REACTION: Besa Kokëdhima's "TiTAN" [Albania's

Alesia Michelle is reacting to the UPDATED #Eurovision2024 entry from Albania. Besa Kokëdhima's "TiTAN" will be on the Eurovision Song Contest stage.
Reaction Starts: 02:20
Featured Video: • Besa Kokëdhima -TiTAN ...
Alesia Michelle is a Eurovision blogger, based in the United States and has been covering the Eurovision Song Contest on KZbin since 2015. Check out her reaction now!
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in Malmö, Sweden. Semifinals and finals will be held May 7th, 9th and 11th in Malmö Arena.
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[@gettsieleader]

This song isn’t actually translated it’s just new lyrics

[@brahimajbirmingham7391]

This song is a breath of fresh air modern 2024 song This song it should do well as long as judges are not biased

[@luvitzs7490]

I had the same reaction as you at first but it grows after the second or third listen. Now I love this song so freakin much

[@donaldoduka2644]

Sameee cuz now it's stuck on my head

[@markeeecmarkoni2855]

❤To me, they are two different songs, but if I have to choose, this one is better for me 😬

[@TheFloon]

I want to take whoever recorded and produced the vocals on this revamp and ask them where the hurt began. How do you make someone who sounds so good live and then make it sound like they needed all the autotune on the studio cut? This revamp made me appreciate the original version much more.

[@achnix3167]

Same with the first studio version actually

[@harut93]

I just love this song ! It’s constantly in my head 😲😍

[@lexidex1968]

Albanian is SUCH a beautiful language. Changing to English was a mistake. Historically, Albania qualifies when its in their original language because it appeals to the audience who looks for more traditional ethnic vocals.

[@unknownbye]

its all abour you, carry me in your dreams, Im alive

[@Crystali10-q2b]

im alb origninal was shit song

[@gentahodo2690]

I really, really like this revamp! I feel like most people are hating on it because it's human to judge a big change when you are used to something else. The original version was extremely MEH IMO. Now, it's a nice, catchy pop song.

[@isyourgurltina7183]

Yes!🙌

[@MJMW25]

I think it will elevate further with the staging, it seems like they’ve got a good team this year (people who staged heroes and chachacha)

[@abc-00000]

TITAN ❤

[@Querviinho]

Such a reverse revamp lol, sounds like the production is even worse now

[@AnaliaAna-jh9im]

This song will reach top 10 at grand final❤

[@Sonnen_Licht]

I miss the "mooooo" from the original version

[@IanIa303]

Bruh they aint cows

[@livinglyrics2778]

She was saying/ singing the Albanian word ‘mu’ in the original Alb version. ‘Mu’ translates to ‘me’ in context of a sentence, for example, ‘sing with me’ = ‘kendoj me mu’ in Albanian 😊.

[@IanIa303]

@@livinglyrics2778 bro im literally Albanian i was just joking

[@livinglyrics2778]

@@IanIa303 🇦🇱♥️ comment was not directed at anyone. I was just clarifying for people that might be wondering what ‘mu’ translated to in Alb.

[@FloraHysa-r7u]

Bravo Albania 🇦🇱 ime te duam fituese ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱

[@ronfarkas]

This was self-sabotage. Also, turns out they changed the message of the song, it went from an "I'll be there for you" love song to this "I'm a warrior" mess

[@-_YouMayFind_-]

why did they do that?

[@enismehmeti235]

Yeah it's strange but I cought myself to listening and liking it from yesterday a couple of times - and didn't skip it as many songs that I do from this years competition

[@thlimpq8840]

This song was qualifying before, now it's likely not.

[@tonyttt31]

It's lost its edge.

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Yeah- choices were made

[@uneti463]

opposite

[@TDCT26]

It wasn't...

[@JaymiKit5une]

I don't think it was qualifying before or after 😅

[@sav0001]

Besa took everything out of the song that made it stand out, Titan will now directly compete with Fire Fighter from Georgia and I have a feeling only one will make it

[@Uil7686]

Albania is back to their translation nq era 😂😭 the song doesn’t feel like it has a strong pov. It feels very generic…

[@gettsieleader]

The song is not translated.

