Done! The submission period for O melodie pentru Europa 2017— Moldova’s national selection — closed today at 16:00 CET. Broadcaster TRM has revealed that a total of 40 acts submitted songs. This is a new low for Moldova, after 47 songs in 2016, 50 in 2015 and 68 in 2014. Nonetheless, some very familiar names are in the mix that give us life and hope. (Although none of them is M I H A I.)
As we have already mentioned, 2014 runner-up Boris Covali and 2010 winners Sunstroke Project have submitted their bids. Other familiar names from previous selections include Valeria Pasa, Diana Brescan, Sasha Bognibov, Max Fall, Maxim Zavidia, Rodica Olisevschi, Emilia Russu, Che-MD, Valentina Nejel, as well as every Boonika’s favourite crooner, Tudor Bumbac. Surprises might come from newcomers like Ethno Republic & Surorile Osoianu, Sasha Letty, THE ONE, Marks & Stefanet, and Olea Rosu. However, things will be more certain on Saturday, 21 January, after the live audition, when we will also know whether TRM will stage a semi-final one day ahead of the national final scheduled for 25 February.
Until then, let’s listen to some of the songs that left an impression (of one kind or another) on us.
Valeria Pasa – “Freedom”
After being the jury’s favourite for the past two years, the 2015 and 2016 runner-up is back for another chance at representing Moldova at Eurovision with “Freedom”. It’s not a ballad, for a change, but it’s still rather dated and uneventful. It could be lifted by a great live performance and a revamp, though.
Diana Brescan – “Breathe”
One of the memorable visible acts in previous years, singer Diana Brescan returns in 2017 with “Breathe”, a power ballad that highlights her vocal prowess and propensity for drama.
Sasha Bognibov – “Stop The Liars”
Moldova’s favourite emo act Sasha Bognibov is back in 2017 with another anti-establishment song, “Stop The Liars”. We can’t wait for his live performance on Saturday. Slay, Sasha!
Marks & Stefanet – “Join Us In The Rain”
Ukrainian/German singer Maria Marks joined Moldovan Andrei Stefanet for the Broadway duet “Join Us In The Rain”. Apart from the disappointing end, where it sounds like they ran out of ideas, it’s a pretty decent song.
Valentina Nejel & Sergiu Punga – “Ne-a fost iubirea un joc”
Another duet, this time 100% Moldovan, sees last year’s hopeful Valentina Nejel joining forces with Sergiu Punga for another duet. “Ne-a fost iubirea un joc” means “Our love was a game”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQe9Ocgx4Kg
Tudor Bumbac – “Intr-o zi de iarna”
Speaking of games and laughs, watch out for Tudor Bumbac on Saturday: his stage presence and voice are surely to leave you in stitches. His song, “Intr-o zi de iarna” (One a winter’s day) is equally side-splittingly entertaining. Tudor is one of the reasons we love Moldova’s national selection, which always takes itself very seriously despite of the raw material.
Max Fall – “If I Could”
We know Max Fall from last year’s selection. In 2017, he submitted a solo bid, “If I Could”, which a welcome rock song in a sea of pop tracks. Hopefully his live performance will be livelier than this playback.
Sasha Letty – “I Believe”
Another interesting bid comes from Sasha Letty (real name: Alexandra Druc), whose song “I Believe” is one of the more dancey tracks in competition.
Cerkoo & Rodica Olisevschi – “It’s Not Fair”
Arguably the most modern song in the selection, “It’s Not Fair” benefits from Rodica’s dreamy vocals and DJ Cerkoo’s current sound. If Rodica manages to overcome the stage fright that prevented her to make her mark last year, this could surprise.
The live audition will take place on Saturday, 21 January, starting 12:00 CET. The live auditions will be broadcast on Moldova 2 website. The expert jury is supposed to select 14 songs for the semi-final. However, if the jury decides so, the 24 February semi-final will be cut and only the national final will be staged on 25 February.
What do you think of Moldova’s song submissions? Is Moldova likely to return to the Grand Final? And will you be watching the live auditions on Saturday?
I like the song of Valeria Pasa!
Max Fall is my favourite until the auditions…..The song is the best!
Oh Mark I see what you mean. That song “Don’t Lie” is insane on paper, but WOW those vocals in the recording blow me away! And the song has a very dark ending as well – fantastic stuff! 🙂
Vozniuc feat Vio Grecu – ” Don’t lie “is the best entry for the contest )))))) very very strong song!!!! 9,9 😀
@an esc fan I’m not discriminating anyone. Conversely, I think that Moldova would’ve hosted Eurovision in a way better way than Ukraine.
Sandy C – A beautiful world, LOVE IT! at me 10/10 strong ballad!
I’m a fan of Sunstroke Project and I think that maybe (just maybe) they use ”pride” instead of ”proud”. Hope that Bogdan Honciuc will have the opportunity to tell them that. If Sunstroke Project will go to Kiev, they will do very well.
@ Vladimir Putin a.k.a. the ULTIMATE thug of the Universe
”You can always find the biggest discrepancy between quality and quantity in Moldovan selection. However sometimes they come up with real gems.”
It is because Moldova has a raw and democratic selection. Really everybody is welcomed.
Hope they will have a good rank in the final, and maybe even win.
Apart from that, I don’t like when people discriminate countries like San Marino and Moldova for being small and apparently not able to host. Don’t you think that EBU can decide about hosting? There are alternatives if needed.
My favorite is Max Fall with “If I could” like some commenters too 😀
Until the last 2 days only 6 acts, and in the last 2 days, another 34.
At least next year make the submission time shorter, because some people will delay until the last day anyway.
The one and only choice : The Sunstroke Project will put Moldova in Top 3.
scandals ahead 😛
I hope If I Could wins…Reminds me of Bealrus 2009, an underrated song!
And the winner is…. whoever has the biggest check signed!
Well, if Max Fall can actually sings like he sounds in studio, ‘If I could’ could be an interesting choice!
O melodie o pentru is always a bad quality NF, just take those acts that are listenable and make a final of 6-10 songs.
You can always find the biggest discrepancy between quality and quantity in Moldovan selection. However sometimes they come up with real gems.
I am looking forward for Sandy C – A beautiful world! :))
Just send The SunStroke Project,if you want to go to the Final.
My top 3:
“Max Fall – If I could” 9/10
“Cerkoo & Rodica Olisevschi – It’s not fair” 9/10
“Sun Stroke Project – Hey mamma” 9/10