The Romanian ESC community is still reeling after TVR jury revealed some oddball choices yesterday, snubbing  favourites like Cobzality and sending anonymous names like Marcel “Sal” Craciunescu straight to the national final. Many fans and singers alike were upset, and some of the artists took measures.

The members of Cobzality, pictured above, were particularly surprised. They were shooting the video for “Steaua din vis” with Matilda Pascal Cojocarita when the news came in that they were not selected for the Selectia Nationala final. Their Facebook status promptly read, minutes after TVR announced the decision:

We are glad to read the messages of shock and support regarding the fact that our song was not selected… We have the right to submit an appeal, in accordance with the regulation, so we shall do that. Until then, we are shooting the video of “Steaua din vis”, because we believe in our star. Thanks for your support, you’re the best!

Matilda Pascal Cojocarita told the pres:

We knew the risks and we considered all the possibilities. A kick in the back is a step forward. We will keep promoting our song.

Colors in Stereo was another band that was widely expected to qualify with their song “HeartQuake”, published on the day the submissions period ended:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v-iHrO8CD4

Colors in Stereo, formed by former The Voice – Romania contestants and real life couple Stella Anita and Andrei Chermeleu, was hoping that the pairing with songwriter Mihai Ogasanu (a former Selectia Nationala judge and composer of numerous Romanian hits) would propel it to the Selectia Nationala stage, but it was not to be. The band released this statement to the media:

“HeartQuake”, a visionary, emotional, energetic – positive song, with English lyrics and a catchy surprise chorus, a track that became one of the favorites this year, was highly appreciated both by experienced radio hosts and other Romanian composers and singers, yet the mysterious Romanian jury didn’t rank it among the twelve songs that enter the Romanian final. Stella Anita, Andrei Chermeleu, and hit composer Mihai Ogasanu will appeal against the Romanian Eurovision 2014 pre-selection results.

Songwriter Mihai Ogasanu confirmed that they filed an appeal today. TVR is expected to reply within 72 hours.

Jazz singer Ozana Barabancea is another fan favourite, who had submitted this Nina Zilli-esque number to Selectia Nationala:

She reacted as well:

I know that my song is very dynamic and the number of [YouTube] views says it all. Thanks to everyone who supported me. I hope that we will get rid of nepotism one day, at least in the big competitions, especially when public money is at stake.

Cezar Dometi, one of last year’s semi-finalists, chose not to make the trip to TVR and told Wiwibloggs: “I am certain that we will be represented in Denmark by an entry that has real chances of bringing the trophy home.” Band Plastic Wizards does not contest the jury’s decision either, but demands more transparency, the release of the jury composition and of their criteria for selecting the songs.

British singer Krystal Mills, who had hoped to represent Romania with Mircea Cioclei, told us that she was “a bit gutted” but that she was enjoying her time in Romania, where she is touring with Mircea. She added:

We have not received any statements from the TVR Jury as of yet. We hope that they might still consider us however… You never know what’s around the corner.

Ovidiu Anton, last year’s finalist, told Wiwibloggs that TVR jury’s decision reflects its “level of education, training and culture, as well as its morality and fairness”.  The disgruntled singer added,

It’s a risk that we took when we entered Eurovision, a contest devoted to diversity, which is also reflected in the songs submitted to Selectia Nationala. Nevertheless, I would find it realistic that the national final showcase projects that Romania would be proud to be represented by, not cheap fake shows selected for reasons pertaining to ratings and scandal.

 

Liana Stanciu and Mihai "Mita" Georgescu
Liana Stanciu and Mihai “Mita” Georgescu

Meanwhile, Romanian fans are raging about the possibility of Bere Gratis winning the selection. Lead vocalist Mihai “Mita” Georgescu is married to Liana Stanciu, this year’s head of delegation for Romania, and many see a conflict of interest, despite Stanciu’s repeated disclaimers that she is not a member of the jury [update: she claims that she tried to resign, but TVR wouldn’t let her]. Fans intend to approach EBU and ask the Eurovision organisers about the legality and morality of this unprecedented situation.

What do you think about the fans’ and rejected artists’ opinions about the jury decision? What are their chances of success, for these of them who filed appeals? And are you particularly shocked, disappointed or saddened by TVR’s picks for the national final?

Bogdan Honciuc is a Romania-based correspondent for WiwiBloggs.com. You can follow him on Twitter @stingovision. You can also keep up-to-date with the latest Eurovision news and gossip by following the team on Twitter @wiwibloggs and by liking our Facebook page.