[@Uil7686]

@@gettsieleader I know world wasnt either back then but you get my point

[@gettsieleader]

@@Uil7686 Yeah but with good staging this can make it I’m sure

[@michaelchristov9309]

@@gettsieleaderyeah if it were translated maybe the lyrics were going to be better 😭

[@taulantkadenasikadenasi9950]

Perfec ❤

[@takistaratakis7682]

❤❤❤ top 10

[@Querviinho]

Yeah, backwards

[@isyourgurltina7183]

@@Querviinho ?

[@Unknown-o107]

Still 10

[@complainingperson2883]

literally how

[@sav0001]

If Albania qualifies it's getting it's usual 17th-22nd place

[@complainingperson2883]

I had faith in Besa… but now I’ve lost it

[@uneti463]

the opposite, this was a good surprise, iv been singing and dancing to it

[@complainingperson2883]

@@uneti463 To me it's a lot less special, and I agree with Alesia that the production sounds really cheap. Some of the lyrics don't really make sense, too

[@esc19]

Love the revamp

[@Speedwell-h7z]

Top❤❤❤❤

[@eagledon]

This is so polished, classy, looks like Sia and Dua Lipa. top 5 , for mr this is a winner

[@sebastiantahiraj6711]

The Problem with Revamps is that People got used to the Original when its getting Translated too its to different. I had the same Feelings as Alesia had in the beginning but after the Second time listening it really grew on me and had a bigger Impact on me than Zemren ne dore maybe ist because im am Albanian speaking and understood the Original the lyrics there where awful. If we think about the average Eurovision viewer they will listen this song for the first time and won't know Zemren ne dore and will treat it like a new Song + the Money Besa has this Year and her Stage crew being really good she has a good shot qualifying in semi 2 with a lot of Countries where Albanians Immigrants live like Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Greece and Malta giving Albania often points. My English ist not really good so if you see Mistakes im sorry its my third language

[@isyourgurltina7183]

Totally agree with you🙌

[@yashandkittygaming]

I like the Albanian version a bit more this is not bad I like that they removed mooo part and and the climax improved A LOT

[@kristihoxha25]

The production is amazing what are u sayinggg

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Peep the other comments… I’m not on an island here

[@isyourgurltina7183]

In my opinion, I‘m glad Albania chose their song to be in english this time. No offense but I feel like people always kinda judge when it comes to their entry: The last couple of years they did their best to keep it in albanian mostly, but haven’t really gotten that far with it in the contest, so their entries weren’t really quite successful in the past. And now some people are starting to complain because of the fact that Besa chose her song to be in english, but I feel like I understand why she decided to do that: On the one hand, based on the other entries from the past of course, she just wanted to do something different and on the other hand, i also think that she wanted to risk it in a way cause she was realizing that the original version in albanian wasn‘t really memorable to many people and started to get rather unpopular since Festivali i Kenges when she won, based on the number of views etc. her performance there got here on KZbin where we can see that it just didn‘t really stand out in contrast to those other entries. This is why I think that it’s not fair and I won’t blame her after all, but at the same time, it’s okay if some people just don’t like the new version at all, but I promise it’s gonna get better and better, you just have to listen to it more than once, that’s what i was doing at least and now i‘m really loving it. But in the end, let’s see what she’s gonna do with her live performance on stage, that’s what actually counts, thank you very much for your reaction❤️

[@achnix3167]

But the the lyrics gotta be better but regardless of language the song lost usp

[@makotowale3807]

Whats the hate all about. I think its a huge improvement it sounds so empowering and anthemic right now. It will be such a cool stage moment. I disagree with the production being weak as well i think it should be about Besa and it is thay way.

[@AlesiaMichelle]

The production is the vehicle for Besa to shine and it is not as good as the the orginal production choices. PERIOD.

[@makotowale3807]

Arcades and de dieptes producers made this. Its so clean and well produced i dont get ur comments

[@tom_4546]

@@makotowale3807she is right! This song is boring now

[@leendertjanw7540]

It's confusing. Like they didn't know what they wanted to do with the song. Is it pop, is it Balkan, is it a ballad, is it midtempo or uptempo? It's just not working, sadly.

[@achnix3167]

:( wasnt sure at first but yeah the albanian version was better, though her voice sounds way better live anyways. The English lyrics sound uninspired and like an afterthought and the production a little random and cold or as you said, thin, at times... A little too slow for my taste as well... Not bad, just feels like a misstep

[@AlesiaMichelle]

I’m not worried about her voice, but I am concerned about this song.

