Image: TRM

It’s always a highlight of the Eurovision calendar. The live auditions for Moldova’s Eurovision national final, Etapa Națională 2023, returned on Saturday. Now ten acts have progressed to the grand final.

A total of 33 entries were initially longlisted, though two of these were subsequently disqualified and one act was unable to attend the auditions due to traffic issues. Each of the remaining 30 performed live at TRM studios to prove they deserved to make it to the main round of the selection.

Etapa Naţională 2023 finalists

The decision of who made it through to the main national final was be purely down to a jury. Those who form part of the live audition jury will not be able to sit on the jury that votes in the grand final. The ten acts who earned the highest scores from the jury advanced to Etapa Naţională 2023.

  • Sunstroke Project – “Yummy Mommy” – 55 points
  • Pasha Parfeni – “Soarele şi luna” – 53 points
  • Donia – “Red Zone” – 52 points
  • Aliona Moon – “Du-mă” – 49 points
  • OL – “Why You Play It Cool” – 48 points
  • Surorile Osoianu – “Bade, bădişor, bădiţă” – 47 points
  • NÖRDIKA – “Damn and down” – 45 points
  • Victor Gulick – “Let’s Dance” – 45 points
  • Cosmina – “Indestructible” – 44 points
  • Corina Ivanov – “When Love’s Real” – 44 points

Etapa Naţională 2023 audition longlist

  • Ada Deea – “Mystic Rose”
  • Adelina Iordachi – “Deja Vu”
  • Aliona Moon – “Du-mă”
  • Angel Kiss – “Now I Know”
  • Corina Ivanov – “When Love’s Real”
  • Cosmina – “Indestructible”
  • Crista – “Pădure verde pădure”
  • Diana Elmas – “Miracle”
  • Donia – “Red Zone”
  • Formaţia Vele – “Jocul neamului moldovenesc”
  • Gesica Sîrbu – “I’m in love”
  • Harmony Scuffle – “Favourite One”
  • Lisa Volk – “Scrisoare către ţară”
  • Lola – “Temperatura”
  • Nihilist & Lisa Nicky – “Final Destination”
  • Nikko T – “Destiny”
  • Nino – “It would be nice”
  • NR – “Adio”
  • NÖRDIKA – “Damn and down”
  • OL – “Why You Play It Cool”
  • Pasha Parfeni – “Soarele şi luna”
  • Ricky Ardezianu – “Una rosa rossa”
  • Rise – “Don’t trumble”
  • Sasha Bognibov – “My Favourite Schoolgirl”
  • Sunstroke Project – “Yummy Mommy”
  • Surorile Osoianu – “Bade, bădişor, bădiţă”
  • Tania Pituşcan – “Mioriţa”
  • Valeria Condrea – “We’re now different”
  • Vera – “Vremea ta”
  • Victor Gulick – “Let’s Dance”
  • Y-Limit – “Live in Harmony”

Who was the standout from the Etapa Naţională 2023 auditions for you? Are you happy with the finalists? Let us know in the comments below.

139 Comments
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Saya
Saya
1 year ago

Sunstroke Project’s song is not that good compared to their last entry. I think Lola is the best choice well she disqualified. Pasha should win then.

Aksel Kankaanranta's boyfriend
Aksel Kankaanranta's boyfriend
1 year ago

I’m so pissed off that they robbed Crista. Their only decent option let’s be honest

Mbappe
Mbappe
1 year ago

Have to also admit that I’m actually really afraid of a Russia 2012 part 2, in case the Osoianu sisters somehow win this NF. The song is pleasant enough but it’s mostly a bunch of “na na na na” over a generic ethnic instrumental, so that would truly make for a very uncomfortable scenario… Maybe I’m just exaggerating at this point.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Mbappe

You are right, they may pick Russia 2012 pt. 2 (featuring a lot of nananas), but if not, they also have some equally bad, and some even worse options here: a) Why you play it cool – repeat it monotonously 158 times and call it a song. b) One of the worst rock songs I have ever heard. c) A guy who cannot sing in English to get out of the box with a dated dance track. d) Digitalized repetition of ”red zone, red zone”, while the singer stands like a statue. e) Epic Sax Guy back with a much… Read more »

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago

Pasha is my winner, his song’s just got it all and Moldova’s good at staging. Moldova would be on to something special with him this year.

