If you’re a Eurovision fan, then you probably know Mihai Traistariu. After winning the national selection for Romania in 2006 with his song “Tornero”, he emerged as a huge favourite to win in Athens. After finishing a very respectable fourth, “Tonero” became a huge club hit across Europe. Now he’s ready for round two with his new song “Paradisio“. wiwiblogger Denise had a chat with Mihai ahead of Romania’s Selectia Nationala, which takes place on Sunday.

You’ve been a big fan of the Eurovision Song Contest for a long time. How did your love for the contest start?

I don’t know. I’ve been watching Eurovision since I was a child – around 13-14 years old. My mother used to sing a lot and she wanted to become a singer. My father was a painter. Both of my parents wanted to have a star in the family and that’s why my three brothers and I began music lessons.

You’re known as the male Mariah Carey. Do you think that the high and long notes you can hit are a special weapon for you?

I really hope so. In the past, I’ve won a lot of awards and achievements for my vocal abilities, so I guess they really are my weapon.

“Tornero” was a huge hit across Europe, and a lot of people wanted you to win Eurovision in 2006. Is there added pressure to do even better with “Paradisio”?

I’m a big believer in “Paradisio”. I think it’s a powerful song that would win the Romanian national selection. There definitely is some pressure to do better, though.

Your music video for “Paradisio” featured a spectacular outer space theme. How did you come up with that?

I wanted to try something special, something different. Science fiction themes are something quite new to the Eurovision stage, so why not try that?
The video drew a lot of attention — some of it quite negative. It forced you to remove it from YouTube. Has this shaken your confidence at all?

Not at all. It was my decision to upload it to YouTube. On the 25th of January, the director of the video told me that the video wasn’t ready yet. I forced him to finish it within a few hours because I had announced a premiere date of January 25. I wanted to start with the video — not just the song. It was my mistake to force him into it, so after three days online I decide to remove the video.

Which stage do you think you’ll find more challenging? Selectia Nationala, or if you’re successful, Eurovision in Stockholm?

I think both shows are difficult in their own unique ways. Either way, I’ll do my best to show the Romanian public that “Paradisio” is a powerful song.

You’re known primarily as a solo singer. Would you ever consider entering Eurovision with someone else? And if so, with who?

I believe in entering the Eurovision Song Contest as a solo artist. I prefer to have control of things happening on stage. However, I do have some duets planned for a new album, so stay tuned.

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7 Comments
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wozzeck
wozzeck
8 years ago

This song is beyond tackiness and it’s a shame because the man can sing like few. It worked great in 1986 but these days its just nope.

Lars
Lars
8 years ago

Disliked him in 2006 and I will also dislike him this year!

Skyward78
Skyward78
8 years ago

I want Ovidiu Anton, that dude is epic!

John Fow-tan
John Fow-tan
8 years ago

@Hello Hi Pls let the British UK politics out of this website.

Leaf
Leaf
8 years ago

Let ne guess…… An only child lol

AurelianTamisan
AurelianTamisan
8 years ago

A little too much campaign for him, don’t you think Wiwibloggs? Now I start to understand why some entries received so poor grades in your reviews. Maybe one of them is scaring you that could win in Stockholm?! Stay chill, Ovidiu’s winning Selectia Nationala anyway.

Hello hi
Hello hi
8 years ago

This guy is a joke .. Just go away ..
Utter garbage