Romania: TVR confirms partnership with Global Records for internal selection of 2020 artist

Yesterday Romanian broadcaster TVR confirmed they would the changing the way Romania’s Eurovision act is selected for 2020. This year, the artist will be internally selected with their song for Rotterdam selected at a national final. Now TVR has revealed more about the selection process. The broadcaster will be partnering with major Romanian music label Global Records.

TVR confirmed the news with an announcement on their website. The Romanian broadcaster says it chose to partner with Global Records because of the recent success of their artists, song popularity, international reach and social media followers.

Global Records CEO Lucian Ștefan was enthusiastic about the partnership, saying, “It is an honour and a challenge for Global Records to assist in choosing Romania’s representative for Eurovision 2020. At the moment, we are just thinking about how and what we can do to represent Romania in Rotterdam with the best artist, the best song and the best show. To make it happen, we have made available to TVR all our resources and expertise in the music industry.”

Global Records’ artists’ roster includes many acts who have been fan favourites for Eurovision, including some who have previously made wiwibloggs wishlists.

Global Records’ artists

One of the big names is Moldovan-born Irina Rimes. She got her start in her home country before branching out to Romanian fame. As well as establishing herself as a major pop act, Irina also serves as one of the coaches on The Voice Romania.

Delia Matache — usually just known as Delia — is a major Romanian star. As well as having her own pop career, since 2012 she has served as a judge on the Romanian edition of the X Factor.

Antonia Iacobescu (who performs as Antonia) is another well established Romanian pop singer. In 2018 she had a No.2 hit single with the Latin-infused “Matame”.

Romania’s Junior Eurovision 2005 act Alina Eremia has since gone on to establish herself as a pop star but also does voice acting. Alina has previously said she would consider doing Eurovision and made our wishlist in 2015.

Another wishlist favourite is Ami, who previously supported Paula & Ovi on backing vocal for their “Playing with Fire” performance in 2010. She has since established a solo career.

Also on Global’s roster is Vanotek (also known as Ion Chirinciuc). He may be familiar to Eurovision fans for competing in Selectia Nationala 2016. He placed second in the grand final with his song “I’m Coming Home”, performed along with The Code & Georgian.

Romania using internal selection may make doing Eurovision more attractive to some of the bigger acts, who would not normally want to risk competing against others in a national final.

But as the list is restricted to acts signed to Global Records, it also means any anyone else will miss out. Selectia National 2019 finalist Bella Santiago was said to have been working on an entry for 2020.

And Romania’s Eurovision 2006 star M I H A I was planning the next chapter of his attempted Eurovision comeback. Yesterday he revealed that he had submitted the ballad “Sorries Are Not Enough” as an attempt for Eurovision 2020. Sadly neither Bella nor M I H A I will be eligible for 2020.

Once the act has been selected, the artist will perform five songs at the national final on 1 March. There, Romania’s song for Rotterdam will be selected by a combination of jury vote and televote. It will be an even 50/50 split.

Which Global Records act should represent Romania at Eurovision 2020?

There are a lot of acts on the Global Records roster, but who should represent Romania at Eurovision 2020? Vote for your favourites in our poll. As always, you can vote for as many acts as you like but you can only vote once — so choose carefully.

Read more Romania Eurovision news here!