Garbo
Garbo
1 year ago

Weirdly my favorite song of the selection is Victor Gulick’s song ‘Let’s Dance’. Shame he can’t sing live though lol but at least he made it through. I’m guessing the winner will be one of Sunstroke Project, Aliona Moon or Pasha Parfeni.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Garbo

Yeah, I think it’s going to be a returning act among those three. I hope it’s Pasha.

Fierce Queen
Fierce Queen
1 year ago

Aliona Moon just this done

Vivian
Vivian
1 year ago

Interesting selection of songs! My vote goes to Aliona Moon, though to be honest I’m not so keen on the Sunstroke Project entry in this shortlist

Jessica Folcker
Jessica Folcker
1 year ago

For a split second, I wasn’t sure if it was Aliona Moon or RAYE.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

Is Aliona Moon part Korean? She has a Korean last name.

Carl Ingman
Carl Ingman
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Her real name is Aliona Munteanu

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Her real surname is Munteanu, according to Wikipedia

James
James
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

It’s a stage name. 🙂

Aj22
Aj22
1 year ago

Aliona for sure! The best and most current song

Mbappe
Mbappe
1 year ago

Sunstroke Project with their same old gimmick and really poorly written English, please don’t…

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Mbappe

Like 93% of all Eurovision songs in English, from any given country.

Mbappe
Mbappe
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Have to admit they still seem like quite effective live performers and the meme potential is always there, so I’m afraid of them going to Liverpool and once again doing better than their song would deserve to.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Mbappe

Well, I don’t think yummy Mommy is going to surpass their third Place position, that’s for sure.

Nobody Important
Nobody Important
1 year ago

Help, this is so Iconic, I”m screaming!

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Sunstroke, please use the British spelling for “Mommy” if that is how you pronounce it. Thank you.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

UK, New Zealand and Australia: Mummy
US: Mommy

Knowimg the UK created English, Mummy is the official way to name the word.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
1 year ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

Official doesn’t mean obligatory btw.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

English came from England, not the UK, but that’s probably just me being pedantic. I will also accept if they change “yummy” to “yommy”… it is just not right the way it is now! I will have to live with this for months. Heavy sigh. Sad face.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

No. They can use whatever spelling they want.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

I know they can. Only one rhymes with “yummy”, though.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago

OK, now that the 10 finalists have been selected, I think it’s pretty clear that we’re gonna have somebody return for Moldova. I hope it’s pasha because it sounds like he has the best song of the lot. Sunstroke Project have already been to Eurovision twice and I don’t think yummy Mommy is as good as hey mamma.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

I just hope they send a song in Romanian. There are many good ones to choose from. Pasha, Ailona, Surolire… anyone one of those would be good.

I am rooting for Pasha though.

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Couldn’t agree more. I’m sure Sunstroke Project will eventually be back to Eurovision, but following “Mamma” with “Mommy” doesn’t sound to me as a good choice.

Aliona would be a fine option, but my favorite was also Pasha. Let’s see if they have more staging in the final and how it could change things.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

Not sure why Adelina Iordachi – “Deja Vu” didn’t get in? She had one of…if not THE best voice and the song was VERY interesting. With a revamp, that COULD have given Moldova a good result and had BOTH televote AND jury appeal. Not sure why they got rid of it or several songs here.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago

It’s all rigged for Sunstroke Project but her song was my favorite among the ones that didn’t make the cut 🙁

Kevan1994
Kevan1994
1 year ago

She was easily in my top 10. When I rewatched 4 of the songs that qualified I was in shock that she didn’t make it over them.

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago

SunStroke with 55 pts are the first by the judges…. So, it’s SunStrokeProject the winner for Moldova Eurovision 2023 unfortunately….

For the final, it’s others judges but i think it’s same thing about SunStrokeProject…

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Roro31

Nooooo! We need Pasha Parfeni to go to Liverpool!

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Yes me too !!

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Roro31

Can you post the full results with the points?

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

I remember Pasha being second with 53 points
Aliona was 4th
That’s all I can tell you, I’m also waiting for someone to post results lol

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Nikita Zhukov

Check Wikipedia. Results are there. SP with 55, Pasha with 53, Donia 3rd, Aliona 4th, Corina was borderline with 44. That means that points were very close, and in the finals, anything can happen.

