The contest was modelled on the basis of the festival of the same name held in Albania since 1962 and used as the Albanian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2003. Kosovo, formerly part of Yugoslavia, has never participated in the Eurovision Song Contest on its own, but the contest has been broadcast in the territory since 1961 and a number of Kosovan artists have represented Albania or Serbia in the event.
Despite its inability to become a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in order to take part in the contest,[4] in February 2023 Kosovan broadcaster RTK started to develop the format, with the long-term aim of using it as its national selection for Eurovision.[5][6] The format was ultimately defined on 7 March 2023.[7][8][9] In October 2023, shortly before the launch of its first edition, the festival's director Adi Krasta [sq] reported that he had been in contact with people at EBU who had expressed "extreme enthusiasm" regarding the event.[10] Director-general of the EBU Noel Curran made a remote appearance during the first night of the festival to express his congratulations.[11]
RTK stated it would apply for EBU membership in June 2024, having reaffirmed the intention to participate in Eurovision and use the next edition of the festival to select its 2025 entrant.[12]
A submission period was open between 2 June and 9 September 2023 to select eighteen competing entries.[13] At the festival, a 5-member jury – consisting of Adi Hila, Alban Nimani [sq], Zake Prelvukaj [sq], Ulla Sjöström and chair Alma Bektashi [sq][2][14] – voted to determine ten qualifiers from the first phase and the first three places in the final.[1][9][16] The winner was La Fazani (Arbër Salihu) with "Oj Kosovë".[17][18]
At the Palace of Youth in Pristina, the RTK Song Festival began, which will be broadcast live on RTK. In its second edition, the Kosovo Radio Television Song Festival features 16 artists on October 24, 25, and 26, 2024.
The winner’s trophy for this edition is the 'Blue Diamond', symbolizing Kosovo, its flag, and its blue color. Meanwhile, the festival jury consists of Minire Fetahu, the chairperson, Jane Sugarman, Ardiana Pajaziti, Valbona Selimllari, and Blerta Zeqiri.
Before the festival commenced, Festim Kabashi and Fëllënza Çitaku recited poems by Gjergj Fishta, Faik Konica, Fan Noli, Atë Zef Pllumi, and Ukshin Hoti, all of which resonate with the present era and call for national unity.
The festival showcased 16 artists, starting with Dea Strica performing "N'Shqipni", followed by Greta Azizi with "Veres", Agim Poshka with "Ndarja erdhi", Jehona Lumi with "Shko", Inorga with "Seks mashina nga Prishtina", Rei Bezhani with "Zonjë tradhti", Ardita Begu with "Fundosu në dritë", Besmir Shishko with "Unë Ajo", Blendi Kaso with "Një të vetme ka në jetë", Endrit Krasniqi with "Flasë me gjethen", Ardit Stafaj with "Faji", Santino De Bartola with "Unë jam Arbëresh", Arnite Kastrati with "Blla blla", Vlona Boshnjaku with "Lotët", Luna Çausholli with "Dielli të më shoh", and Bruna Sata with "Ti je i pashpirtë".
The live broadcast on RTK began at 20:10 with the arrival of guests on the red carpet of the Palace of Youth, while the festival officially started at 21:00. The contest was broadcast live on RTK 1, RTK 2, Radio Kosovo, and on the digital platforms of the public broadcaster.
The jury awarded the second prize to Greta Azizi for the song “Verës”, while the third prize went to Dea Strica for the song “N’Shqipni”. Endrit Krasniqi is the winner of the second edition of the RTK Song Festival, receiving the “Blue Diamond” trophy for the song “Flas me gjethen”. The prize from the Palace of Youth and the capital was awarded to Besmir Shishko for the song “Unë Ajo”. The orchestra prize was awarded by the festival's artistic director, Florent Boshnjaku, to Arnite Kastrati for the song “Blla blla”.[29]
