TIRANA, May 21 – Elhaida Dani made Albanians proud again this week after successfully qualifying for the Grand Final of the 2015 Eurovision song contest as one of the top favourites for this year’s Vienna edition.
“Hearing the name of my country announced first was crazy, really,” said Dani, who in 2013 rose to international fame after winning the Voice of Italy song contest.
“I had this big responsibility of representing my country, and it’s not little. Being in the final is amazing,” she told the Eurovision TV.
Experts have rated Dani as one of the top favourites to win the 2015 edition despite her rather emotional performance in the first semi-final.
Dani has been drawn to perform in the second half of the Grand Final on May 23 with her “I’m Alive” ballad.
Asked about her participation in Eurovision, Dani described it as a great opportunity and the biggest contest she has ever participated.
“I love competitions, they always give me rushes of adrenaline and usually adrenaline is an asset for me, it makes me perform even better. I hope it will happen in Vienna.”
“I’m Alive” is a pop ballad with modern and ethnic element which grows by the end and manages to exhibit Elhaida’s impressive vocal, says Eurovision on its official website.
Back in late December 2014, Dani was initially selected to participate in the Eurovision contest with her “Diell” (Sun) ballad but the song was withdrawn after a dispute with its composer.
The new “I’m Alive” entry was composed by Kosovo duo Zzap & Chris, with lyrics by Sokol Marsi and the adapted English version by U.S based Kosovo singer Linda Halimi who came third in the 2014 national competition serving as platform to select the country’s Eurovision representative.
“This means a lot to me. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to represent Albania in an important festival such as Eurovision and making my dream come true,” Dani told the audience in late 2014 after she was announced the festival’s winner.
Born in the northern town of Shkodra, Dani, 21, started her singing career 2008 when she participated in the local Albania Kënga Magjike festival. A year later she won the Star Akademi talent show, followed by her victory in Top Fest in 2012. She rose to international fame in 2013 when she won the Voice of Italy song contest.
Back in 2012, Rona Nishliu became the most successful Albanian Eurovision representative after ranking fifth among 26 finalists in the song contest held in Azerbaijan. Nishliu collected 146 points to see herself rank 5th, the best result since 2004 when Albania made its Eurovision debut with Anjeza Shahini who came sixth.