[@denislleshaj3060]

As an albanian i prefered albanian language. Besa risked with the english rewamp but even if the song stayed in albanian it was a question if she qualified.The song dont hit with the first listen but become better after a few times. With a good staging either is gonna be a dark horse or stays in semi final.But for me is not a problem if she qualifies at least i know she will slay.

[@adelinadhimas9398]

BRAVO BESA ❤❤❤is great is great is great ❤❤❤

[@alioth7403]

"every tear is going to ricochet" 😂😂😂😂

[@chiarap2991]

Honestly, I think they made the wrong choice. This is like, the 10th maybe, "girlpower" type of song. It's overproduced. They just had to fix the Albanian version a bit. This made a gigantic drop on my list, unfortunately.

[@QueenLoreen1983]

Besa deserves to win❤💯🙌🏼

[@Albanian_trends]

First of all, nothing is translated, but it is a new lyric . And secondly, I respect your opinion, but many people are just spreading hatred, while this year there are many artistically weak songs, and Eurovision needed such a song. And I have no doubts that we will get into the final ✌

[@UsernameUsername0000]

I know you’re Albanian and you’re gonna be biased to your entry, but this just became the most artistically weak song of the year to many. The lyrics and production aren’t good and the melody isn’t there.

[@Uil7686]

Its just a generic song… it doesnt sound like it would be in the charts and it doesnt sound like its artistic, cultural or experimental

[@Albanian_trends]

@@UsernameUsername0000 we will see how weak the song is artistically because time will tell us. See you in the final ✌

[@DominikGuzowski]

I went from loving Zemrën n'dorë (more than the average ESC fan) to first hating the revamp, but after multiple listens this grew on me a lot, especially the end. I'm hoping her live will bring the best out of the song and the thin sound from the production will be gone. Funnily enough the song has a mostly different melody line from Zemrën n'dorë apart from chorus and rap, and the lyrics are completely new and not translated either, but I agree the song lacks an oomph at this point in time. I still love the upbeat ending though.

[@esc19]

I love the revamp

[@albiegato]

Oh wait, why doesn't this one have a post-reaction commentary?

[@Hydraas]

I assume because she's already done a full breakdown video once, she doesn't want a repeat

[@papa7027]

Why is this song so underrated???

[@zanabancishakarna]

I love it I haven’t watched better songs really

[@G_RAM_CR]

I didn't love the original version but it was much better than this revamp. The revamp gives the feeling that something is missing and I don't even think it is the language per se, I just think the power of the original melody got lost with this new direction they took and the things is .... 2nd semi is not that easy at this point. Great visuals though

[@turtellok4964]

If Albania wasn't a televote qualifier in for example 2021, I don't know if this will be one. I'm not sure if Albania will make it

[@achnix3167]

2021 was rediculous... Glad the juries saved her. But you have to take into account which countries are voting and that every year is different. Random

[@turtellok4964]

@@achnix3167 for sure, that song definitely deserved to go through. If I remember correctly it was actually in a semi with some voting allies just like Albania this year, so that's why I'm uncertain about the qualification

[@kobibus6982]

waiting your reaction to the israeli song💙🇮🇱🤍☮️✡️🤍🇮🇱💙

[@kobibus6982]

😘🇮🇱💙🤍​@@Idk-qs4nr

[@Hydraas]

Wasn't a big fan of the original but i liked her voice on it, the rap section and some of the instrumentation. Titan i like less. This song feels like it has less push and less ethnic sounds. I'm just not feeling it any more.

[@UsernameUsername0000]

They did the same thing they did in 2016. Get rid of the only redeeming factors in the instrumental and cut so many corners there’s no corners anymore.

[@dritonramadani3835]

Okay. Okay. Okay

[@joseuribe9273]

Alesia why’d you block me for saying that hating on Eden Golan isn’t accomplishing anything for Palestinians?

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Pretty sure you are not blocked. But much like you're "off-topic" here you were there. I'm not bullying anyone nor would I condone that behavior happening to ANYONE online. No one deserves to be maliciously targeted IRL or online.

[@matthewgabriel4528]

I don't really have a problem with songs having translations or new lyrics, but the biggest issue most revamps face is changing the original melody/production too much. I loved the original FiK version of the song, the instrumental just fit the dramatic and emotive feel the song had. But this new production just doesn't have that same edge and that switch in the last chorus came out of nowhere and didn't have the same effect I think they wanted it to have. Hoping the best for Albania but its a no for me

[@tonyttt31]

It needs another re-vamp! It's Proud and Fall from the Sky and a dozen other overcoming adversity songs.

