On Sunday evening Ester Peony won Selecția Națională to become Romania’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019. Her song “On a Sunday” has a sultry, standout quality that came with a stunning graphic display. Sitting down or standing up, Ester definitely turned heads — particularly those of the international jury. Ester won with 65 points — 5 points more than televote favourite Laura Bretan, one of the country’s most famous singers who came second overall. Ester, a relative unknown in the country, only earned three points from the televote.
Criticism came thick and fast. Some questioned the fact the jury accounted for 6/7 of the final result. Some went as far as to stay the contest was rigged.
A few hours after the Romanian selection, Eurovision veteran and Selectia Nationala stalwart M I H A I posted a statement on his Facebook page rushing to defend Ester’s victory. He said that his countrymen’s attitude toward their representatives has been nothing but a shame over the last few years. Back in 2006, when he went to the song contest, fans called him “terrible”.
“Did Romania ever send a representative to Eurovision without trampling their soul first? The day after we won, the newspapers were like ‘We’re going out last’ or ‘Terrible! Romania won’t qualify again’. After Eurovision, I came back with a record score for Romania. There were red carpet invitations everywhere.”
Pareri despre … proaspat castigatoarea Eurovision Romania 2019 …Oare Romania si-a trimis vreodata vreun…
Posted by Mihai Traistariu on Sunday, February 17, 2019
The Romanian singer suggests the prevailing attitude among journalists is to report bad news after a selection. He says there was no support until the Eurovision Song Contest itself. “That’s what happens to a Eurovision artist”.
Mihai also stated that he expected Ester to win and he is glad she did. “Her song was too good not to win”. He points out that the international jury decided right and that there was no corrupt actions among the other Romanian acts to manipulate the overall vote.
Back in January, Mihai withdrew from Selecția Națională as he was unhappy with the way the selection was organized. “I do not trust the objectivity of the Eurovision Romania organisers, regarding the unclear situation about the competitors — those who qualified through the pre-selection and those who were later favoured — I decided to withdraw.”
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I don’t get the problem at all – Bella was my pre-favorite, but her live singing was bad, so Emmelie was right giving her zero. Laura was okay, but very dated, so she got a middle score (besides Emmelie who judged her good voice, the same reason why she gave Bella zero). And Ester is a typical jury song, so ofc she got many points. The fact that there were only 3 points in the televote was bec of her low popularity – but international fans don’t care about national fame. Actually, with Ester Romania is secured from getting a… Read more »
Where’s proof that they are going to cancel their votes?
Where is your evidence?
If you have a charge, make it, but make sure you bring evidence to back it up. Otherwise, you might be the one paying them out some money.
featured post? this? really?
I miss the good old days when MIHAI went crazy and he was showing us his new collection of undewear and even more, just for a little publicity
some of them are quite spicy for the eye hehehe
Ester is not a bad choice…. but of course there were at least 3 or 4 better options if Romania wanted to be closer to the Top 10.
What is inadmissible is the ridiculous % for the public vote…. it would be much more fair if they assume no public participation on decision…
Which are that 3 better options?
Laura, Bella, Trooper, Letitia Moisescu, Vaida – all are better and have better potential. And they would have much more public support.
And the way that some jurors took advantage of that imbalanced system to fix the result.
https://youtu.be/rnWhONIFe5w ….
It’s a huge shame – I agree 100 % with your criticism of this unfair voting system !
That’s reason why I’ve stopped to put attention any more to their comments.
Shame on both of them – William Lee Adams and Deaban Adermi.
Do you know the Duggar family from that american reality show? They are super religious and have countless children. And they smile all the time because this is what their church tells them to do. Laura is the same, this is why she has that silly smile on her face non stop. I’m happy I will not have to see her artificial joy.
Too bad i have to read your stupid “natural” statements, even if I’m not “forced”. Braindeadidiot.
Daria, you are everywhere. can you stop embarrassing yourself, or are you penticostal too. In this case I understand why you defend sickness.
So you’re talking about Laura and not Dear Father?
