Moldova: Doredos are the Wiwi Jury’s favourites to win O melodie pentru Europa

Sixteen acts are taking part in O melodie pentru Europa 2018, the Moldovan national selection for Eurovision 2018, which will air tonight. Ahead of the grand final, the Wiwi Jury has been reviewing all the entries, and one of them has emerged as the clear favourite: DoReDos with “My Lucky Day”.

The quirky trio has received an impressive 7.63/10 from the ten jurors that made up this panel of music unprofessional.

DoReDos are not the only act with a score over 7, as Che-MD‘s rock-folk tune “Inima-n stanga” received a 7/10. Rounding out the top three, there’s Nicoleta Sava‘s Spanish kitsch delight “La esencia del sur”, which has a 6.25/10.

Down at the other end, four acts managed to earn a score of less than 4/10. Anna Odobescu’s “Agony” and Viorela’s “The Gates of Love” both received 3.81/10, while Bella Luna was on 3.31/10 for “Moments”. But right at the bottom was Ruslan Tsar with “Come to Life”, which only managed 2.94/10. Moldova, never stop being you.

But let’s take a look at the full jury list.

1. Doredos – “My Lucky Day” (7.63/10)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJqe3M24PcY

The best: What’s not to like? The song is very well produced, it’s tons of fun, and the three singers have charisma, good voices, and a winning attitude. DoReDos and “My Lucky Day” are unquestionably the best package of this year’s Moldovan national selection. Europe is going to have a lot of fun with this one. Haters to the left! (Bogdan, 9/10)

The worst: In the unlikely case you haven’t heard this song yet, go search for a live version of it. Doredos are the highlight of this: they’re quirky, likeable and they manage to put a smile on your face. The song is basically a definition of what Moldova is at Eurovision: fun, crazy and dodgy English lyrics. It’s just wonderful. Most importantly, this lends so well to become another memorably bananas Moldovan performance. (Luis, 7.5/10)

2. Che-MD – “Inima-n stanga” (7/10)

The best: This entry is totally bringing it. The traditional sound blends well with the rock, and the language gives it an edge, that is hard to find in other rock entries in O melodi. “Inima-n stanga” might not be a winner, but it sure as hell should reach at least top three. (Kristin, 9/10)

The worst: “Inima-n stanga” sounds like a Linkin Park song rearranged with traditional folk instrumentation. It’s a combo that no one asked for, and yet it kind of works. Each music style complements the other and this odd combination blends well. The production of the studio version needs work — and I’m not really sure this would work at Eurovision — but it’s a good national final entry. (Robyn, 6.5/10)

3. Nicoleta Sava – “La esencia del sur”

The best: This is so bad I’m almost crying of joy. Look, a whole country would die if we hear the Moldovan act in Lisbon yelling “ay, dame ese ritmito sensual” (come on, give me that sensual rhythm). Nicoleta brings us a taste of the early noughties’ summers in Spain and it’s absolutely wonderful. I don’t know what’s best about it: that she sings about feeling the “essence of the south” when it’s -12ºC in Chisinau or the fact that this song has been written by Spaniards. But Nicoleta, we Spaniards MOVE. Not that we’re the best dancers in the world, but we’re quirky at least. And you’re moving less than a column. (Luis, 8/10)

The worst: Let’s not kid ourselves. It may be cute, but “La esencia del sur” is essentially a dated song performed by a lady who has neither the stamina nor the Spanish accent to pull it off. I like the parts when she doesn’t sing — the backing track is beautifully produced — but that’s about it. (Bogdan, 4/10)

O melodie pentru Europa 2018: Reviews and rankings

1. DoReDos – “My Lucky Day” (7.63)
2. Che MD – “Inima-n stanga” (7)
3. Nicoleta Sava – “Esencia Del Sur” (6.25)
4. Lavinia Rusu – “Altundeva” (6.13) *
5. Felicia Dunaf – “Alien” (6.13) *
6. Ilia Soroceanu & Dasha DaGro – “Minds & Veins” (6)
7. Vera Turcanu – “Black Heart” (5.93)
8. Tolik – “Broken Glass” (5.38) *
9. Doinita Gherman – “Dance In Flames” (5.38) *
10. Anna Timofei – “Endlessly” (5.19)
11. Sandy C & Aaron Sibley – “Once Upon A Time” (4.94)
12. Cobilean Constantin – “Numai Tu” (4.06)
13. Anna Odobescu – “Agony” (3.81) *
14. Viorela – “The Gates of Love” (3.81) *
15. Bella Luna – “Moments” (3.31)
16. Ruslan Tsar – “Come To Life” (2.94)

* Ties have been broken by preferential vote.

Do you agree with the Wiwi Jury? Should Doredos win O melodie pentru Europa? Or maybe you prefer Che-MD? What about Nicoleta? Any of the other acts, maybe? Tell us in the comment section below!

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