Molodv’a broadcaster TRM has announced its withdrawal from the 69th Eurovision Song Contest. The news was announced in a press conference today, January 22.
The decision was made following a detailed analysis of the current situation, as well as the economic, administrative and artistic challenges
The news of Moldova’s withdrawal was announced by Moldova’s Head of Delegation, Daniela Crudu and Corneliu Durnescu, the Director of Moldova 1.
Speaking about the situation, the director of Moldova 1 Corneliu Durnescu speaks:
The decision was not an easy one, but necessary in the current context. This year’s national selection highlighted certain challenges, including a decrease in public interest and the overall quality of the plays and artistic performances. This fact generated a negative perception among specialists and the public, underlining the need for a substantial reform in the selection process.
We consulted music specialists, and most of them expressed serious reservations about Moldova’s participation this year, in exact agreement with the opinion of the jury that TRM selected for this edition. We respect the opinions of professionals and the general public, and we understand that we must make responsible decisions.
The public broadcaster remains at the disposal of anyone to provide the necessary information. We have undertaken to be transparent and Eurovision is no exception. At the same time, we cannot allow public opinion to be misled by false or malicious narratives.
The broadcaster’s participation fee for the contest is €21,486, contrary to rumors that it is €176,000, as well as other costs, which include the organization of the national final, the production of the show, the promotion of the artist, the team’s travel and accommodation, stage production, technical equipment and other associated expenses. The broadcaster mentions that the budget allocated for this year’s contest would be reallocated to other projects.
Moldova’s Head of Delegation Daniela Crudu comments:
This decision was not an easy one, but we assure you that it was analyzed in detail. We know that we would all have liked to organize a national final and designate the song that would represent us at the international stage. However, we are firmly convinced that this decision will boost the interest in participating in future editions. We will ensure that we return to Eurovision in force. It is important to support people who want to reach big stages and to give them the opportunity to prepare better” ,
Despite their withdrawal from this year’s competition, TRM will air this year’s competition, which will air on May 13, 15 and 17.
What is Etapa Națională?
Like most things Moldova do, Etapa Națională is frequently one of the more chaotic national selections of the season. Famed for its live auditons stage, Moldova’s selection in the last couple years has consisted of around 30 songs, of which a jury will assess and advance the songs they approve of to the live final stage. You don’t have to win the selection to become a hero, the likes of Tudor Bumbac and Misscatylove have worked their way into Eurovision folklore from their entries.
Moldova’s Eurovision Journey
Moldova is relatively new to the Eurovision Song Contest, joining in 2005. Their debut entry, Zdob și Zdub, finished in 6th place, which had remained their highest scoring entry up until 2017. They were dethroned by returners Sunstroke Project and the song ‘Hey Mamma’, which finished in 3rd place. At the close of voting, Moldova received 374 points.
After representing Moldova in 2007, Natalia Barbu returned to Eurovision in 2024 with the song “In the Middle”. She received 20 points in the first semifinal, ultimately placing thirteenth and missing out on the grand final.
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News Source: TRM
Photo Credit: TRM
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