Till yestoday i was agaisnt William and Deban ,but they are not to blaime at all.They have made the right choice and i just don
t understand why Romania dont like Ester.Her song is good ,stagging was perfect .Romania will be in the final for sure.Stop moaning and get behind your artist she is good.Because romanians are obsessed with the JESC singer and song Dear Father. Because they think that screaming voice can win ESC. Is wrong. Look at Elina from Estonia, she had better voice and better song than Laura, and still was that expensive projection dress drama, because Elina knew without staging, voice is not enough to do well.
Nobody seems to agree in Romania. And it’s not aboute the winner herself, it’s about the cheating way that she won. People there are really angry and many papers and sites writes about what those two pathetic guys have done.
since when what Mihai is saying is soo relevant for wiwibloggs that you have to make a post with him every other week????? Or this post was just the only deluded artist who you manange to find who actually supports your voting in the final?
Total gresit, romanco !
Niciodata nu m-as retrage … de teama vreunui concurent.
In plus, eu am castigat o data Eurovision-ul.
Deci … nu mai am sa demonstrez nimic nimanui !
Faptul ca revin … e doar un moft al meu.
Si, ca sa-ti fac in ciuda : da, o sa-ncerc mereu … si mereu … dar in alte tari. Si o sa castig locul I intr-o zi. Ca sa te zgarii pe fata si tu si romanii care si-au batut mereu joc de mjne.
?
Esti penibil
Hey popo ai castigat selectia nationala nu eurovisionul
Downvotes are welcome.
Does it actually show Romanian people voted for Laura because it’s Laura?
I mean, you guys were not talking about bringing justice to Dear Father, but to Laura, and mostly Laura. “…ruined chances of Romania with your childish revenge to Laura.” “Laura would have been a chance to give it some life.” “…TO PREVENT LAURA BRETAN WINNING IN ROMANIA’S FINAL LAST NIGHT? ” “now you also misspelled the name Laura Bretan, where will you stop?” And plethoras of comments in wiwibloggs and Youtube. I mean, if “Dear Father’ was sung by Berniceya, or Cezar, for example, would you still vote for it? Or you won’t because it’s not Laura Bretan? Yes, you… Read more »
Yes, Wiwibloggs reaction video was posted way before Laura’s. They are too immature, especially William. They deserve everything is happening now.
Fakest people I’ve ever met. Fake smiles, fake attitudes. It’s good that they showed us their real faces, ugly, fake, hypocrite and selfish.
Mihai is right. He withdrew because he thought is unfair 2 wildcards, after he did it the right way, going through all the stages of casting.
The message above that he wrote in romanian, was not translated entirely in the article. He says in the message something that I remember too that was said about him, that he has the voice of a castrated man. Yes he received hate before ESC 2006.
Don’t y’all think it’s about time to stop giving airplay to this deluded good-for-nothing idiot? Praising the result of a NF he withdrew from cause he deemed it unfair? How is that coherent? This twat thinks of himself as Romania’s ultimate record-breaker (Luminita Anghel, 3rd one year before anyone knew his name, is claiming her credit here) while he can consider himself lucky he came 4th on a year with a very low musical level such as 2006. Not a big favour to keep inflating his ego.
He brought the highest score for Romania in the old scoring system, and nobody will change that, so he can be proud of it. If you read attentively, the addition of Bella and Linda to the competition (two high-profile wildcards) is the reason he withdrew, because he knew he won’t have a chance with them + Laura around.
ohhh let’s just have in consideration that he was not the composer of the song….and the song was a succes ….anyother good singer would have place high and even higher with an “actual dance and show”… no 2 left feets
“ohhh let’s just have in consideration that he was not the composer of the song…”
ohhh let’s just have in consideration that LAURA was not the composer of her song. Happy now?
Hei. I did it once.
And I felt like I can do it … twice.
Like Sergey, Dima, Ryback …
They csn but I can’t ?
Hm …
I won’t understand why some Esc fans have so much hate.
???
I’m less suspicious now.
Remembered back to 2017 where William used his international vote for Mama’s Boy in Norway as opposed to Grab The Moment, Places or Wrecking Crew. No ulterior motive here people just a complete lack of taste. 😉
Agree, I don’t think that bird brain of theirs would have any motives, they are just the paragon of bad tastes
Eurovision is very low in Romania, close to becoming extinct. Laura would have been a chance to give it some life.