[@zlatkoamericanoNYC]

That's what happens when you drop Darko Dimitrov from the production. They should have kept him.

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Ooooo

[@hatewillprevail1162]

Why is not the full reaction?

[@AlesiaMichelle]

The reaction is me watching and reacting. So it is there. I technically already reviewed the chances and whatnot when they first released the song. But in reality, my microphone broke after the reaction and didn't record any of my audio after the reaction.

[@audi0078]

​@@AlesiaMichellesomehow i think you have really sassy personality privately, you would make amazing bff to gossip with and drink coffee 😅❤

[@vjollcaxhemali9725]

❤❤❤❤❤❤super Albanja❤❤❤❤bravooooooo🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@adelinadhimas9398]

Is great ❤is great is great ❤🎉

[@TDCT26]

This lacks low-pitch sounds imo, Idk what exactly but it all (vocals+instrumental) feels very high-pitch without contrast

[@alexandrobossiano]

Shortly. İf Rihana would sing this song. Today we would have a new super hit.

[@wagneraugustoalmeidademora366]

Now I am afraid about what Aiko will do with Pedestal...

[@AlesiaMichelle]

I'm living in a land of hope for that one.

[@Crowleas]

Nope. They destroyed the song. One of the worst revamps ever. The melody of the chorus is completely lost. They took my favourite part- the only hook that had haunted me- and they turned it to a lame weak ri-i-i-ise. Disaster. Plus, this is a completely different song now. It's like a mockery to the people who voted for it in their national selection. This is an other suggestion, not the one that people chose to be represented by. The music video is good, the lyrics not too bad but yeap I see no reason for so big change. That beautiful melodic ballad would be just fine with just a slick production. Why did they have to turn it to a half-minded dance mediocrity? This is not qualifying.

[@in_wino_veritas]

I don't know about this. It's also got direct competition from Greece, Armenia, and to a lesser extent, from Georgia, although it's a little bit more pop, but also in the 2nd half, but keep in mind that it's quite possible that they might not perform that far apart from each other (eg, if Albania is opening the 2nd half and you got Greece or Armenia in the 7th slot, Georgia maybe in 12th position). And no, the lyrics aren't clunky. Partially, the melody was better in the old one instead of just ri-ee-i-ee-i-ee-ise it had different vowel sounds in that part, I guess, probably a word that was artificially prolonged, with more syllables, while there's probably just one word with that many syllables in the Albanian version, who knows. Other than that part, everything's either the same or better. I'm convinced, it's all gonna sound more dynamic live (especially if they're gonna add live backing vocalists), although it would have been more impactful with the orchestra in the background. Maybe they're allowed to use this as a backing track instead of the studio version, but probably not. When it comes to the studio track, the production might not be great, but the original studio version sounded weak as well. It was probably because it was done in the same studio. I don't know. Let's see how this would work out.

[@marvinneziraj6123]

This version is defenetly better and will be in the top 10. 100%.

[@kieranedmunds2936]

It feels way to stripped back and i agree thin production, the bridge clapping has 0 energy when it should be anthemic and the beat in the upbeat part Isn't hitting enough to end it on high, this will struggle in semi 2 for sure

[@avilhelm]

"Menu of the day" Tonight: Rice! This was in my top 3 before the English lyrics and I'm afraid it lost its magic with the new lyrics and production, I'm so sad! Same happened in 2016 and 2017, really solid entries from the get that were butchered. But of course it's the choice of the artist and broadcaster in the end. I will keep Zemren N'dore on my playlist but not this one.

[@marku7936]

For me this song is the winner. Is perfect song like sia . Dua lipa

[@audi0078]

Sia where? Dua Lipa who? Oh come of it, what was that 😂

[@marku7936]

@audi0078 dua lipa is Albania en besa is Albania you think don't have talet Besa she sing very good I think you not ok . Haters like you existe byeee

[@audi0078]

@@marku7936 I like Besa and Albania, i like the song actually. But im huge Dua Lipa fan, and they don't compare. Be real baby

[@antonioreyes1693]

It was produced by Romanian producer serban cazan. If you're going to go foreign at least make it good but that didn't happen.

[@medixstar9184]

Idk why she used such effects and autotune. She has such a great voice live.

