Prediction: Doinita Gherman or Lidia Isac should win in Moldova

As the national selection in Moldova kicks off tonight with the First Semi-final, it’s time for us to predict a winner, and the race is very close. According to the combined results of our Wiwi Jury and our poll, either Doinita Gherman or Lidia Isac will be the likely winner of O melodie pentru Europa 2016 and will go on to represent Moldova in Stockholm.

Tied for 1st place: Doinita Gherman – “Irresistible” (8.18/10)

Both the Wiwi Jury and our readers have placed the two ladies at the top of the scoreboard, albeit the jurors put Doinita Gherman at number 1 with her “Irresistible” song. With a score of 8.18, Doinita is the undisputed favourite of Wiwi Jury. Doinita will perform first in the First Semi-final tonight.

The best: Traditional Moldovan folk fits in harmony with the verses, before that killer chorus is unleashed. With songwriters Ylva and Linda flocking over to national selection shows across Europe this year, it’s the strongest entry the Persson sisters have composed. (Anthony, 10/10)

The worst: This could be a good prototype of a song really but she messes it up totally with her shitty vocals. Life is cruel, especially when you write a okayish song and the artist ruins it. This is a total scream-feast and, yes, that’s not positive, Doinita. (Patrick, 2/10)

Wiwi Jury: 1st; Poll: 2nd

Tied for 1st place: Lidia Isac – “Falling Stars” (6.32/10)

Second in our Wiwi Jury with a score of 6.32, but our readers’ clear favourite with almost 25% of the votes, Lidia Isac ties with Doinita in first place with her dance track “Falling Stars”. Lidia will perform second in the Second semi-final on Thursday, 25 February.

The best: From some of the same composing team behind “A Million Voices”, Lidia Isac really has brought out the big guns. And unsurprisingly, they’ve worked wonders with the national selection returnee. The haunting build-up from the intro keeps you on the edge of your seat, before the chorus explodes into life and Lidia delivered it with such welly on her live audition. (Anthony, 10/10)

The worst: Argh, my ears! Can someone tell her the difference between her screaming and singing? […] Much like with Polina last year, I’m not impressed with this song. By itself, it lacks any personality, and I doubt Lidia can be anywhere nearly as good as Ms Gagarina last year. Pretentious is the word. (Luis, 2/10)

Wiwi Jury: 2nd; Poll: 1st

It will be very interesting to see who prevails on Saturday: Doinita, also nicknamed Moldova’s Sanna (it’s her eight attempt to represent!) or Lidia, whose song was written by the team behind Polina Gagarina’s Eurovision hit and 2015 runner-up “A Million Voices”. Both tracks were born in Sweden, so we’ll see whose song will return to the mother country in May!

Combined results

Nevertheless, surprises may and do happen in Moldova. There are 24 acts vying for a ticket to Stockholm and we won’t know for sure who will get it until late Saturday night. With two artists competing for gold and three acts fighting for bronze, it’s anyone’s game!

Moldova combined results Wiwi 2016

Moldova live shows timeline

The first semi-final will be broadcast tonight from 18:40 CET live on TRM website. Aliona Moon, Moldova’s representative at Eurovision 2013, will be the interval act. The second semi-final is on at the same time on Wednesday 25 February. The National Final will take place on Saturday evening from 18:40 CET and will also be broadcast live on eurovision.tv.

For the running order, click here.

What do you think about our prediction? Who would you like to see win? Sound off below!