A few days ago we left behind Lisbon 2018 and are now on full speed towards Tel Aviv 2019. We have our first Eurovision song for May courtesy of Albania, and several countries are giving us their national final songs.

Today Romania joins that list. The collection of songs for the Selectia Nationala 2019 semi-finals is ready and they’ve been released on broadcaster TVR’s YouTube page. After Romania’s first ever non-qualification last year with ‘Goodbye‘ by The Humans, they’ll be aiming to get back to the final, so does the quality match up?

Well, twenty-three songs will compete to become Romania’s entry at Eurovision 2019 and they represent a vast array of genres and sounds. We go from ska-tinged Europop from duo Steam with their track ‘The Way It Goes’, to a power track with acoustic elements from Teodora Dinu with ‘Skyscraper’ — I’m getting Elhaida Dani vibes for sure.

The songs are often vibrant and exciting, with so much to choose from. There really is something for everyone, and there are tracks which could break into the final and succeed for Romania. They have options that belong firmly in 2019 from artists such as Xandra (‘Independent’) and Ester Peony (‘On A Sunday’).

The return of MIHAI

As always, MIHAI is in the selection, though his song leaked last week. The track is called ‘Baya’ and has all the summer sunshine vibes. There is a Greek sounding element to the track, and has already had a mixed reception from Eurofans on Twitter.

Last year the national final was regarded as having some of the best choices in all the selections, with fan favourites such as ‘Auzi Cum Bate’ by Jukebox & Bella Santiago, and ‘Safari’ by Selena not making the cut for Eurovision. It was surprising then that a non-qualifying track would be chosen, but Goodbye was still a great song in a tough year at the contest.

Do you have a favourite track on the list? Who do you think can bring Romania back to the Grand Final at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments below!

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That Person
That Person
5 years ago

Ummmm…… the thing about this selection is that I can’t find any mediocre songs. They’re either good, bad or predictable.

Julian
Julian
5 years ago

New songs can be submitted until January 10th, the so called Wild Cards. The initial jury will select the ones that qualify for semifinals and they will be announced on January 11th.

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

I think most songs are overproduced and they all sounds similar to me.
“Dear father” is the one that stands out to me as well as “On a Sunday”, These are my 2 favourites.
Also, “Song of my heart” seems somehow interesting to me, it can work in a way at Eurovision. Curious to see them live in the semi.
I am not a fan of Mihai’s song. He can do better. I feel like it tries to be “Tornero” but it can’t.

Simon
Simon
5 years ago

I fell in love with On a Sunday the moment I heard it. It could do well in Tel Aviv if staged properly. Most of the people seem to love Dear Father, but it’s not something I’m looking for this year, especially from Romania.

Ric
Ric
5 years ago

Definitely Laura…that girl has an incredible talent

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

I’ll admit, after second recap I became quite infatuated by some songs! Bravo Vaida, Laura, Aldo, Teodora, Ester and Johnny! I think these six entries are truly strong and if performed right, could bring Romania a great result! 🙂 Still debating on who among them is my favorite…

AurelianTamisan
AurelianTamisan
5 years ago

I think it will be a 2 horse fight between Laura Bretan and a song that nobody seem to put much attention on, but if it is able to put in a good show… TMW with ‘Make Me Your Man’ is a very promising dark horse and it would be an entry with a great potential and I think it’s the song that puts Romania so high in the odds so far. So don’t be surprise if you’ll see TMW representing Romania in Israel. Also, no song in Romanian language? That’s a shame in my opinion.

fan
fan
5 years ago

Some really good songs here. !!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

There is a potential Eurovision winner in this selection. (But I’m not spoiling it by telling you who it is.)
I’m very excited by this selection. Congratulations Romania. It could be your hosting in 2020!

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Your comment got me intrigued. I quite like several songs, so I am wondering…

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Please spoil! Be brave right now, it’s just fun, do it!

Dani
Dani
5 years ago

Laura interviewed on EurovisionIreland – confirms the song is about her Father.

Both Christianity and Judaism have denominations that are orthodox and also liberal and have varying theologies and doctrines, some are perceived as narrow in their outlook, others as more inclusive – I don’t see why people panic even if it was a religious song…

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Dani

I think it is because the contest rules would disqualify it? But I’m not sure. Can someone else elaborate on that?

Sonia
Sonia
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_and_Me_(Takasa_song)
Switzerland 2013 had to make changes, because was a religious song.