That seems fair. On the matter of transparency, at least we all know how the jury members voted in Romania. Honestly it is always best to ask the jury members why they voted how they did. In some other music competitions, the feedback/notes are required for the jury to provide for each performer anyhow.
I honestly wish I could give you a Yes or No answer, but the real answer is with William and Deban here.
seems like comments will be closed here as well…
Actually I’m feeling somewhat healed by the discussion below, and from reading Julian Geiser’s article. More knowledge and context can be very powerful.
(But if you’re referring to the nasty comments, then sure.)
yeah long live the comunist party and the censorship
I watched William and Deban detailing their response in a video after the event. They came off genuinely moved by Ester’s performance, and less so with Laura’s simpler take. While both performances were in my top 2, Ester’s for me was fresher and a revelation, the stuff that Eurovision rewards. All the calculations and accusations here avoid the main issue – RTV created a system that mostly bypasses the public after last year’s results. I think that Romania will benefit from having a more creative entry and RTV got what it wanted. And – no; I think that collusion here… Read more »
Ester was unknown to the public eye, while Laura and Bella are already getting accolades everywhere. The televote’s a play on who has the most fame and fans before, and TVR might probably have learned. You are entitled to you opinion.
Perhaps; but having a public event brings out the showy element, which is such a big decider. Since Conchita, we understand that some songs are hard to grasp at first without the total package, and we are richer for that.
Of course, you have a point re not pissing off the public; on the other hand, whatever works. If Romania does well this year RTV will be hailed geniuses. I think the right choice for a live show was made, and now I am praying for the poor RTV employee that may get fired in May…
They can, Eugene, but SN seems to be already a tradition in Romania, and it was a good production, it would be with little chances that they would ditch it.
To play devil’s advocate, Mahmood in Italy only got 14% of the televote in the San Remo final, but was pushed to victory by the juries. Should we say that he’s not worthy of going due to his lack of public support? We may not agree or like the voting of juries or the public, but in the end, she was the winner based on the voting process put in place by TVR. The real issue here is that exact process, giving the televoters very little say in the outcome, rather than the 50% we see in the ESC and… Read more »
Could the EBU’s ESC bosses ask all broadcasters to adopt a 50/50 National Final procedure? Is that feasible, going forward?
I don’t think so, because some NFs, like Sanremo, FiK and Melodifestivalen have a years long tradition of format. Also, many countries use different methods in semis and finals, or perhaps having juries deciding the superfinalists and televote the winner. It’s actually MUCH more exciting having different experiences from different NFs than having them uniformed. However, with the exception of FiK and Eurofest, which are now basically televised internal selections, others have significant input of the voters at some point of the process. The public in Sweden, for example, is solely responsible for who reaches the finals, while the Hungarian… Read more »
Yes, absolutely 100% transparency. I get that number of votes and positions have to be hidden after a semi for spoiler purposes, but I think they should be made public after the finals. For example, I’m curious of who was second in the British televote, Kerrie-Anne or Jordan? But there are some amazing NF formats, like Melfest, Eesti Laul, Sanremo, MGP to name a few and I’d like to keep them. Also, I still respect and like William and Deban as much as ever. I get that some questions needed to be asked, but I am positive they did their… Read more »
I guess not, since EBU was not in control on how the performers would be selected. Plus, it’s good to trust the systems to the HoDs, they know better about their country.
even so…. Laura’s performance was not a 4/6 points performance, isn’t it?
ohhh and don’ get me started with out of tune Teodora Dinu who got more points than Laura from Deban …i mean, come on….
That is happening when you have gays in the jury. The cry all day for tolerance but they are the most intolerant.
No. You are wrong to say that. Rejecting bigotry is not the same thing as bigotry. It’s a fallacy to say that resisting the oppression of someone’s basic human rights is a form of oppression, because in doing so you are not rejecting the oppressor’s human rights but purely their desire to restrict someone else’s rights. We all have a right as human beings to dignity and equal liberty. This is a basic tenet of international human rights law (read the UDHR). I’m not saying that maps on to specific examples that people are arguing about — I don’t know… Read more »
Ugh. That’s a tough one, because if the bigotry never existed (i.e. it was fake news), then that would make the rejection a product of hysterical fear. It’s almost like a phobia in reverse. My head hurts now.
good points. On a Sunday is a beautiful song
Nobody is ‘rubbishing’ the winner. They’re questioning the process of selection.
