Picture: TRM/Eurovision.md

On Friday, Moldovan public broadcaster TRM announced that it was cutting its Eurovision 2022 search short. Instead of holding its planned selection show Selecția națională, the broadcaster revealed that it would select its act straight after the auditions. Now, following closed-door deliberations, TRM have chosen Zdob și Zdub & Frații Advahov with “Trenulețul” to sing at Eurovision 2022.

Zdob și Zdub and Frații Advahov joined forces for the country’s Eurovision 2022 selection. The latter are two folk musicians from Cahul, who have performed with their own orchestra for several decades.

The former are a longstanding Moldovan rock band formed in the 1990s. Zdob și Zdub represented the country twice before, in 2005 they finished sixth overall, the country’s best result until 2017. In 2011, the group returned to the contest and had one of the most memorable performances of the show with “So Lucky”.

TRM invited a total of 29 acts to the auditions in Chisinau after the submission process had come to an end. Among them were familiar faces as well as several new names. The auditions were broadcast directly on Saturday on the broadcaster’s second channel, alongside livestreams on Facebook and YouTube. 

Zdob și Zdub & Frații Advahov will represent Moldova at Eurovision 2022

After three hours of auditions, a five-piece jury including Eurovision alumni Cristina Scarlat and Aliona Moon decided that Zdob și Zdub & Frații Advahov will represent the country with “Trenulețul” at Eurovision 2022 in Turin.

During its submission period, the broadcaster noted that it had the rights to appoint the representative at any moment during the selection. They exercised that right after local COVID-19 restrictions made it impossible for the country to have a national selection. 

They also noted that the selected artists would have to fund their entire journey. Given that hefty financial burden, it’s probably relevant (and a relief) that an established act with a large following has won. 

What do you think of the choice for Zdob și Zdub & Frații Advahov and “Trenulețul”? Were they your favourites during the auditions? Do you think they will do well in Turin? Let us know in the comments down below!

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Natty Bumppo
Natty Bumppo
2 years ago

This is a great song, but I think you need the language and political context to get it, so it may not go so far at Eurovision. A shame, because this is clever and immensely fun.

Yay
Yay
1 year ago
Reply to  Natty Bumppo

If you don’t mind I’d like to know the Political context please! I think it would help me on how I judge this song.

Gaudi121
Gaudi121
1 year ago
Reply to  Yay

The song about the train between Chisinau (capital of Moldova) and Bucharest (capital of Romania). Moldova used to be part of Romania until it was annexed by USSR during WW2. The train ride between the two capitals is used as a metaphore for the strong historical ties between the two countries. It even hints an eventual reunification through the lyrics.

Daniel
Daniel
2 years ago

The song is great. You just telling us your personal opinion. You didn’t undestood the messaje of this song. Anyways…Go Moldova. The song is great. See you on ESC 2022 with Moldova in final.

Leendert Jan
Leendert Jan
2 years ago

OK, on first listen I would say that this a very simple folk-rocky song which I think no one outside of Moldova or Romania will connect to. But let’s wait and see; we’ve seen already what Zob si Zdub are capable of on stage, and they aren’t showing any of that here because of the circunstances. This could do another Narodnozabavni Rock, but also a So Lucky.

Last edited 2 years ago by Leendert Jan
Karl
Karl
2 years ago

I love this. Go Moldova!

Julian
Julian
2 years ago

why do you call it euro-vision if you want all songs to be scandi-vision. every country, every european region has its own music. this is our music and we do not care that you do not like it, we like it and that is enough

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
2 years ago

Putting Belarus 2021 to shame…

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  ESC Stan

Nah, this is way better than Belarus. That wasn’t even a song, But audio vomit.

ete sech
ete sech
2 years ago
Reply to  ESC Stan

This is also cringe, but there’s nothing to compare. Belarus 2021 was a lousy propaganda attempt.