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

The composer and the lyriciste are the same with Yodel it! I don’t suspect them with much religion. I’m really surprised with this view. Reading the lyrics I wondered if she is telling her father she has fallen in love or is she telling God, or her parent that she is afraid to die , me as an atheist I did not see a problem but apparently you do. I think she is just angelical but her song is common sense, pop opera mainstream. Also the best in this competition.

Pandeme111
Pandeme111
5 years ago

The Four is fantastic !!!! Hope they´ll go well, although they have a fantastic song, I don´t think, that they will represent Romania, but it would be the best thing Romanians can do.

Veta
Veta
5 years ago
Reply to  Pandeme111

One of my favs too. Love the accordeon!

Veta
Veta
5 years ago

Steam and Daina are my favourites! The two far best songs from this NF. Hope one of them wins!

Florin
Florin
5 years ago
Reply to  Veta

#daina is my favourite too ??

Unique human being
Unique human being
5 years ago

The Call and Dear Father are my favorite by far 🙂

Loin dici
5 years ago

People are complaining about Laura Bretan while forgetting about Lacy Jay. Nice.

Julian
Julian
5 years ago

Laura is by very far the best choice. That’s all folks.

Dracula
Dracula
5 years ago

All these songs are overproduced. This is why we need orchestra. I like Berniceya, it’s like celtic music, can be the right year for the genre.

Javier
Javier
5 years ago

Baya by Mihai is my favourite

Lucas
Lucas
5 years ago

BELLA SANTIAGO / ARMY OF LOVE

Lila
Lila
5 years ago

“Ielele” is by far the best song here. It needs to win. Mihai’s song is his best entry yet, but it’s still trash (the good kind of trash though). Religion kinda creeps me out so not a fan of Laura’s song.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  Lila

Oh finally someone who also likes “lelele”. I have no doubt here, it’s the winner! Google also told me that one of those guys is also a senator ^^ 1 Eugent is good, 2 Gents even better.

Héctor
Héctor
5 years ago

Mihai is a joke.

Ani
Ani
5 years ago

bella santiago with army of love ftw <3

eurovision6
eurovision6
5 years ago

Very strong selection, I could easily see 4 or even 5 of the songs at Eurovision. It is between Laura and Ester for me, would love any of them to win it

romanian
romanian
5 years ago

I don’t understand the hate for MIHAI. Maybe is because he wants very much to come back (like JOWST), but many others came back and nobody has any problem. I feel that MIHAI and JOWST are being punished for being too open and honest.
About the religious song. Dear Father, I’m atheist, but I wonder if the song would be equally hated if it were about other religion than christianism. Even as an atheist, I don’t like that nowadays is ok any religion except christianism.

eurovision6
eurovision6
5 years ago
Reply to  romanian

Agree with you, if it was a song about Judaism or Islam people would call you racist, islamophobe, anti-semite etc.. Double standards

Lila
Lila
5 years ago
Reply to  romanian

I think that most people (at least myself) who are uncomfortable with Christianity come from either a Christian background/upbringing, or grew up in a culture/country that was Christian. I don’t know many people from Muslim backgrounds who are uncomfortable with Christianity, but those who have since left Islam feel uncomfortable towards Islam.

It isn’t so much the religion itself that makes people uncomfortable, but they remember the reasons why they chose to not affiliate themselves with it. If a Jewish/Muslim/Hindu/etc. person was made extremely uncomfortable by Christianity I don’t think that would be accepted either.

Dracula
Dracula
5 years ago
Reply to  Lila

Oh please, is about political correctness and European self hatred.

Lila
Lila
5 years ago
Reply to  Dracula

Um, what? Thanks for pretending like you know what everyone is thinking lmao goodbye

Rainer1
Rainer1
5 years ago

Mihai wants to continue singing until he wins again.
Please romania, send him to tel aviv.

Danijel
Danijel
5 years ago

I still don’t get it why stelian wasn’t chosen

https://youtu.be/XxW2A07sHys

Popyy
Popyy
5 years ago

Johnny Badulescu sounds like the lead singer of Rascal Flatts. And I thnk it’s a good selection. There are some Gems in it.

impressiveinstants
impressiveinstants
5 years ago

I like Nicola’s song the most.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

Unfortunately, it’s not a great selection. Romania might have saved themselves from the embarrassing 0-2/10 songs from last year’s auditions, but they still left a lot of forgettable and bland entries. My pick would be Johnny Badulescu or Laura Bretan. Each for different reasons. Other solid songs are from Ester, Vaida (although her English still needs a lot of work), Aldo and Teodora, but nothing smells like an ESC winner thus far.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

There’s something about the way most of these songs were produced that really put me off. It’s like they try to follow current trends while using old fashioned elements, I don’t know. “On a Sunday” is my favorite by far.

