More than a week ago Moldovan-Romanian girl band Elle exclusively revealed to wiwibloggs that they were withdrawing “Tare” from O melodie pentru Europa 2016. So everyone, including Elle, was baffled when TRM drew their running order for the semi-finals in their absence last Thursday. Now, however, the news has finally reached the Moldovan broadcaster and they have officially acknowledged the group’s withdrawal and replaced them with Vitalie Todirascu.

It is surprising that TRM took so long to acknowledge this and react accordingly, especially with the first semi-final just a week away. However, they had to follow protocol and act upon receipt of official notification, which Elle’s manager was not eager to send. Such are the ways in Moldova!

So today we are mourning the loss of yet another fan favourite in this year’s national selection in Moldova, after Katherine and Litesound withdrew at the beginning of the month.

Elle had a rough journey. Tania Cerga, an original band member alongside Dara and Natalia Barbu, decided to leave the group shortly after “Tare” was submitted to TRM. She was replaced with the Romanian singer Ale Blake, and the song was also replaced with “Extaz”. However, because the deadline for submissions had already passed, TRM did not accept “Extaz” as Elle’s entry, although the duo were allowed to perform the song at the live auditions.

Upon announcing their withdrawal, Alla Dontu, Elle’s manager, told wiwibloggs:

We are withdrawing from the Moldovan selection. Neither “Extaz” not “Tare” will be part of the contest. Music is important, but dirty business and scheming are not cute. And we do not intend to enter either song in Romania’s Selectia Nationala. Thanks for all your support! 

Harsh words that must have left the Eurovision Moldova team red-faced and many fans wondering what the hell was happening in Chisinau.

Nonetheless, the show must go on and 47-year old Vitalie Todirascu is the replacement for Elle. He will perform in their place, as the last act in the second semi-final on 25 February. The Romanian-language song is called “Belladonna”. For those who know Vitalie from previous years, it should come as no surprise that it’s a very outdated tango. But hey, he made the semi-final. Congratulations!

With one week left for rehearsals, we hope he has the time to rise to the occasion. Until then, you can help him “rise” in our Moldova poll. He has a lot of catching up to do!

Will you miss “Tare” from the Moldovan selection? And what are your thoughts about “Belladonna”? Sound off below!

Follow our Molova Eurovision news here

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Laburnum
Laburnum
8 years ago

Moldova was my favourite in 2010, and I also loved their 2012 and 2013 entries so much too. I really think they need a break, and just sort things out for themselves. Hopefully if it is successful for Portugal, then Moldova can try and do the same.

But they can still pull off a fantastic entry this year too! I hope they select Lidia Isac. 🙂

Julian
Julian
8 years ago

draw was for them to sing last in second semifinal and they were not ok with it… weird

Hugh
Hugh
8 years ago

He’s so handsome :wub:

Alex
Alex
8 years ago

Is there a fan favorite in Moldova?

Nikos
Nikos
8 years ago

Moldova could use a year off to refigure their contest to select their future entries.

MarioMario
8 years ago

Moldova has become the JOKE of Eurovision.

Donna
Donna
8 years ago

“Belladonna” doesn’t sound so bad, TRM just needs to fix their audio system (noticed that the instrumental track’s volume is too low?) – it’s the same thing with how the Spanish Eurovision broadcaster keeps screwing up Edurne’s pre-Eurovision performances in their channel with their bad audio systems.

Sparrow
Sparrow
8 years ago

Everyone has that one family member, usually an older uncle who gets drunk and sings these kind of songs at the top of their lungs, dancing around the lounge room. Unfortunately I feel he represents that type of person perfectly.