Last edited 2 years ago by ete sech
Kim
Kim
2 years ago

I’m literally speechless

Im so fab
Im so fab
2 years ago

Revamp this please. ASAP

2022
2 years ago

Its the same bad song as Russia snd Ukrain last year so its gonna go well for Moldoca to

ArvinRoido Atienza
ArvinRoido Atienza
2 years ago
Reply to  2022

Keep in mind that those “bad songs” you say where in the top 10

2022
2 years ago

Thsts whst i say. Last year was a tetible year

Fabio
Fabio
2 years ago
Reply to  2022

Learn to spell some English correctly and come back then.

Ffs
Ffs
2 years ago

lol

Nervgear
Nervgear
2 years ago

Eurovision has always been about politics and yes, this song is political about unionism of Romania and MD. Countries vote based on politics,not quality of songs..it’s always been like this. We romanians wouldn’t have put this song on Eurovision but then again Romania interest in EV is quite low if nonexistent for years now. No decent artists from Romania joined EV for years now because our industry doesn’t need it. Recent years we sent people that are nonexistent here just to prove we don’t care about this contest. EV is more for people who want to prove themselves internationally and… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Nervgear
Ana
Ana
2 years ago

There is a way to bring ethnic sound into Eurovision for sure. But this, this is just bad. I feel like this year we might get a lot of novelty crap like this and the contest will look like the horrors of 2008.

George
George
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

I agree with you completely! Eurovision has come so far from going to general novelty songs to such a high standard of songs, I really hope we have no more novelty

Ana
Ana
2 years ago
Reply to  George

I love how he keeps repeating “folklore and rock and roll” while there is absolutely 0 rock and roll in this song. They were actually good in 2005, but some rock stars don’t age very gracefully I guess. They look and sound like a bunch of drunk embarrassing uncles in a wedding.

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

It’s a fun entry, I love that Romanian/Moldovan trumpet ethnopop sound anyway.
I’m not too sure how it will do in ESC overall but I’m sure this entry will be fun to watch nonetheless.
Thank god they ditched the gnomes and unicycles this time.

Karl
Karl
2 years ago

This is my favorite so far. Love it! Well done Moldova! <3

Hanifa
Hanifa
2 years ago
Reply to  Karl

You have a very bad taste..

Nathan
Nathan
2 years ago
Reply to  Hanifa

No, they just have a different musical taste than you. Don’t be bitchy.

CatcoolH
CatcoolH
2 years ago

All the people that are criticizing this song right now will probably laugh at it when we actually get to Eurovision

Serena00
Serena00
2 years ago
Reply to  CatcoolH

Way better than last year Moldova entry!

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago
Reply to  Serena00

Absolutely !

Ana
Ana
2 years ago
Reply to  Serena00

When the bar is so low, it’s not really hard to be “better than last year”.

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
2 years ago
Reply to  CatcoolH

I have no doubt you are right. I’m sure they will arrive in Torino for Eurovision. That’s about it.

Zander25
Zander25
2 years ago

a lot already fortell that the selection are just for them so why be surprise then? Plus Moldova is just like San Marino both good at recycling artist so let them compete again, 3rd time is a charm.

Serafina
Serafina
2 years ago

Hm, this is really bad

Aria
Aria
2 years ago

is this a demo or the finished entry? Cos I think it’s horrible.

vinz0614
vinz0614
2 years ago

I have a question, I read a lyric translation of this song and this maybe considered a hint for a unification of Moldova and Romania, which has been a hot political issue. Can this be seen as breaching ESC rule for going politics?

