Ilinca feat. Alex Florea

Yodel-ae-ee-hee! Romania‘s Selectia Nationala 2017 final kicks off at 19:30 CET tonight and Ilinca feat. Alex Florea‘s “Yodel It!” looks like the song to beat. After winning our semi-final poll and topping our Wiwi Jury rankings, it has now won our national final poll in a landslide. Basically, the duo has amassed more votes as all the other acts combined. Now that’s something to yodel about!

After the Selectia Nationala semi-final, which also saw “Yodel It!” as the absolute favourite of the expert jury, we asked you to vote for your favourite Romanian entry. Out of a total of 1,957 votes cast, y’all gave Ilinca feat. Alex Florea’s “Yodel It!” 50% of the vote. That is 979 votes to be precise. All the other entries combined gathered 978 votes, so one vote fewer than the top contestant.

1. Ilinca feat. Alex Florea – “Yodel It!”

The fact that “Yodel It!” has won our poll in an Alpine landslide should not be a surprise to anyone. The song has been a fan favourite from the moment Ilinca and Alex’s live audition was broadcast by TVR. The song is even believed to be responsible for Romania sitting sixth in the odds to win Eurovision this year.

The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — gave “Yodel It!” an overall score of 7.36, the biggest of the selection. Robyn said: “If Switzerland are sending a Romanian band this year, why shouldn’t Romania send a yodeler in return? “Yodel It!” is surprisingly good and even manages to hit some good emotional cues. Ilinca and Alex have great on-stage chemistry and never feel like just “the rapper and the yodeler”. I’d be happy with this in Kyiv.”

Meanwhile, William sang its praises in the Selectia Nationala reaction video, calling “Yodel It!” funky, fresh and fun, and even Deban agreed that the entry is memorable and that Ilinca has great yodeling skills.

Who are Ilinca and Alex Florea?

Ilinca Bacila broke out on the Romanian music scene when her blind audition on The Voice of Romania 2014 went viral. Three judges turned their seats and Ilinca went on to reach the semi-finals.

Alex Florea also reached the semi-final of The Voice of Romania one year later. Unlike on “Yodel It!”, where he raps, on The Voice he was the resident rocker. In 2014, Alex also entered X Factor Romania — only to lose out to rising pop star Nicoleta Nuca.

So both artists have experience in competitions. They met at the end of last year, when Mihai Alexandru came up to them with the song “Yodel It!” The songwriter made the Eurovision stage once before, in 2003, with the song “Don’t Break My Heart” performed by his then wife Nicola, but “Yodel It!” marks his ninth attempt to win Selectia Nationala again. He’s also responsible for Timebelle’s first attempt to represent Switzerland, “Singing About Love”.

2. Xandra – “Walk On By”

Second in our poll, Miss Xandra is also in her second consecutive attempt to win Selectia Nationala. Her song “Walk On By” was a hit with the national jury, being placed second in the semi-final. Xandra managed to grab 236 of your votes, or around 12%.

3. M I H A I – “I Won’t Surrender”

M I H A I needs no introduction. The “Tornero” singer has one wish after reaching fourth place in Athens in 2006 — to one day win the Eurovision Song Contest. In our poll, he finishes third, with 183 votes — that’s 9.35%.

Poll results: Who should win Romania’s Selectia Nationala 2017?

1. Ilinca feat. Alex Florea – “Yodel It!” 50.03% (979 votes)
2. Xandra – “Walk On By” 12.06% (236 votes)
3. M I H A I – “I Won’t Surrender” 9.35% (183 votes)
4. Instinct – “Petale” 7.2% (141 votes)
5. Maxim – “Adu-ti aminte” 6.95% (136 votes)
6. Cristina Vasiu – “Set The Skies On Fire” 4.39% (86 votes)
7. Ramona Nerra – “Save Me” 3.93% (77 votes)
8. Eduard Santha – “Wild Child” 3.01% (59 votes)
9. Ana-Maria Mirica – “Spune-mi tu” 2.15% (42 votes)
10. Tavi Colen & Emma – “We Own The Night” 0.92% (18 votes)

Total votes: 1,957

Selectia Nationala 2017 final running order

The national final, which follows the running order drawn by the artists live on TVR on Friday, will start with Ana-Maria Mirica. Cristina Vasiu will close the show.

  1. Ana-Maria Mirica – “Spune-mi”
  2. Ilinca feat. Alex Florea – “Yodel It!”
  3. Eduard Santha – “Wild Child”
  4. Xandra – “Walk On By”
  5. M I H A I – “I Won’t Surrender”
  6. Maxim – “Adu-ti aminte”
  7. Tavi Colen & Emma – “We Own The Night”
  8. Instinct – “Petale”
  9. Ramona Nerra – “Save Me”
  10. Cristina Vasiu – “Set The Skies On Fire”

In tonight’s Selectia Nationala 2017 final, the winner will be determined 100% by televote. We will also have the opportunity to enjoy performances by Switzerland’s Timebelle, Spain’s Manel Navarro, as well as Moldova’s SunStroke Project, who will promote their winning songs in their respective national selections. Arrival, an ABBA tribute band, will also play hits of the Eurovision 1974 winners. The show will be live-streamed from 19:30 on TVR+ and on YouTube and will last until 23:00 CET.

