Singing for Albania in this year's Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is rising pop star Alis. The 23-year-old, whose full name Alis Kallaçi, is representing his native country in the final of this year's competition which takes place in the Austrian city of Vienna on Saturday night (May 16). Alis was selected by the Albanian Eurovision body, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar, after winning the 64th edition of Festivali i Këngës with his song Nân. This was his second attempt at competing in the Eurovision, having finished third in the process last year. Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter Albania made it through the second semi-final during the week and will be the 23rd act performing in the final . The nation hasn't won the competition since their first appearance in 2004. Alis has been pursuing music from a young age, when he began trying to make a name for himself in the Albanian music scene. Not only boasting a great voice, he plays both the piano and guitar. Many doors and opportunities were opened for Alis after he won the fifth edition of The X Factor Albania in 2004. Fans love his blend of emotional vocal delivery and heartfelt storytelling, with his songs talking about the small moments that shape everyday life. Albania are heading into the event with a chance of lifting the glass microphone trophy, with their odds of winning 9/1 ahead of the show, according to bookies Ladbrokes. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final takes place on Saturday, May 16. It will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer with Graham Norton hosting and commentating for UK viewers. On BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, Sara Cox and Rylan will be leading the commentary. Coverage across the BBC will start at 8pm. Ta dish se nana po ju pret, E nana ju po ju përcjell, Nana në prag aty ngel në derë, Dy javë, dy vjet , iku kjo verë. Zemra po dhemb, E lotin mezi po e mban. Ju tash po ikni, Do qani pak, Do harroheni, Për jetë ma t’mirë, e di. E ne na duket, shohim hijet, Në korridor ecin me vrap, Dëgjojmë zërat, hala n’oborr. E qeshun me t’madhe, Hap dritaren, e askush Nuk asht aty. Marr t’shtroj për t’fjet, N’divana e n’tok, Baj za, askush s’përgjigjet. Ta dish se nana po ju pret, E nana ju po ju përcjell, Nana në prag aty ngel në derë, Dy javë, dy vjet , iku kjo verë. Rri e kujtoj, Kyt vend që dikur s’pat qetësi, Rrëmujë e ngrohtë, Gjithë librat n’tok, Shpejt u ba ftohtë, Shkretinë e plot. Ta dish se nana po ju pret, E nana ju po ju përcjell, Nana në prag aty ngel në derë, Dy javë, dy vjet , iku kjo verë. Kur po vjen, moj nan, Se malli m’than, Po mos u mërzit, Nana ka me t’prit. English translation Know that mother waits for you, She waves you down the road. Still standing at the doorway, As two weeks, two years, This summer, too, is gone. My heart is aching I can barely hold the tears Now you are leaving You will cry a little Then forget For a better life, I know We still see your shadows Running down the hall, And we hear your voices Echo softly in the yard A great big laugh I hear, I open up the window But no one’s there. I make the beds On sofas and the floor, I call your names, no one answers. Know that mother waits for you, She waves you down the road. Still standing at the doorway, As two weeks, two years, This summer, too, is gone. I sit remembering this place Once it never slept in peace Warm messy living, Books on the floor Suddenly it turned cold, a desert remains Know that mother waits for you, She waves you down the road. Still standing at the doorway, As two weeks, two years, This summer, too, is gone. When are you coming my child? This longing burns inside But worry not, Mother will be waiting for you