Then the focus should be on the PROCESS OF SELECTION, not on the acts, not on the singers, not on INDIVIDUAL JURIES (like some of the “fans” here did)
If nobody is rubbishing the winner then why the comments saying On a Sunday is a good song or containing tops with Romania high are downvoted?
To sum it up with manner, Veta:
“F*CK YOU ALL LAURA BRETALENT IS THE ULTUMATE GODDESSS ESTER PENIO SHUD NOT REPRESENT ROMENYAA SHES TERRIBLE COMPARED TO LAURA DIDN DESERV IT IM DOWNVOTING DIS AAAAH”
P. S : this is terrible, I know.
Romanians should complain about the voting system BEFORE the shows. Now it’s too late. You can blame the wiwi couple, TVR, the cosmos, Brexit, Russia, Jessica Mauboy, Coco Chanel, it does not matter cuz it won’t change anything NOW.
Exactly. Thank you.
Besides the homophobia and all that, am I the only one who doesn’t like Dear Father? It’s… mediocre at best. She has a really good voice, no one can deny that. But the composition is bland and I feel like I’ve heard it a million times before. It’s like it’s trying to be La Forza but La Forza was actually… good? I love On a Sunday. I understand that not everyone will like the song as much as me, or maybe they’ll be indifferent. But it’s not a “bad” song even if you don’t like it; it’s an objectively solid… Read more »
P. S. I know there will some fellow Romanians coming for me in these comments but I want to say, don’t even try. I’m also American which means I don’t take people’s BS, especially not this ridiculous, childish whining. Ma doare in cot.
Bine macar ca te doare in cot, caci cap oricum nu ai
For me, Dear Father would be a great Romanian entry, but after the live final it’s either the song or Laura that made me think it would be better as an JESC entry–kind of harmless, if I rethink about it. The styling was way too innocent-looking (reminded me of Marija Spasovska), as if I’m seeing a junior performer. The staging was also playing it that way. Although I would be happy if she was sent, that kind of stage-styling didn’t help, to be honest.
I don’t like it either. Hurts my ears, super happy it lost.
I would’ve preferred Daina or Destin to represent Romania but Ester was much better than Laura and Bella and Linda and all the rest as well.
I think that TVR didn’t want Laura to be chosen because..
1.) She would give a homophobic image to the country
2.) They knew she was a favourite with betting odds and they knew Romania wouldn’t be able to afford hosting Eurovision so they clearly sabotaged her.
The 2 wouldn’t be true (look how big the SN final stage is!) but 1 would be most reasonable. If Laura won and Bucharest 2020 happened, as a result, #BoycottRomania would spark from this homophobic claim, even if we know the history of it.
Another eurovision crime as it happened in 2017 in Sweden with Nano and in Spain with Mirela, however I never imagined Willian and Deban as executioners.
lock him up n throw away the key
The first time I ever agreed with him 😀
Dear Angry People In The Comments, I know you are all mad your favourites didn’t win (happened to me already in France #Loveyouseemone) but please don’t throw shade to William and Deban. They enjoyed their time in Romania and the last thing they want to see is hate comments towards THEM. Firstly watch the reaction video (for her victory) where everthing seems to be explained on how they went about making their decisions and I fully respect their opinions as I would almost do with anyone. Second, William and Deban would never think of fixing a competition if such an… Read more »
very well .. they should see hate comments … and they should know this as well : “They are not welcomed in Romania anymore”
Andu, I’m pretty sure they weren’t planning to pay you a visit when / if they come back to Romania, so you can relax!
Self editing, even if Andu’s comment is awful, me making it worse won’t help. Congrats to the winner, commiserations to the losers.
Thank you Jake. 🙂
I would argue the worst case wasn’t in France but in Australia. The way the Eurofandom behaved was disgusting.