What do you think about the results of our Selectia Nationala poll? Should “Yodel It!” win Romania’s selection this year? Who could steal their thunder? Sound off below!

Photo: Ioana Hameeda (TVR)

48 Comments
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Johanna
Johanna
7 years ago

I hope Petale wins! I just love the romanian language. Greetings from Sweeden and by the way – Im sorry for Loreexit.

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

@Seanko – Thanks, perfect stream! Although I was late and managed to see only last 3 🙁

Petale – Awesome! I love that steampunk style and it flows really nicely! I think THEY are MY winners!

Save Me – Too screechy for me! Good voice, though.

Set the Skies on Fire – Could be a good song if someone like Sanna Nielsen sung it, but this way it’s meh! Horrible outfit, bad accent!

Racal
Racal
7 years ago

… Seriously? This song is a mess. Also, nothing in that song actually comes from Romania (yodeling is a tradition from the Central Alps, rap comes from the US).

This is because of entries like that that most people in Western Europe see Eurovision as a joke.

Geo
Geo
7 years ago
Niko
Niko
7 years ago

I totally dislike Yodel it, gosh….what a trash!

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

Thanks seanko its working.

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

Na …..it has started Colin.I was trying to stream on TVR app but it streams only 1 min at a time there.

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

I think the link on TvR will begin on time (or at least I hope so), because there it says 20:30, not 19:30 as written up there.

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

I still can’t find youtube link.

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

Ok, found it, nevermind 🙂 Good luck everyone! May the best act win!

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

Is isn’t streaming at all at TVR, just a blank space for a screen. Does anyone have a You Tube link, I can’t find it!

#AlwaysSomeTechnicalDifficulties 🙁

irish esc
irish esc
7 years ago

yodel it must win it is an awesome song and deserves to go eurovision

ninasublatti
ninasublatti
7 years ago

@Amelia that’s exactly why you should send it! because we have never had something like it in eurovision before, it will stand out!!! Mihai will NOT stand out or do well at eurovision at all, cause we already have a lot of ballads, and “i won’t surrender” is very similar to the song from slovenia!!! you have to vote for yodel it!

brunowskii
brunowskii
7 years ago

There are some things that only Romania can do for Eurovision…..so let’s ‘Yodel it’ at Kyiv and have lots of fun

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

Can I ask can anyone say which link to live stream will be the best? I really don’t want Estonia 2.0. situation today regarding streaming loads. Thanks 🙂

Mvula
Mvula
7 years ago

Yes for M I H A I and his amazing, unique voice and a big NO for the Yodel crap! Jesus, is this even a song? His rapping in English is an attrocity and Ilinca’s continuingly screaming is irritating… Jesus, no! Romania, please pick M I H A I !!!!

MTD
MTD
7 years ago

It’s the first time I’m listening “Yodel it” and…how to say this, I do see why ordinary people see ESC as a “trash music thing”. Sorry, not sorry.

Next!

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

@Kris, @Bulgariastan – Thanks guys! Yeah, these acts won both Wiwi-poll and the actual finals: – Triana Park (Latvia) – SunStroke Project (Moldova) – Kasia Mos (Poland) – Tako (Georgia) – Lindita (Albania) – NaviBand (Belarus) – Timebelle (Switzerland) These did not win on the Wiwi-poll and yet are headed to Kiev: – Omar Naber (Slovenia) – Wiwi-poll predicted BQL – Claudia Faniello (Malta) – Wiwi-poll predicted Brooke Borg – Lucie Jones (UK) – Wiwi-poll predicted Olivia Garcia – Anja Nissen (Denmark) – Wiwi-poll predicted Sada Vidoo – Norma John (Finland) – Wiwi-poll predicted Emma – Laura & Koit Toome… Read more »

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

Do you think the juries will vote for “Yodel it”? I don’t think so. Viewers can vote for it, but is it enough? I imagine a normal eurovision viewer who will watch the song for the first time in its semi final. Most likely, they’ll go? “WTF? What is this thing?” I can expect everything from Romania. I won’t be surprised if I see this song win the NF. My personal favourite is Mihai! I love “Tornero”, one of the best Romanian entries ever. I was so happy when I saw him competing in the NF, but his song was… Read more »

bulgariastan
bulgariastan
7 years ago

Considering that the only predicted Wiwi Jury or Fan Poll winner that actually won was Triana Park, I don’t see Yodel It winning. I’m hoping for Ramona to bring some variety, and give us a great disco banger.

Amelia
Amelia
7 years ago

Polegend Godgarina

I guess you have a funeral to attend. Its about Conchita Wurst that used you and now does not need you anymore.

