eurovision final will air live on RTSH1 HD, RTSH Muzikë and Radio Tirana. Denmark will open the competition, followed by Germany and Israel, before Albania takes the stage in fifth position.
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