Romania: Potential Artists for Selectia Nationala 2015

Given the unexpected silence from broadcaster TVR after Romania confirmed participation at Eurovision early for a change, you would be excused for thinking that all is quiet on the Eastern front. On the contrary, the Romanian music scene is abuzz with news and rumours of artists who have stated their intention to enter Selectia Nationala. That is, as soon as official details are announced by TVR, which should be any day now*. Until then, let’s see who has expressed interest.

Mihai Traistariu

The troubled “Tornero” singer, who has been vying for a comeback ever since he finished fourth in Athens back in 2006, is on a major rebranding mission and is going to drop his latest album, “Change”, this spring. Mihai has been “threatening” to send a track to Selectia Nationala 2015, but as of now he has not released any single from the album. He’s also stopped taking selfies, blaming the backwardness of the Romanian public, who, according to him, is unable to embrace his modern side. Anyway, his biggest hit to date remains “Tornero” and only time will tell if he’ll be able to top its awesomeness.

Nicoleta Nuca

This singing sensation, who hails from Moldova, exploded on the Romanian music scene when she audtioned for the latest X Factor Romania season, with a sultry rendition of “This is a Man’s World”, which propelled Nicoleta to the status of frontrunner immediately. However, she failed just before the semi-finals and was eliminated when her fans got complacent and stopped voting for her. Nevertheless, she continues to make waves and our sources say that she has expressed interest in Eurovision. Moreover, Nicoleta Nuca has been innundated with demo tracks and offers from production companies and is seriously considering representing her adoptive country. We wouldn’t mind that at all, especially after watching her on the X Factor stage, donning a Aliona Moon-inspired dress and soulfully singinging about Romania.

Diana Hetea

Speaking of X Factor Romania, former contestant Diana Hetea, who also entered the Selectia Nationala but failed to make the final in 2013, asked her fans on Facebook whether she should enter Selectia Nationala 2015. The overwhelmingly positive response has apparently prompted her to look for a killer song that should seal the deal. Until then, her biggest commercial success to date remains the collaboration with her X Factor coach Adrian Sina (of Akcent fame), “Back To Me”.

Nicole Cherry

As we previously reported, teen popstar Nicole Cherry was asked whether she would like to represent Romania at Eurovision one day, and she said yes. She hasn’t said anything since on the subject, but fans are excited that the now 16-year old might join Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini for a Sweet 16 Eurovision party in Vienna. Her latest single, “Fata naiva” (Naïve Girl) has been doing very well in the Romanian pop charts. And the cutesy girl is slowly but surely turning into a diva – at least judging by the video!

Anda Adam

Anda Adam has been a constant presence on the Romanian music scene ever she featured on a hip-hop hit back in the late 90’s. Known less for her songs and more for the famous men she’s been dating, Anda is rumoured to prepare a duet with hunky Aurelian Temisan for Selectia Nationala 2015. We honestly hope for Anda’s sake it’s a ballad, because she’s struggling to sing dance tracks live. Nonetheless, she always manages to blind the audience with her sexy look and her style of (un)dress. Case in point, her latest video for “Gloante oarbe” (Blank Bullets), where she chooses to sing the bridge all but naked in the bath tub. There’s an idea for the Eurovision stage, if she ever needs one!

Keky

One of the very few Romanian gay singers who are out, Keky (real name Florin Chechisan) made a lot of waves a couple of years ago when he literally came out with a sleazy video shot in a gay club, “Laid Back”. The backlash forced him to pull the video off YouTube, but the singer did not stop singing. Moreover, this year Keky announced that he would enter Selectia Nationala with a new track, entitled “Gabrielle”. Until then, despite several other (tamer) attempts, he remains known only for his debut single, the infamous “Laid Back”. Cover your ears, kids!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQsUIxqxxKU

Naomy

After she made the Selectia Nationala final last year with “Daca tu iubesti”, transgender singer Naomy suffered a nervous breakdown. She returned to Switzerland, where she found out that she lost her singing job because of her absence. Gurl fell on hard times! Nevertheless, Naomy dusted herself off, got a new job and got back on her feet. Now, she promises not only to enter Selectia Nationala again, but also “Britain’s Got Talent”. Can she do both? Anyway, until then, here is Naomy’s biggest success in Romania, the cover of the 60’s song “Salcia”(The Willow).

Renee Santana

Like clockwork, Mexican-born Renee Santana shows up at Selectia Nationala time ever since she won our hearts with her song “What Is Love”. Al Mike, who incidentally also penned “Singing About Love” for Timebelle, the hot favourite in the Swiss selection, has hinted at writing another song for Renee and her 2014 stage partner Mike Diamondz, especially for Eurovision. In case you forgot their act, here they are performing “Letting Go” at Selectia Nationala final:

So what do you think? Which of these acts appeals to you the most? Or who else would you like to see on the Eurovision stage representing Romania? And no, Paula Seling and Ovi have said no for a comeback – for 2015, at least.

*UPDATE 15.01. Contrary to other reports claiming that TVR is planning a national selection with the final in March, the very first TVR meeting on planning Selectia Nationala is next week, the Romanian broadcaster’s PR manager informed wiwibloggs. We’ll let you know as soon as there is any real news on the matter. Stay tuned!

Follow all of our Romania Eurovision news here.