SMK
SMK
7 years ago

I’m not feeling it. Rap in Eurovision is always a risk.I do like the yodeling and singing from both. The song only comes to live for me after the bridge when the violins kick in and there’s no more rap – like singing from Alex.
When it gets chosen, I don’t see it winning. But the final and a good result would be possible.

Andreea
Andreea
7 years ago

Seems someone else is spamming, and it’s not a Mihai fan. Romania always picked decent entries comparing to other countries. I agree, Yodel it may be a gimmick act… but the other 9 songs are decent and way better than most of the songs representing other countries …

Amelia
Amelia
7 years ago

I’m from Romania and don’t know how to vote. I don’t want to vote with both Mihai and IlincaAlex because it makes no sense, I will equal my own vote, so I must choose one. For me its 50% / 50%. IlincaAlex is like NAVI Belarus, becomes irritating after 4-5 repeats. Mihai is something I can listen more, but in Kiev will be only 3 minutes. Guess I will decide after the show will start, to hear what they say in the green room. I feel more sympathy for Mihai, IlincaAlex are too sure they will win. If Europe likes… Read more »

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

@ Darius Romania – Verka, LT United, “the transexuals and the drag queens” were not jokes. They all had great songs that achieved great results. Maybe he was talking about critically panned stuff you’ve sent like Totomondo, Mandinga, Cezar and Sanda Ladosi?

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

Lmao not that desperate Mihai stan spamming the comments again

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

I mean, they’re the reason why Romania is 6th in the odds and very close to the top 3. Whether you like this song or not, you should know that it’s the best choice for them, by far. Perfect representation of the Romanian pop music that’s exported: catchy, fun, and with a hint of original.

Luke
Luke
7 years ago

I would love either Instinct or Ilinca feat. Alex Florea please send one of them Romania as there are the only ones stuck in my head

Kris
Kris
7 years ago

@Colin
Tako and Lindita had also won the wiwibloggs polls.

Darius Romania
Darius Romania
7 years ago

Dear D, you and your country (whatever that is) are a joke. Romania is one of the few countries that have sent decent entries… We did NOT sent joke netries like Verka Serdouchka, Dustin the Turkey, Rodolfo Chikilicuarte, Euro Neuro, I’m a Joker, LT United, drag queens, transexuals, and so on. Next time keep those rude comments for yourself!

D
D
7 years ago

Why does Romania always have to send jokes.

Nicoleta
Nicoleta
7 years ago

I’m from Romania and no, I won’t vote for Ilinca and Alex Florea. I feel “Yodel it” is not representative for my country. I will vote for “I won’t surrender”. Xandra stands no chance, either. She’s a no name in Romania, comparing to MIHAI….

Jessica
Jessica
7 years ago

Romania, please vote for MIHAI, it’s the only chance for a decent result! The juries won’t vote for “Yodel it!”….

sb
sb
7 years ago

Trash. Yodel it is unbearable

Jameson
Jameson
7 years ago

Seems that these Wiwibloggs Polls are not that accurate, the opinion of the foreigners is not the same of the citizens of those countries. For example – Estonia, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine and so on. So I won’t rely on them! “Yodel it” won’t win in Romania either, you will see…..

Jameson
Jameson
7 years ago

“Yodel it” is a typical Europop radio trash….. I can’t listen this kind of garbage, Romania please send something else!

Gino
Gino
7 years ago

What’s all this fuss about Yodel it? Nothing special, quite irritating even… I much prefer MIHAI’s voice, and his song is a masterpiece, beautifully sang comparing to Yodel noise…

esc_fan_contest
esc_fan_contest
7 years ago

I’m definitely for Ramona Nerra!
I love this disco banger!;)

esc_fan_contest
esc_fan_contest
7 years ago

I’m definitely for Ramona Nerra!????
I love this disco banger????????????

ninasublatti
ninasublatti
7 years ago

it won’t win…. the fan favourites never win this year!!! because europe wants to be depressed this year, romania will probably pick mihai’s dull average ballad…..!

DenizNL
DenizNL
7 years ago

Yes! Yodel It should win. I need something fun, poppy and happy again.

Monique
Monique
7 years ago

Yodel It is overrated, I much prefer Mihai Traistariu for Romania….

Felix Romania
Felix Romania
7 years ago

No, this should not win. It’s pure noise. MIHAI sould win for Romania!

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

@Purple Mask – I think so 😉 Moreover, IF they win, they will become only the fourth Wiwibloggs NF poll winners to actually win (others are Navi, Sunstroke Project and Kasia Mos).

It is interesting that all favorites are put in the first half of line-up, while less talked about songs got ‘pimp-spots’. Since it’s 100% televote, anything might happen.

teo
teo
7 years ago

Fun Fact : right now I’m listening ‘Yodel it’ …and my dog heard the girl and started to bark the same way he does when the phone is ringing. Must be good, the ‘fans’ like it.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
7 years ago

If “Yodel it!” wins from 2nd in the running order (like Estonia) tonight, does that mean the curse of being drawn 2nd is finally over?

JonathanUK
JonathanUK
7 years ago

Not feeling ‘Yodel It’ at all. :/