While Romania‘s broadcaster TVR is silent after last night’s deadline for Selectia Nationala submissions, Eurovision star M I H A I went ahead and released his announced bid “I Won’t Surrender”. Written by English, Spanish, Swedish and Romanian songwriters who penned countless other tracks for national selections, the song is a heartfelt power ballad that highlights the singer’s vocal range — and his relentless drive to win the contest.

After he finished in fourth place in Athens with “Tornero” in 2006, the artist formerly known as Mihai Traistariu has made it clear numerous times that he wants to return and actually win the contest.

It wasn’t to be last year with “Paradisio”, which finished fifth on the Selectia Nationala scoreboard, not to mention Romania’s withdrawal from the contest. Maybe 2017 could be M I H A I’s turn to win?

The deadline for submissions in Romania was last night at 22:59. After they are validated, all the candidates will perform their songs in front of the five-member jury and the public between 27-29 January. The auditions will be recorded and afterwards aired on TVR as a standalone show called Euroshow.

Fifteen songs will be selected by the jury for the live semi-final, scheduled for 26 February. Ten songs will advance to the National Final based on 100% jury votes. The winner will be decided based on 100% televote at the National Final on 5 March.

What do you think about “I Won’t Surrender”? Is it good enough to warrant a much-awaited win for M I H A I in Selectia Nationala and beyond? Sound off below!

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Johanna
Johanna
7 years ago

Mihai is a cool guy. I met him several times and he is no diva at all
and his song is great.
Winning is his dream and therefore the reaction in 2016. That song also deserved better !
Best of luck to him !

Daniel_2017
Daniel_2017
7 years ago

This is the dullest, most cliched ballad ever, from the first notes – the over-used piano intro. He doesn’t stand a chance of winning the national selection; and I didn’t even listen to any of the other songs released!

Daniel
Daniel
7 years ago

It would absolutely make it to the TOP 10. What a strong ballad!!! I can’t wait to see it on stage. Good luck Romania, don’t screw it up!

Charles
Charles
7 years ago

@an esc fan: Wouldn’t it be much easier for you to just say something “I hate Loreen” or “everybody else who have won Eurovison but I can’t stand here, there and everywhere”? For how long do you really want the whole galaxy to be aware of your hatred for these people? Do you think this is going help Mihai win if ever? Honey boo, the answer is … NO! Sorry!

Charles
Charles
7 years ago

@Julian I’ll add to your comment this: Mihai wants Eurovision to be his reality TV show where nothing matters but HIM … though he forgets that there is another big EGO already trying to have his own reality TV moment every year there: Russia. How can he handle competing with another egocetric “contestant” as Russia? 2 Egos don’t really make this show worth appreciating … and yet it’s called Eurovision SONG contest, not Keeping Up with my absolute desire to win this because I’m a spoiled brat refusing to grow up. Something like that .. I actually wonder if his… Read more »

Charles
Charles
7 years ago

@an esc fan: Try to read but this time make sure you actually understand: a) I’m a Loreen fan because I’m a fan of … guess what … music. b) Coming to Eurovision a second or third time is not a relevant issue to me. c) I’ll always have a very honest opinion on everybody or should I say, on every song competing: Mihai’s song is like Russia wanting to win Eurovision in the most desperate way there is … You don’t have to agree with me … but again … I’m a fan … of music. Now tweet that!… Read more »

James
James
7 years ago

@escfan I have had Niamh on my facebook for many years and she had always made it very clear she never expected to win, the song was never a favorite in the contest. Her #1 reason for going back was to see the delegations from the Balkans, she explained that in a lot of detail. She still put the work in and delivered a good performance, so it’s hardly getting a free vacation, she still worked hard to make it an amazing experience for both herself and ESC fans. Maybe she did secretly want to win, but there’s nothing wrong… Read more »

Spirit Animal ^^
Spirit Animal ^^
7 years ago

Smells of desperation to me

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

@ James
Both Loreen and Niamh want/wanted to win and they just hide behind empty words. If is true that they didn’t think about victory, I guess is even worse, ESC is not just a free vacation, let other artists to participate if for you is just vacation.

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

I loved his song in 2006!! For me, he should have won! I didn’t like last year’s song. This year, I really like the song. It’s a classic ballad, we know he has a great voice, this can do really well. I don’t understand some of you saying why should he go again. Many artists do that. And if he has a good song, give him a chance.
However, I want to listen to all the songs for the Romanian NF and then make a conclusion.

James
James
7 years ago

@escfan I think the difference is Loreen has said she is not out to win Eurovision again. While that might not be true she isnt trying to be arrogant about it. Many people who go back do it for the joy of being in the contest (Niamh for example said she went back specifically to see people from other countries) Mihai is very clear he is out to win and that comes across as sad. Theres nothing wrong with being passionate about winning and doing your best to win..but Mihai is (IMHO) very disrepectful of other artists and thinks he… Read more »

Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

Eh, I love him but this song is not his best.

Julian
Julian
7 years ago

His approach is wrong, searching for songs written “for Eurovision” by composers who wrote countless other. And narcissism isn’t most people cup of tea either. My two cents, his best chance would be with a duet and where he doesn’t show off his vocals and steals the front of the camera. If he can.

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

@ Charles
I’ve noticed that you are a fan of Loreen who wants to come back to ESC this year, is strange that you are so much against somebody like MIHAI who wants to sing a second time, like many other artists and like your beloved Loreen.

eurovision6
eurovision6
7 years ago

I loved Tornero and Paradisio and i kind of like this but its not even close to as good.. I love his voice but hate him as a person, although I dont think it matters because if he didnt win last year he wont win with this.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
7 years ago

This song is mostly there; actually I wish it had a fourth minute to extend the key change and the drama. But I like it. Never give up, never surrender (Anyone remember ‘Galaxy Quest?’). 🙂

No Name
No Name
7 years ago

Oh this song is actually good, however I hope for something better in the selection, which I also expect!

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

I’ve said before ”anyone but him” because he has his temper, but I admit I like the song, it can be good.

Jr esc nl
Jr esc nl
7 years ago

Meh… I don’t want him to represent romania cause he’s kinda annoying. I’d rather see somebody else have a chance at Eurovision.