A spokesperson for the International Relations Department of Albanian broadcaster RTSH have confirmed that Albania will be participating in the upcoming Junior Eurovision Song Contest in December. Details of how their song and singer will be selected are expected in the coming days.
Albania previously took a break from the 2020 contest in Warsaw, Poland, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They join Ireland, North Macedonia and Portugal in returning after taking a break last year, and Azerbaijan, who are returning to the contest for the first time since 2018.
Albania’s confirmation of participation in Junior Eurovision 2021 brings the total number of participating countries up to 15. Belgium, Estonia, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Slovakia and Wales have all confirmed they will not be present at the 2021 contest. We are still awaiting an answer on participation from Australia and Kazakhstan.
Albania’s Junior Eurovision journey began in Amsterdam in 2012 with Igzidora Gjeta. After a last place finish, Albania withdrew from the contest, and returned in 2015, where Mishela Rapo achieved Albania’s best result when she finished in 5th place. Albania have participated every year since then up until 2020 when they took a one year break. Their 2021 participation will mark their seventh appearance at Junior Eurovision,
Are you happy to see Albania back in Junior Eurovision? Do you think they will hold a national final or have an internal selection? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