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

There should be televote in the finals, right?
At this point I’m just hoping Moldova will prefer Pasha’s entry so much that he’s gonna win by a landslide
A guy can dream, I guess

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago
Reply to  Nikita Zhukov

I want Pasha or Aliona but its SunStrokeProject because the televote and the juries…. Their song is good but so generic… Pasha IS better !

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Wikipedia

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago

I’m rooting for a Pasha Parfeni victory right here
Can’t get enough of his song, love the vibe, love the melody, love everything
Hoping for a clutch win lol

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

So these are the acts that qualified:
– Pasha Parfeni
– Surorile Osoianu
– Sunstroke Project
– Aliona Moon
– OL
– Donia
– Nordica
– Victor Gulic
– Cosmina
– Corina

Mr X
Mr X
1 year ago

Pasha Parfeny: A very strong performance, he looks handsome just like a shaman. His song dedicated to sun and moon could be outstanding.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

My guess on top ten finalists based on the previous popularity of performers and songs, and how the auditions went: SunStroke Project (100% in) Aliona Moon (100% in) Pasha Parfeny (100% in) Surorile Osoianu (seems to be popular, and the folk is currently in) Corina Ivanov (she performed well, and they’ll likely have one more traditional ballad in the mix) Vera (always a reliable performer) Crista (the song stands out in its atmosphere) Angel Kiss (her first Q I guess) Formatia Vele (they performed okay, and this style seems to be popular there) Donia (especially now that Temperatura is DQ,… Read more »

Ritoli
Ritoli
1 year ago

Wow! By the end of the month, the song of the Czech Republic will be revealed. In February, about 14 countries will have their songs chosen And in March 5 countries will choose their songs and of course Noa Kirel will reveal the Israeli song “Unicorn” sometime in March. Very busy months are coming! I’m excited!

West
West
1 year ago
Reply to  Ritoli

I’m pretty sure the songs the Czech artists have been releasing and teasing these days are the competing entries. Pam with Ghosting, Markéta released Happy, Rodan has a new song called Introvert Party Club, Maella teased Flood and Vesna will release My Sister Crown tomorow.

Mr X
Mr X
1 year ago
Reply to  Ritoli

The Slovenian entry by Joker Out has the title “Carpe Diem”

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago

When will the 10 competing artists be announced?

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

The article says 19:30 EET, so I’m assuming we learn in 30 minutes

Per4ik4ili ??
Per4ik4ili ??
1 year ago

I hope they will chose 10 and let the 11th (LOLA) enter the final even if she didn’t participate in the rehearsal ??

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

My 10 qualifiers in no particular order
Pasha Parfeni – “Soarele ?i luna”
Surorile Osoianu – “Bade, b?di?or, b?di??”
Aliona Moon – “Du-m?”
Sunstroke Project – “Yummy Mommy”
Rise – “Don’t trumble”
Adelina Iordachi – “Deja Vu”
Crista – “P?dure verde p?dure”
Donia – “Red Zone”
Nino – “It would be nice”
Vera – “Vremea ta”

Kevan1994
Kevan1994
1 year ago
Reply to  Elizabeth

We had 9 of the same! Only difference was I had Ada Deea – Mystic Rose instead of Rise – Don’t Trumble

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

On that part I agree. I found most of the songs very weak, but the hosts were point-on, and the production didn’t drag. Thumbs up for Teleradio Moldova for that!

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

I’d struggle to pin-point 10 decent entries in this selection if I was a jury member. By far the weakest selection of this year, MESC and Selectia nationala included. Both have more decent entries by percentage. Aside from obvious standout from Aliona Moon, I could perhaps name five or six entries I consider average enough not to call them weak. That said, there are a few entries I don’t like at all, but televoters could go for nonetheless, so I assume these will fill the 10 spots. This was a tough one to go through. To a degree entertaining, but… Read more »

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

Aside from Aliona, I think that Pasha also did well. The song gets a bit repetitive, but it’s memorable and it has a pretty cool beat. He’d be my second choice.

I didn’t enjoy SunStroke Project’s song nearly as much as I did in 2017, but they are easily in top 10 here. Especially if the performances are an important parameter.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

I enjoyed some of them. I am happy you found some entries to like. It’s important to know that in most cases, even if one doesn’t like a song, someone else does, and that’s why it’s good that it’s there. 🙂

(Except anything by Bognibov. I just truly, honestly, unironically hate every one of his songs.)