Erasmus
Erasmus
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Couldn’t say it better. And I like Ester the most as well(actually it’s the only song I like)

brennan
brennan
5 years ago

ester peony has something resembling a good song
mihai isn’t actually that bad either this year?
i have low expectations for romania

Joe
Joe
5 years ago

I love On a Sunday! Can’t wait to hear the rest, but that one impressed me a lot. Very modern, and a sound we don’t normally hear at Eurovision.

Popyy
Popyy
5 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I like it, too but I think it needs more punch with the beats to make it stand out more.

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago

My faves are
1. DYA & Lucian- Without you. I dont understand why he dont sing in romanian or he should learn it.
2. Nicola-Weight of the World: I like here voice, sounds great in this.
3.Vaida-Underground. No it will not win but i like it.
Many great ones. I hope my Swedish one have like this :).

Niros
Niros
5 years ago

Very strong selection! ?? I love so much songs! Good luck, Romania!

Alasta
Alasta
5 years ago

Safari would’ve been ato great choice last year. If
1. That man in chorus haven’t showed up or sang. It should’ve been made like Norway’s chorus in 2017.
2. Good backing singers to Serena
3. Better choreography for dancers.
4. Or they could’ve just used Oriental remix

Étoile
Étoile
5 years ago

My favourite is 2 Gents with Lelele. Guilty pleasure Song of my heart by the Four. Good luck.

eurovision6
eurovision6
5 years ago
Reply to  Étoile

Like them too, they are my #4 and #5

What on earth?!
What on earth?!
5 years ago

Xonia’s music video is just an ad compilation, I noticed 9 references and some are obvious! I mean I don’t blame her that she needs to make a revenue after all.

YuYu
YuYu
5 years ago

SKYSCRAPER

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

I usually never judge anything I haven’t informed myself about before but I decided I don’t even need to listen to a certain someone’s song to know it’s bad. I mean, sometimes, an educated guess truly is enough.

Matthew
Matthew
5 years ago

On YouTube some of the songs have more dislikes than likes.

florin
florin
5 years ago

if tvr give the wilcard to bella santiago here will be a huge scandal because she has not submitted any songs until 10 december the last day to do that

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  florin

TVR will make an exception if needed be, especially because she is going to replace a previously confirmed artist. If Bella already has a song ready then there shouldn’t be any problem as long as it meets standard ESC rules.

florin
florin
5 years ago
Reply to  James

if you dont know the rules shut up.. tvr must give wilcard to a song from those 126 who respect the deadline

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  florin

Take note, I said “exception if needed be”. It’s well within the discretion of the broadcaster because of sudden developments such as Dan Bittman withdrawing weeks after the announcement of the line-up that they need to make last minute decisions if they don’t feel comfortable going forward with just 23 acts. Of course, that would mean looking for any artist in Romania who will be available to take part in the selection. If her song was among those that have previously been submitted for consideration for the deadline set by producers of the selection show, then it shouldn’t be an… Read more »

florin
florin
5 years ago
Reply to  James

bella santiago was in x factors until 2 weeks ago.. her song it is not even finished..she said she wants eurovision after her win at x factor.. she is a cheater

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  florin

She has time. Selectia Nationala doesn’t start until later this month or February. And her being invited into the show is actually well within the rules of the competition. The rule that allows the broadcaster to invite an artist as a wildcard entry was made in anticipation of events that may be beyond their control such as withdrawals of a previously selected artist or disqualifications due to rule breaking, which has plagued the show for years. Bringing in Bella as a replacement falls under their rules, and if her song is eligible as per ESC rules, again, then there is… Read more »

Danijel
Danijel
5 years ago
Reply to  James

Stelian for wildcard

https://youtu.be/XxW2A07sHys

Esc1234
Esc1234
5 years ago

Mihai’s song is like a rejected entry from a Greek national final in the 00s

Leo
Leo
5 years ago
Reply to  Esc1234

That’s what I like about ?

Alex
Alex
5 years ago
Reply to  Esc1234

Rejected by Malta.

Joe
Joe
5 years ago
Reply to  Esc1234

Hey, there’s probably a good reason he wants to remind himself of Greece.