Nervgear
Nervgear
2 years ago
Reply to  vinz0614

Eurovision has always been about politics mate.. Countries vote based on politics,not quality of songs..it’s always been like this. Yes, we romanians wouldn’t have put this song on Eurovision but then again Romania interest in EV is quite low if nonexistent for years now. No decent artists from Romania joined EV for years now because our industry doesn’t need it. Recent years we sent people that are nonexistent here just to prove we don’t care about this contest. EV is more for people who want to prove themselves internationally and Ro has been focusing on club music and mixes not… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Nervgear
Isabella
Isabella
2 years ago

here’s to hoping they bring the sunstroke project and epic sax guy back a third time in 2023

Isabella
Isabella
2 years ago

humm, yeah… hell no

Pancake
Pancake
2 years ago

Great, but…
I’m still stanning my queen Misscatylove and her glitching Squid Game girl doll song.

Still! I can’t wait for whatever meme Moldova will do with this one.

Denis
Denis
2 years ago

I fell like they had some creative craziness in their previous attempt that was fun to look at. This is just kitchy trash that I think people will find tiresome. Not a fan of this genre that in EX – Yu call turbofolk…

Alexandra
Alexandra
2 years ago
Reply to  Denis

This is not turbo-folk wtf are you talking about… This is just typical folk for Romania at least. It’s the type of typical folk we hear at weddings and parties.

In Romania turbo-folk is more like what Malere is doing in the Romanian selection, without the metal part.

BetwixtTales
BetwixtTales
2 years ago

Moldova has always been a highlight for me at Eurovision. You can always count on them to bring fun and originality to their stage show. I know it’s early days, so we can’t know what they’ll end up doing, but the fact that they have to fund the entire thing themselves, and don’t have the support of their national TV channel, has me thinking it’ll be very watered down version this year, compared to what we’ve been used to. Sad, but I’m glad they’ll still be participating. That’s after all what it’s about.

Last edited 2 years ago by BetwixtTales
DonutLover
DonutLover
2 years ago

As a Serbian guy damn I’ve heard this instrumental a lot..
Still not a fan tho

DonutLover
DonutLover
2 years ago

Moldova being Moldova again..
Did we expect anything else?

zelenovi
zelenovi
2 years ago

Pfft. So many haters. This is 100% Balkan-style bananas and I am here for it. I will be riding this train all the way to the terminus.

OhhHoney
OhhHoney
2 years ago

This won’t qualify come may.

Pearli
Pearli
2 years ago

I instantly laughed when he sang the first word. I feel like I was watching chickens fight in my grandma’s backyard in the countryside when listening to this song.
Bulgaria, you got some competition for the last place in the semi.

Kredential
Kredential
2 years ago

I don’t want to be negative but these guys have entered ESC three times, and I don’t like any of their entries. Please make this be the last one

Last edited 2 years ago by Kredential
Giorgio
Giorgio
2 years ago
Reply to  Kredential

if you don’t want to be negative, don’t be

Maclaren
Maclaren
2 years ago

Back in 2005, they were bloody amazing. I’m still listening to Bunica Bate Toba today. I was in Tel Aviv for the 2019 Eurovision, and a local shopping centre was playing Bunica among other Eurovision songs. One of my brightest memories. Alas, their 2022 is not a new Bunica. But I hope it will give a chance to Eurofans to listen again to their 2005 song. Nostalgia, folks, this is nostalgia.

ete sech
ete sech
2 years ago

Well, I guess we needed another NQ besides Bulgaria…

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  ete sech

16 songs in total will fail to qualify No matter what. You just hope your country isn’t the one that will be left behind.

ete sech
ete sech
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

I’m from Mexico lol

Last edited 2 years ago by ete sech
BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  ete sech

Well, I am from the United States, so neither of us have an actual stake in the game. My last sentence in my previous comment was meant to be a general statement. It wasn’t directly targeted at anyone.

Ana
Ana
2 years ago
Reply to  ete sech

Guys, there is more chance that both of your countries will qualify to the ESC final than this hot pile of cow s**t.

ete sech
ete sech
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

Perhaps, both countries have a lot of talent but neither are eligible to take part of the contest :/

Anna Banana
Anna Banana
2 years ago

Moldova will stage this very well and will get a lot of points from Eastern Europe. Once everyone gets drunk there people will go crazy when this comes up and I really can’t blame them.