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

I’m a little surprised. I wasn’t expecting much from this, but found it to have 10 times the personality of, say, Malta, and that counts for a lot. It was at least very watchable if not competitive.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

I mean, it was fun to watch, and if authenticity and diversity are the criteria, then yes, Moldova has somewhat more of that on average than MESC does. For my taste, I found a bit more of solid entries in Malta, but Moldova has a few too. Aliona, for example, would be a standout in almost any selection.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

It’s clear Pasha Parfeni is miles ahead of everyone else. Moldova needs to send him.

Mr X
Mr X
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

I like Aliona too, but he is definitely the best option

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

Was that it? I missed the first three but here’s who I like for the final from what I’ve seen:

Harmony Scuffle
Aliona Moon
Pasha Parenfi
Sunstroke Project
Crista
Cosmina
OL

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

Oh I forgot Nino

Lucas
Lucas
1 year ago

What happened to Lola – Temperatura??? Was she disqualified or what? So disappointed…

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Lucas

There was a snowstorm in Chisinau. She got stuck in traffic and didn’t make it on time for her audition, so she got disqualified.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

There are rumors her next song will be titled “Blame it on the snowstorm”.

Lucas
Lucas
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

That’s so unfair!!

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

That’s devastating. This would have been an excellent way for Moldova to stick with their fun and upbeat entries while switching to a more modern sound.

Stian F
Stian F
1 year ago
Reply to  Lucas

The actual most professional song of them all.. Of course she got disqualified.

Faezdel
Faezdel
1 year ago
Reply to  Stian F

Professional or not, she couldn’t attend.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

They are introducing the judges again, did the last singer not show up?

Anoni
Anoni
1 year ago

Red zone is just not arranged well. The instrumental mostly doesn’t fit with the singing. The chorus is way too laidback and she’s not very charismatic, even if she does sing well live. It’s still one of the better songs but I’d personally change A LOT about this song so it actually sounds good. It’s like it’s a demo version rn.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

30, I like it. it’s a bit odd, but it works and it’s a bop

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

This guy #29 sounds like he’s barely there

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

29 needed another pass in the workshop. there are good ideas here, but it feels a little first draftish

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

Nino was kinda droning but uh I also kinda liked it?

Anoni
Anoni
1 year ago

Nino”s It would be nice is actually not bad at all. It is a very smooth progressive song. Helps that his voice is nice and he delivers live. Now, it doesn’t pack a punch or anything so I’d understand if it doesn’t qualify or if people don;t like it but I find it interesting and chill.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

28 I actually like this, but I don’t think it’s necessarily a good match for Eurovision

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

27 song is fine and all, but not particularly memorable

ESC Serg
ESC Serg
1 year ago

Is there something with the weather there or something? Many singers performed later than their running order was supposed to be, already 3 of them didn’t arrive at all

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

I don’t think 26 was good, but it had personality.

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

Aw, she seems like she’s freaking out a bit in the interview

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

26, there is definitely something to this song, but not all of the components work together quite. I want to see her back in a couple years when she’s got a bit more experience. She’s going places.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

25 has a good instrumental, but I’m not feeling the rest of it

Anoni
Anoni
1 year ago
Reply to  Elizabeth

Exactly my thoughts. It doesn’t have a proper chorus or verses and his vocals aren’t the strongest at some points. But the instrumental was enjoyable.

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

OK, I’m really digging Harmony Scuffle. They remind me of the Black Keys here in America

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

I can’t imagine they won’t be my #1 in the end.

Kevan1994
Kevan1994
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

They were my #11!

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

24 is the obligatory has been that realized his old style is back in but doesn’t have the chops anymore. We salute, but I think it should stay in the audition phase

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

I didn’t think I liked Pasha’s song, but by the end I did.

John
John
1 year ago

Ric Ocasik lives.

Anoni
Anoni
1 year ago

Soerele si Luna is a bop. So far it’s my favorite song and he has charisma and performed well live. Hoping to see it on the national final!

Mr X
Mr X
1 year ago
Reply to  Anoni

Let´s celebrate the sun and the moon. He´s undoubtely very handsome and a great performer.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

ok 23 is going on my qualifiers list. This is a banger

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

22, she is not comfortable in that high range but damn if she isn’t going to pretend that it is

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

These lyrics about motherhood deserve better music. Maybe a more expressive singer too.