Jonida Maliqi (born 26 March 1983) is an Albanian singer, television host, media personality, philanthropist, fashion icon and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Tirana, Albania, she rose to popularity at the age of thirteen upon her debut at the "Festivali i Këngës", the third-oldest televised song contest in Europe. Maliqi entered the competition for several times and has also hosted its 49th edition in 2010. In 2018, Jonida reached the number one position with the song "Ktheju Tokës" (Return to the Land), thus becoming Albania's sixteenth representative in the Eurovision Song Contest. Maliqi has won an array of music awards throughout her career and has played Bithia in the Albanian version of 'The Ten Commandments: The Musical' as well as Juliet in Roméo et Juliette Musical. In 2012, Maliqi became the captain of her team at the Albanian version of the Dutch TV series I Love My Country whereas in 2013 she hosted the first season of The Voice Kids Albania. In 2014 she co-hosted the fourth season of Dancing with the Stars (Albanian TV Series) whereas in 2016 she appeared as a judge on the fifth season of The Voice of Albania. Jonida is a recognized style icon, being referred to as a "fashionista" by the press. She regularly graces the covers of various magazines and has also been featured on Cosmopolitan among others. Jonida is regarded as one of the most popular pop singers in the Albania and is renowned for her unique vocal, artistry, philanthropy, fashion sense and persona.