Photos: Cobzality.ro, Adevarul.ro

15 Comments
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happylife35
happylife35
10 years ago

@Sharron Unfortunately @Alex is right, it is very hard for us to win. Eurovision is not a contest when the best song wins. Romania can hold it for sure, we already did it for Junior Eurovision in 2006. If Ukraine and Serbia(after a war) did it, we can do it for sure. 🙂

Alex
Alex
10 years ago

@Sharron believe me that even if Romania will send the best song will be hard for us to win…………. an if this happens believe me that Romania can organise the big ESC because then things will change

sharron
sharron
10 years ago

I remember watching Dr Eurovision’s interview recently on the BBC and he discussed the huge costs to host the Eurovision between 9-30 million. WOW, does Romania have that sum to hold the final next year if they win, especially if they are already in financial diffilculty (like so many Europeans) and relocated the venue to Brasov for those reasons. Maybe not the best song will win afterall and will explain why there are some poor songs in their selection. I believe Bere Gratis should be disqualified too due to the relationship with officials. Its all about who you know these… Read more »

Zolan
Zolan
10 years ago

@Alex. In that case, perhaps they really deserve more praise for all the work involved in not only holding a final, but selecting strong and diverse acts to choose from.

@Julian. I only raise transparency relative to public perceptions and the ability to defend against criticism. It’s more a question of ensuring everyone understands what to expect. Countries can choose whatever system they prefer.

Ultimately, only one goes to CPH. The rest get publicity … one way or another.

Alex
Alex
10 years ago

@Zolan our national television is about to collapse they don’t have money to organize more shows. I really want another television to organize our selection (if it’s possible <3 ) than the national one :))))

Julian
Julian
10 years ago

The declaration below from Liana Stanciu head of Romanian delegation that “at least 20 songs were exceptional, very well produced and sang” is further proof that they should’ve change the rules and organize 2 semifinals.
„Bucuria general? a fost c? cel pu?in 20 de cântece au fost excep?ionale, foarte bine produse ?i interpretate. Membrii juriului, to?i profesioni?ti, spun c? melodiile alese vor aduce, cu siguran??, un plus de valoare calit??ii show-ului de pe 1 martie”, a declarat Liana Stanciu, ?efa delega?iei României la Eurovision, imediat dup? încheierea preselec?iei.

Julian
Julian
10 years ago

When there is such huge interest 160 songs being submitted the obvious choice is to pick 24 songs for live shows. As to transparency at least the song is not internally selected like it is in several other countries.

Zolan
Zolan
10 years ago

Transparency does seem to be the main issue.

Out of 150 submissions, only 12 will be televised.
Why only 12? Is it an over-reaction to last year’s dramas? Did they want to save money?
It’s really impossible to tell whether the jury made appropriate choices without more information.

Something like sharron’s idea would’ve taken a lot of heat out of it.
For example, 18 submissions are selected, the jury sends 6 straight to the final, and the public picks 6 from the remaining 12.

Andy Zerga
Andy Zerga
10 years ago

I wonder why they scrapped such nice songs … makes one wonder of their true reasons behind a dodgy 12 finalists playlist. Waiting for updates about the appeal.

Victoria
Victoria
10 years ago

Well, they need a better song than a .. miracle! Hope for HEARTS COLLIDE or LETTING GO. May the best win!

And Bere Gratis should withdraw from the competition since there is! a conflict of interest.

Geraldine James
Geraldine James
10 years ago

I cant believe that Krystal and Mircea didnt make it with such an amazing song bitterly disappointed 🙂

jess cambridge
jess cambridge
10 years ago

I really think Krystal Mills and Mircea should have got through 🙁

sharron
sharron
10 years ago

Maybe a TV show could be made this week and these snubbed artists all get to perform and let the public vote for two to also be included on 1st March.

Dhani
Dhani
10 years ago

Romania – weakest NF of the year

bav
bav
10 years ago

OFFICIAL ONLY FAIR RANKING OF EUROVISION 2014: 1. Ireland Can Linn ft. Kasey Smith – Heartbeat 2. Germany Madeline Juno – Like Lovers Do 3. Spain La Dama – Estrella Fugaz 4. Albania Hersiana Matmuja – Zemerimi i nje nate 5. Finland Softengine – Something Better 6. Sweden Panetoz – Efter Solsken 7. France Destan – Sans Toi 8. Denmark Anna David – It Hurts 9. Italy Emma Marrone – La Mia Citta 10. Switzerland Sebalter – Hunter of Stars 11. Belarus Teo – Cheesecake 12. Ukraine Maria Yaremchuk – Tick Tock 13. Poland Donatan ft. Cleo – Slavic Girls… Read more »