Last month the Eurovision world was sent into shock when the EBU expelled Romania from Eurovision 2016. Ovidiu Anton was due to sing “Moment Of Silence” in Stockholm, but that’s no longer possible. Invoking the true spirit of this year’s slogan — “Come Together” — Lidia Isac joined the Eurovision press corps for a special tribute to the absent rockstar. During the moment when he should have been rehearsing for the first time, the “Falling Stars” songstress led journalists in a special rendition of Ovidiu’s Selectia Nationala winning entry.
Ovidiu Anton press room tribute featuring Lidia Isac
Romania expelled from Eurovision 2016
Romania’s TVR was kicked out of the EBU on 22 April, after the broadcaster clocked up debts of over €14.5 million. The Romanian broadcaster had been accumulating the debts since 2007. Since 2010, the EBU has attempted to restructure it, but the broadcaster has not made the payments. The EBU say they have written to the Romanian government four times this year, without any response. The news was somewhat expected, with rumours of the country’s possible expulsion circulating in the days beforehand. Ovidiu spoke about them himself at the London Eurovision Party.
Until someone tells me, “Ovidiu, you’re staying home,” I’m just minding my business, I’m just preparing for Stockholm, I’m just taking each show at a time. So today is about London, today is about being here and singing for you guys. No worries, just rock and roll.
Invite to perform with Lidia Isac at Eurovision
Lidia Isac has expressed solidarity from the very beginning. She publicly expressed her disappointed on social media. While shortly after Romania’s expulsion, Moldovan broadcaster TRM invited Ovidiu Anton to accompany Lidia Isac on the Eurovision stage, with the intent of singing “Falling Stars” together as a duet. However, the Romanian rocker politely declined the invitation. In an official press release, TRM expressed its solidarity with the artist and the Romanian broadcaster following the unprecedented decision to expel Romania from the contest.
How will you enjoy Eurovision without Romania? Let us know below.
Denise should go in the ESC. She has a realness and she is so much prettier than most of the actual contestants
Amazing, nice move.
Lidia is such a sweetheart, and this was a nice gesture.
Totally unrelated (or is it?) but every time I think “Sweden” I think “cold”, so it throws me off a little to see William so… summer-y 😛
It’s sad … probably I’m not gonna watch Eurovision this year, cause is really sad to not see my country there. Good luck to all.
I guess some characters aren’t accepted here, there a question mark where a letter should have been, the t with comma ;)). I should write then:
Multzumesc, Lidia!
Multzumesc, team wiwi!
Wow, I’m really impressed! Well, not by the actual singing ;)). Just kidding, this was amazing!
Mul?umesc, Lidia!
Mul?umesc, team wiwi! You are truly awesome for doing this! This made me love you all even more! :).
The signing is horrible (except for Lidia) but otherwise this is very sweet of Lidia to show her sympathy for Ovidiu
This is very nice indeed ,well done guys,
Are William and Edd an item?
Well, now I know why most of ya’ll are bloggers 😀
Seriously though, awesome gesture.
Respect Wiwibloggs and Lidia Isac! EBU, we’re waiting for you to pay!
@ESCArgy
it’s an underrated song, it’s a good eurovision song, and nice video with Lidia
but the others are a bit cringe-worthy lol
I have nothing but respect for you, Wiwibloggs, and for Lidia as well. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Greetings from Romania!
Thank you from Romania!
>>>brilliant idea Lidia! 😉
You guys at wiwiblogg rock, you really do! 😀
Lidia could have done this solo… sweet gesture btw
It wili be nice to SVT and EBU invite Ovidiu to sing his song in II semifinal as interval guest after we saw France,UK and Italy performance from dress rehearasals.
noone can sing this like ovidiu…
this is horrible 🙂
A nice gesture.
But still. He should be able to sing his great song during the semi. Even if he was not taking part himself. It happened with the schlager by Anna Book in MF. So it should be possible for this brilliant rock song too. It was not his faulth what happened. A big loss for ESC this year!
That was very nice.
Quit it after a minute. This is torture, lol
Thank you Lidia, you are a very nice person and your song is the most underrated this year. Wishes for the best!
This was just the most charming thing ever x)