Hayley Evetts, the only 100% foreign semi-finalist in Romania’s Selectia Nationala 2016, has withdrawn from competition today, citing health issues. TVR has replaced her with the band Gasca De Acasa and their song “Tu esti povestea” (You are the story).
Hayley Evetts’s song “Brand New Day” stirred a bit of controversy when the British singer was confirmed as a semi-finalist: Her entry reminded many of Electric Light Orchestra’s hit song “Mr. Blue Sky”. It was later confirmed that the lead singer of ELO spin-off band ELO Part II wrote “Brand New Day”. Regardless, the song was considered one of the weakest entries (she was last in our poll with just 18 votes when the news broke) — although not by our very own William, who put it in his Top 3! Different strokes for different folks, y’all…
Songwriter Martyn Baylay issued this statement:
I am very sad to regretfully let you know that, due to a serious knee injury, Hayley Evetts has been advised not to perform or make any strenous efforts for six weeks. Due to the fact that the [Selectia Nationala] rules do not allow us to change the singer, we have no option but to withdraw the song “Brand New Day” from Romania’s [Selectia Nationala] semi-final.
We wish Hayley to a speedy recovery and hope that she gets well — and back to the Eurovision world — soon!
Who is Gasca De Acasa?
Gasca De Acasa (meaning Home Posse), the replacement semi-finalist, is a cover band formed in 2011. They hail from Baia Mare — incidentally, the city where the semi-final and the national final will take place — and are relatively unknown on the Romanian music scene. According to their Facebook page, they claim to have reinvented the concept of covers, as they tend to approach hits in a personal, softer manner. Their Selectia Nationala entry “Tu esti povestea” (You are the story) is a cafe-concert type of ballad. The voice belongs to lead vocal Andreea Carmen.
What do you think about this replacement? Will you miss Hayley Evetts’ “Brand New Day” or do you prefer Gasca De Acasa’s “Tu esti povestea”? Sound off below! And don’t forget that you can vote for your six favourites in our Romania poll!
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I’ve never been so disappointed in a country before.
Should have been Ramona….. a shame.
@Calum Macleod: TVR also released a two-song list with “reserves” last week, with this one and Nora Denes & The Fridays’ song “The Reason”.
Aw just when William said that it was his 3rd favoueite song :’)
I always thought it would be replaced, one way or the other, though I thought the one replacing a song would be the one from the rejected list that had the highest number (a song called “Dreams”).