When did the bookmakers get it right? Two years ago, when Italy was a clear favourite for 2 months and finished 6th? Or in 2014, when The Netherlands were the 30 favourite to win and finished 2nd? There are some elements to take serious from the bookies, but they are never 100% correct. And they also win when some of their favourites don’t win.
And Albania last year coming 40/42 all along and finishing in the top 10 .
I like On a Sunday, but it ain’t no Mall.
But see that’s personal opinion, Mall was a good song but I much prefer On a Sunday.
Bookies are not gospel when it comes to ESC results…hope people don’t take them too seriously.
To whomever moderates this thread: you rule! You know why,lol
I wanna thank as well. Good job you’re doing!
censorship ? ohhh the good old comunist days …
They don’t have to give any explanations. YOUR broadcaster chose them as jury members and they had all the rights to vote as they wished. Stop whining like babies.
OK, i partly agree with you, but this is a simple question: why after praising the song, saying in their own video that is the best song in the Romanian selection, when voting, they ranked it so low. Where is the logic in that?
They probably had their own reasons. It doesn’t even matter. There’s no such thing as you have to explain yourself for voting or not voting for someone. They were given a chance and they used it. It’s THAT simple. Just get over it.
If they have nothing to hide, we would like to know those “reasons”.
Does Romania even want to win by the way? I mean I don’t really think that Romania could afford Eurovision. Anyway though
Now for sure we have NO CHANCE to win, thanks to the biased opinion of the two Wiwi juries. Yes, we can afford it, as hosting the contest will generate revenue afterwards as well (overall).
Romania-Hungay relationship at work here! Gurl, they’ve fixed the result, those 2 Wiwis! I know you’re happy, but, c’mon!
No you got me wrong, I’m not happy or anything. In fact Laura was my pick for Eurovision too. Because she is the true representation of current traditionalist Romania(!). So she would be a better option for Romania. But the results are there. If there’s someone to blame here it should be TVR.
“Current traditionalist Romania”…
HungarianGurl, feel free to ignore the trolls!
What? I’m not trolling, I’m genuinely confused by that statement. It’s kind of true if we think about it, but does the representation actually matter?
It’s a bit rich coming from Mr Orban’s country
watch the reaction video, they explain perfectly well why they thought she was the best last night
Because they have to judge it based on the live performance, so they might have to scrap their judgement from the studio version and focuses on the live instead. While I would be happy if Laura won, she was at her weaker in the final (her semi was better IMO)–it missed something. Ester and Bella brought more elaborate packages, thus the points.
When surprises, people get upset. And also every winner usually has its opponents. That doesn’t mean we should generalize and I don’t think that this just happens in Romania. I remember Lordi’s story, I don’t know if it is true, but there were rumours that they were close to not be allowed to participate by Finland for their controversies. We all know what happened in the end.
“but there were rumours that they were close to not be allowed to participate by Finland for their controversies” Not rumours. Mr Lordi HIMSELF stated in an interview with the Youtube Channel of Eurovision that there were people petitioning to the Finnish President to stop them from competing internationally.
Being bipolar is nothing to be ashamed. The only thing to be ashamed of here is bullying people about mental health.
Criticise Mihai if you must, but mental health insults are pathetic.
To end the bitterness, if Romania did a 50/50 televote and jury split like most countries Laura would have won okay?
Just chill out guys its over. If its so pressing to you huys make a petition.
There is already a petition going on with almost 10k sign-ups.
I thought Mihai was one of the big favourites going into 2006????
After seeing he is even rejected by Belarus, he’s already trying the 2020 Romania selection and this time I think he will work hard that the fixing TVR decision (voting system, jury members selection…) will be for him.
He didnt show up in Belarus, but his song Baya is so awful it wouldnt even stand a chance in Belarus.
Have you heard Belorussian songs? Baya would be in the upper third for sure.
Great song
William and deban are yet to convince me. Not about the fact they all of sudden (!!) loved Ester. But on why they gave so little points to Laura. Cause if they would have given 7 and above she would have won! Seems as if their points were on purpose so low, in order to secure that Laura won’t win….
P. S: TVR should fire the one who thought to give 25% of the outcome to 2 bloggers with similar music taste and an agenda.
