Prepare for some serious Eurovision drama! Moldova is pulling out all the stops for its 2026 Eurovision selection, and the jury lineup is already causing a stir. Eurovision Royalty, including the iconic Jamala and the electrifying Efendi, will be helping to choose who represents Moldova. But here's where it gets controversial... some fans are already questioning whether international jurors truly understand the nuances of Moldovan music and culture.
Teleradio Moldova has officially announced that Jamala, the Ukrainian powerhouse who won Eurovision in 2016 with "1944", Efendi, Azerbaijan's dazzling representative in 2021 with "Cleopatra", and Paula Seling, Romania's representative in both 2010 and 2014, will be part of the five-member international jury panel for Selecția Națională 2026. This international panel will hold significant sway, accounting for 33% of the overall result. Think about it: these Eurovision veterans will be lending their expertise to shape Moldova's next Eurovision journey.
The grand final of Selecția Națională 2026 is set to take place at the impressive Chișinău Arena. The complete jury will be composed of 20 members: the aforementioned 5 international jurors, plus 15 esteemed members from Moldova itself. The ultimate winner, the artist who will carry Moldova's hopes on the Eurovision stage, will be determined by a carefully balanced equation: 33% from the international jury, 33% from the Moldovan jury, and, crucially, 33% from the public vote. This tri-partite system aims to ensure a fair and representative outcome.
And now, the moment you've been waiting for! Here are the talented finalists vying for the chance to represent Moldova:
- Catalina Solomac – “Pink Margarita”
- Sasha Flowers – “Can Do More”
- Evghenii Avramov & ALenin Ivan – “Foc la ghete” (Fire in the boots)
- Adelisha – “Alegria” (Joy)
- Artiom Topal – “Money”
- Pavel Orlov – “Can’t Say Goodbye”
- Ilinca Siviroveanu – “Running Through the Rain”
- Bacho – “Tata” (Father)
- Satoshi – “Viva, Moldova”
- Curly – “Respir liber” (I breathe freely)
- DAYANA – “Doina”
- Emforia – “Tipare” (Patterns)
- Katy Rain – “Dance & Cry”
- Cristy Rouge – “Bliss”
- Maxim Zavidia – “Alo” (Hello)
- Valleria – “Valerian Steel Rai Di Ri Di Dam”
Mark your calendars! The final of Selecția Națională 2026 will be broadcast LIVE on Moldova 1 and Radio Moldova Muzical, kicking off at 18:00 CET. Get ready to witness the birth of Moldova's next Eurovision star!
Source: Teleradio Moldova (https://moldova1.md/p/66729/finala-eurovision-moldova-sold-out-la-arena-chisinau-roman-burlaca--ne-dorim-un-precedent-ca-eurovision-sa-redevina-relevant-pentru-artisti-)
A little Eurovision history for you: Moldova made its debut in 2005, when the contest was held in Kyiv, Ukraine. Their best result to date was a fantastic 3rd place achieved in 2017 by Sunstroke Project with the infectious "Hey Mamma!". Fun fact: this wasn't Sunstroke Project's first rodeo; they had previously represented Moldova in Eurovision, making them part of a trend. Several Moldovan artists have returned to the Eurovision stage multiple times, with five acts representing the nation a combined total of eleven times! After taking a break in 2025, Moldova is back with a bang in 2026, eager to make its mark.
But this is the part most people miss... The blend of international and local jury input is designed to find a song that resonates both globally and with Moldovan identity. Is it possible to truly balance these perspectives? Some argue that a purely local jury would be more attuned to the cultural nuances of Moldovan music. Others believe that international jurors bring a broader, more objective viewpoint.
Author's Note:
Since Eurovoix launched in April 2011, it has been an incredible journey learning about the diverse and fascinating continent of Europe through the Eurovision Family of Events. From humble beginnings, it's been amazing to watch the site grow and continue to provide our readers with all the latest Eurovision news and insights.
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So, what do you think? Is a mix of international and local jurors the best way to select a Eurovision entry? Or should the decision be left entirely to the Moldovan people? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