[@AlesiaMichelle]

She really does.

[@Malcolm-C99]

I like the revamp. Tomorrow ther is Malta's revamp. Love from Malta.

[@tom_4546]

This is let down :( staying in semi as always when Albania is in Sweden (2013/2016)

[@zanabancishakarna]

Lyrics is different from original in Albanian is Nora translation but the meaning is the same thing

[@austincaraher1942]

When you mentioned World I immediately agreed it wasnt as bad BUT Titan definitely reminds me of Albania 2016-2017 where they had a decent to good song then "revamped" it to make it a forgettable track especially in this line-up. The issue isnt the English exactly here but rather the poor production. Im sorry but I think Titan may be DOA when it comes to the contest.

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Yeah the lyrics aren't AWFUL. The production is a downgrade from the original.

[@Valentin12993]

This is amazing ❤❤❤ top 5 We need this song, that's enough with stupid songs without minding

[@divcoge1506]

Damn you really never have anything insightful to say!

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Damn, if that was actually the case I have know clue how I've made it this far. Must be a blessing or luck...

[@unknownbye]

BESA ATE. Yall are JUDGING ALBANIA FOR ITS PAST and AS A COUNTRY not the SONG, if it was represnting Sweden it would’ve won! Sad truth

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Stop it ✋🏾. We live Albania over here

[@Sk88p]

Hm her voice sounds very very autotuned. idk but im a bit disappointed. The production is indeed flat.

[@Arriba_ftv]

this fall so hard for me too, lost its charm

[@davidpeters99]

i really liked the original version but this is just no.

[@maxandphilipschannel9415]

Albania was in my top 5. They are not anymore. At this point I’m hoping for a dq so more of my favs in semi 2 make it

[@SC-bq7ob]

It's not a skip but it's not good enoughnto reach the final imo 😢

[@dariosinanish]

R u kidding me? U need to change ur headphones girl. 😂

[@allistreamsesc]

The old version was better because it was Albanian.

[@dangarratt5177]

I think with the strength of this year, id prefer to leave this in the semis

[@peterhajduch6702]

I knew that Alesia wouldn't like that production lol :). Overall, yeah a 2016 all over again aka i dont know why she decided to change it- i dont like this revamp and translation

[@tironbogdan]

Hi! Are you looking for a video editor?

[@dimitrisk9302]

You are an npc😂 this is a hit! If Rihanna did the singing i bet that you would like it

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Please...

[@elvis9248]

The revamp is so much worse. I guess Albania is definitely a nq this year, I think that Semi 2 is now much stronger than Semi 1 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@hadarblau]

What about reaction to Israel?

[@Wamubodo]

This is my thing. When Jonida ended up with the 17th. place it was clear people do not support Albania. And as a reaction they are hiring some Scandic people to make it more ESC? Is this the answer? I think not. Maybe it's not the year for the ethnic song but this revamp destroys all the elements. Now it feels just like this ESC song. I think they should stick to this original sound and wait a couple of years. Maybe finally they would get some appreciation.

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Jonida qualified though, love... If Besa stuck with the original I think it wouldn't have had more a chance for qualification.

[@biancax23]

Albanian version was much better

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Yes

[@Itsryebailey]

Oh dear it was better before! 😑

[@danielfidalgo6649]

This revamp is terrible

[@donaldoduka2644]

common people why are yall lying so much by saying the Albanian version was better when it was never in any top 15,enjoy the new one cuz it'll grow on

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Peep my first reaction. The first version was never really BAD… she the efforts to change it didn’t align with early public opinion

[@esc_briefing]

the production sounds pretty cheap.. im very sorry for her

[@vadimbuza4773]

Titan is trying so hard to be Chains on chains on you.

[@d.k.2202]

What I think? Besa is a wonderful singer and your reaction is the most ridiculous and unprofessional I have ever heard. Love and Peace

[@carloscamejo391]

Honestly the revamp is weaker.

[@zanabancishakarna]

Really cause the team dhe has is Finland that directed cha cha but because comes from Albania you talk shit

[@sonicna]

It's a strong no from me, sorry Albania :(

[@anita_agr]

One of the weakest songs in this year's line up,it was ok in Albanian,now it's just very middle of the road.

[@ΣιφσαμοτρενΡοπ]

Alibabanian and the 40 thieves

[@igballekoliqi7548]

🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