Pasadena
Pasadena
5 years ago
Reply to  Esc1234

Haha.. I actually thought it’s his best attempt since Tornero.. 🙂

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

What’s that Pure Curaçao Realness “lelele”…
f* LELELE lool my winner!!!
man, I can’t stop listening!!

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

Also, most of the songs in English sound too generic, they should sing in Romanian…

Gobio
Gobio
5 years ago

Mihai’s song does not fit him at all, and it just shows how hr is desparate to be selected regardless of the song and his style. From the other songs I actually quite liked Trooper, it has quite the character and it remindes me of some german folk music for some reason.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  Gobio

Mihai is in a loop of copying last year’s runner-up entry.

SwedishFan
SwedishFan
5 years ago

I just hope that they won’t choose Laura. After reading the lyrics it’s clear that the song has a religious message. She was on America’s Got Talent a few years back and her family are like evangelical Christians. That song is the young girl’s declaration of love to Jesus. That’s whom she refers to as “Dear Father”.

Nat
Nat
5 years ago
Reply to  SwedishFan

And you have a problem with that? Ever heard of tolerance?

Krys Ka
Krys Ka
5 years ago
Reply to  Nat

Keep the politics and religion out of this contest, SwedishFan has the point.

Nat
Nat
5 years ago
Reply to  Krys Ka

Krys Ka – “Keep the politics and religion out of this contest” As long as it’s not about refugees, Russia attacking Ukraine, #metoo and so on…When Sobral had a t-shirt “Refugees welcome” I didn’t see many people protesting :/ This contest is (unfortunately) MORE about politics than about music. Last year: France, Italy, Irland, Israel…
I wonder if you’d say “keep the politics and religion out of this contest” if Laura was a muslim woman singing about tolerance and not judging people by their religion.
I agree that ESC shouldn’t be about politics, but it is, so let’s be fair.

Krys Ka
Krys Ka
5 years ago
Reply to  SwedishFan

Then as an atheist I have to say NO! xD

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago
Reply to  SwedishFan

Evangelicals are trash, they’re ruining Latin America by spreading like rats. They have a very literal interpretation of the Bible and they’re very homophobic and intolerant in general.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
5 years ago

Forbidding evangelicals from entering eurovison isn’t gonna help though… It might even stimulate progressiveness if they compete in such an inclusive competition.
Also the song is pretty good and doesn’t have any kind of hatefull message. If you let political songs like 1944 compete, (which i liked btw) you can’t just target and forbid this one from entering. And also remember Romania is quite conservative, so if the EBU were to decide this song is not allowed to compete after winning the national selection there would be quite an uproar i think.

Tio
Tio
5 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Evangelicals can participate but a song about Jesus has nothing to do in eurovision. It’s not hard to understand.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
5 years ago
Reply to  Tio

I guess somebody has never heard of molitva… The winner of the eurovision song contest 2007.

Tom
Tom
5 years ago
Reply to  SwedishFan

I’m all against religious fanatism. I don’t want to hear a song like that in Eurovision. ._.

Leo
Leo
5 years ago
Reply to  SwedishFan

There is nothing hateful in this song and it’s far from being political. I don’t think she’s going to win the selection but if she does, good for her.
The only thing hateful and political here is your weird campaign against evangelical christians. As if calling them trash and fanatist would make them look bad 😀 it just makes you look like the hateful and intolerant ones.

Krys Ka
Krys Ka
5 years ago

Lucy, Safari was sung by Serena, just fyi. 🙂

It's the BBC's fault, not the UK's
It's the BBC's fault, not the UK's
5 years ago

What a dreadful selection from Romania. Laura Bretan is the only one I think will do well for Romania, the rest will flop hard!

It's the BBC's fault, not the UK's
It's the BBC's fault, not the UK's
5 years ago

I think even Supernova is better than Selectia Nationala this year

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago

haha 100% NOOOOOOO

Alex
Alex
5 years ago

Laura Bretan for the win!!

Conor K
Conor K
5 years ago

Mihai has my favourite song of the selection, hope he wins.

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago
Reply to  Conor K

Your taste is intresting i must say:)

Rainer1
Rainer1
5 years ago
Reply to  Conor K

You are the only one…russia16

florin
florin
5 years ago

and one more thing my friends… in the final will be international jury + public vote

James
James
5 years ago

Can anyone confirm if Bella Santiago is indeed filling in for Dan Bittman after he withdrew? 🙂

Alexandra
Alexandra
5 years ago
Reply to  James

Bella kind of confirmed it . She liked some comments on facebook about receiving a wild card and posted today 15 seconds of a song called “Army of love”