In a few days, Moldova is set to select its Eurovision 2026 representative, following its one-year absence from the competition. Ahead of the show taking place in Chisinau, further information about its selection Selecția Națională has been revealed.
From a TV studio to Chisinau Arena
In an interview on Bună dimineața” show on Moldova 1, Andrei Zapșa, the Deputy General Director of TRM, shared further details of the selection, where an explanation of the changes for this year’s selection was revealed.
One of the main things that caught everyone’s attention was the fact that the selection will take place in Chisinau Arena, which has a capacity of 5,000, as opposed to a TV studio, with Zapșa saying that this was to ‘rejuvenate’ the selection, and alter the public’s perception of the selection:
Our goal was to inject new energy into the competition, bring more fans into the venue, and attract young artists who are just beginning their careers
A Eurovision-style show
It was mentioned that the selection will feature ‘classic elements’ of a Eurovision final, and that it is designed for both the viewers at home and in the arena.
For Interval Acts, it has been revealed that Former Moldovan Eurovision representatives Zdob și Zdub, SunStroke Project, DoReDoS, and Cristina Scarlat are among the interval acts, with Paula Seling and Jamala
A different approach to selecting the winner
In the same interview, it was also revealed that a three-way system would be used to select Moldova’s representative for Vienna, with the new selection as follows:
- National Jury – consisting of 15 members
- International Jury – consisting of 5 members
- Televoting
The expanded jury was implemented after it was requested by artists and producers, which is said to help enchance the selection’s credibility. The identities of the Jurors will be revealed at a later date, with the members being in various fields, which include having experience in the international music industry.
Preparations for Vienna
After the conclusion of the selection, preparation for Vienna will commence, which will include a promotional tour in the countries that are participating at Eurovision 2026, as well as the development of the staging.
Zapșa commented on this aspect on the interview, saying that ‘Participation is already a win’
We have the resources and the right team to achieve a good result. Participation is already a win for us, but we want more
Moldova’s Eurovision 2026 selection will take place this Saturday, January 17, at 19:00EET.
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.
What do you think of the decision for Moldova to return to Eurovision in 2026? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: Radio Moldova
Photo Credit: TRM
Giwrgos Oiko 
Tetiana Viznytsia