Check your math. If William and Deban had each given Laura 7 points, she would have a jury total of 52 points. That would of given Laura a total of 64 against Ester’s total of 65. Ester still would of won. Reports are coming through that Laura wasn’t as good in the hall as she was in the studio version or on TV so no big shock that William Deban and two other judges did not give her a score higher than 7. (Jury viewed the live performance not the broadcast) Also when u look at William and Deban’s top… Read more »
Which reports? Your imagination or your fake news?
Can you f*ckin stop? Your prejudice won’t help you win anything–read it again and compare Laura’s final to her semi. It was weaker–Mathman got a point.
Well, there’s nothing funnier than homophobia, violence and saying someone’s dead.
Sorry, that was supposed to be the response to one of the users comment, since they all have been deleted (thank god) it kinda floats here with no reason.
i agree with Mihai, great job William and Deban, 12 points for you guys!
Everybody, let’s all support Andu and wish him all the best on his coming out party! We’re all honored you chose to come out on wiwibloggs! After all, you yourself said that only gay people are on this site! I’m very happy for you, love and accept yourself!
To the moderator: now that Andu’s comments are gone, my comment is irrelevant. Please remove this comment. I love you, this has actually been quite funny, in the middle.of all this madness.
Oh, wiwibloggs, are you actually masochists?! Why would you open another thread on the Romanian selection, when you know very well you’ll re-open the opportunity for abuse? At least don’t activate the commenta section…
Don’t encourage them to censor us once again. Unless the comments are genuinely abusive or threatening, everyone has right to say something.
Colin, I totally agree with you in principle. But did you actually read some of the commenta here?! I think the points have already been made…
I read all of those comments and none of them were offensive. People need to stop throwing that word around so readily.
If those guys want the perks of being on things like international juries, they’re going to be scrutinised. Don’t give them a free pass.
Several really hateful comments were removed, I’m pretty sure you.missed them (and I certainly won’t reproduce them here). Only the more civilized ones remained now. Scrutinise and criticise all you want, but without name calling, threats and so on.
I disagree that everybody has the “right” to post comments. Locking a comments thread does not infringe on your rights at all. Many online newspapers have shut down their comments section or limited them to paying subscribers only. Of course I love the comments section here and want them to be always open, but Wiwi are perfectly free to do as they please.
Additionally, why would or should they take the abuse?! Just because some people are incapable of expressing their opinion in a civilized manner?
who cares about what the bookmakers think at this stage? Odds getting interesting when the rehearsals start.
Not for Romania unfortunely, not this year, thanks to Wiwi
Then, with chances are Ester getting top marks in Tel Aviv, and Romania celebrated, what would we call whole Romania? Hypocrites?
Taste! On A Sunday is a bop, pressed Laura stans need to stfu already
+1
do u even know what a ‘bop’ is? u don’t bop to slow/midtempo songs sksk
Well, you can. Snap your finger and do interpretive while you’re cooking or studying. Any pop can be bopped through, anyways.
I have to second Polegend in this one. I adore some ballads and slow songs, but the term “bop” is referring to good uptempo and catchy songs.
Here are the scores I counted if Romania had a 50/50% rating by fixed number of points (like in Croatia): Juries: 12 p – Ester Peony 10 p – Bella Santiago 8 p – Laura Bretan 7 p – Linda Teodosiu 6 p – Letitia Moisescu and Sensibil Balkan 5 p – Mirela Vaida 4 p – Olivier Kaye 3 p – Claudiu Mirea / Trooper 1 p – Aldo Blaga Televote: 12 p – Laura Bretan 10 p – Trooper 8 p – Bella Santiago 7 p – Mirela Vaida 6 p – Linda Teodosiu 5 p – Letitia… Read more »
So basically Laura could’ve won if TVR did the mean of all the juries points.
Will Wiiwi explain to us why exactly they gave Tedora Dinu, miss Nul Points, more points that to Laura Bretan? I’ m extreamely curious.
Wait, not only you didn’t tell anything about the farce that your Wiwi comrades put up, now you also misspelled the name Laura Bretan, where will you stop?
How did I know there would be triggered Laura stans in this comment section?