ESC 2026: Moldova is back and with new selection format
We talk about Eurovision and Junior Eurovision with boldness and sauce.
www.hashtageurovision.comHere’s the latest consolidated update on Moldova’s participation in Eurovision 2026.
Answer summary
- Moldova confirmed its return to Eurovision 2026 after a one-year break, with a revamped national selection process to choose its entry.[1]
- The national selection introduced new producers, a larger judging panel, and an increased emphasis on local talent, with hopes of aligning Moldova’s entry with European standards while preserving local musical identity.[1]
- 34 songs qualified for the live audition stage of Moldova’s national selection, with auditions scheduled to evaluate vocal ability, interpretation, and stage presence; finalists would be chosen from these performances.[3]
- Moldova’s entry for Eurovision 2026 was announced as “Viva, Moldova!” performed by artist Satoshi, who also won both public and jury support in the national final; Moldova performed in the first semi-final on May 11, 2026, opening the show.[4]
- Moldova participated in the first semi-final and was among the favorites in that semi-final according to contemporary press coverage; the event took place at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, with the grand final on May 16, 2026.[4]
Details and context
- Return and format changes: After withdrawing in 2025 due to perceived low-quality submissions, Moldova’s TRM announced a return to Eurovision 2026 with a refreshed national selection approach, designed to involve more local producers and a broader jury system.[1]
- National selection process: The new format features two official producers steering the national final, a larger jury, and a process aimed at identifying a Moldova-ready act with European appeal, while honoring local musical traditions.[1]
- Submissions and auditions: A substantial pool of entries (34 songs) advanced to live auditions, scheduled for December 16, with vocal assessment and stage presence weighing into the finalist decision for the national selection.[3]
- Eurovision 2026 performance: Satoshi won the Moldovan national final and represented Moldova with “Viva, Moldova!” The act opened Moldova’s semi-final, which set the tone for Moldova’s Eurovision run in Vienna.[4]
- Status in Vienna: Moldova returned as one of the several countries competing in Vienna; the semi-finals led to the final on May 16, 2026, with Moldova’s position among early favorites noted by international media.[4]
Illustration
- A quick timeline:
- 2025: Moldova withdraws from Eurovision; TRM signals return for 2026 with a new national format.[1]
- Late 2025: 34 songs shortlisted for live auditions; national final structure refined with broader jury involvement.[3]
- May 11, 2026: Satoshi performs “Viva, Moldova!” in the first semi-final; Moldova advances toward the final.[4]
- May 16, 2026: Eurovision 2026 final in Vienna; Moldova’s entry competes in the grand final if qualified.[4]
Citations
- Moldova confirms return to Eurovision 2026 with new national selection format.[1]
- 34 songs qualify for live auditions for Moldova’s Eurovision 2026 national selection.[3]
- Moldova to perform “Viva, Moldova!” by Satoshi in Eurovision 2026, opening the first semi-final.[4]
If you’d like, I can pull direct quotes from these articles or summarize Moldova’s national selection format and jury composition in a concise table.