Lil Krumpy
2 years ago

This is amazing. Didn’t expect them to return, but they did. With a uži?ko kolo meets shouting song. Balkan people will eat this up. Unlikely that they do an Alcohol is free, though there are similarities.

ga89
ga89
2 years ago
Reply to  Lil Krumpy

Exactly, televote from the Balkans will be strong for this, it sounds like wedding circle dance songs .

Sim
Sim
2 years ago

My reaction: WTF is this?

Cami
Cami
2 years ago

This ain’t it chief. Great, my ears are bleeding now ?

alpine
alpine
2 years ago

I love this, my favorite so far.

Thanos
Thanos
2 years ago

Well on the plus side we hadn’t seen an entry of this genre for quite some time at Eurovision xD. I can say that I at least kinda enjoy it. Kinda. Like a guilty pleasure. Nevertheless this year’s ESC needs more good songs. Of course we are only at the beginning but I really hope better songs are released than the ones we already have.

Last edited 2 years ago by Thanos
duxx
duxx
2 years ago

You can downvote me as much as you want but this song is just HORRIBLE. This is not an ethno it’s a turbo folk which is actually a garbage music of easter europe.

Yoo
Yoo
2 years ago
Reply to  duxx

This is definitely NOT turbofolk. As someone said here, this is more rock than Bulgaria what sent for this year

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago

I like it 6/10

West
West
2 years ago

As much as I like modernized folk songs – I’m not feeling this one.

Irishfan
Irishfan
2 years ago

Oh dear!

khiughk
khiughk
2 years ago

Um……? I can safely bet on this NOT qualifying.

Héctor
Héctor
2 years ago

What an afternoon. First listening to North Macedonia hopefuls and then this. Imma go to the hospital to have my ears checked. Thank God we have BeFest in just half an hour.

PD: And yet Moldova will qualify with an over the top performance as last years.

Last edited 2 years ago by Héctor
Stephanie
Stephanie
2 years ago

The only thing i can say is: OH DEAR LORD!

MTD
MTD
2 years ago

Is there some ethno-festival happening and I am not aware of?

Well…sigh.

Anyhow, in Moldova, who ever has the money, goes to ESC, so cheers Moldova!

Doris
Doris
2 years ago

Well now we can say Ethnic doesn’t mean automatically good. This is just awful and more like a joke. Any country in Moldava SF is happy now cause we know who will finish dead last.

Alexandra
Alexandra
2 years ago
Reply to  Doris

This is typical folk music from Romania and Moldova… I feel like everyone on here is just disrespecting the 2 countries

Stan
Stan
2 years ago

WTH is this… LOL

Yoo
Yoo
2 years ago

The tastes are different, but for me this is quality, and a great song.
Bravo Moldova, see you in the final 🙂

lisa thompson
lisa thompson
2 years ago
Reply to  Yoo

from UK I love it. Looks like one of *Bald and bankrupt* train travels through Eastern Europe..

Crystal
2 years ago

I like it! It’s got this very chaotic vibe to it that kind of evokes the sensation of riding on a train (which is what it’s aiming for), and even if most of the viewers won’t be able to understand the lyrics, they’ll understand the general idea of the song, and the whole arena will be clapping along, and at least singing along with, “Hey ho, let’s go!” It probably does need a revamp, though. Maybe some extra guitar power chords, and a much more pronounced train whistle sound with the fiddle at both the beginning and end. I do… Read more »

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Crystal

Personally, I see this struggling to even make it out of the semi final, much less reach top 10, which I certainly don’t think will happen. This needs a really strong staging to make up for the song’s weaknesses, As is the operating procedure for Moldova. But we’ll have to see when more songs are selected and reveal for some if I want to see were it stacks up. In my own ranking list, I put those above Bulgaria, but Czech Republic and Albania are still ahead of it. Where I will place Spain depends on what they will choose… Read more »