Introduction

Romania is always having a national final since the debut in 1994, as the interest in the Eurovision Song Contest is relatively high and a lot of popular singers would like to take the opportunity to show their talents outside the country. In this year’s edition there has been another former ESC performer Luminita Anghel, who already made a 3rd place with “Let Me Try” in 2005. The interval act showed Ruslana – the former Ukrainian winner with “Wild Dances” in 2004. She performed several songs in front of an enthusiastic audience. Ruslana also utilized her performance to draw the people’s attention to the current situation in the Ukraine. There has been another scandal in Romania, as there has been an open letter send by fans to one of the head of delegation, who might have been corruptible in preferring the band Voltaj into the national final. At the end the band Voltaj has even won.

The Romanian pop rock band Voltaj (voltage) has been founded over 30 years ago. There were different founding members back in 1982. And Romania was suffering under the communistic government, which conquered with the ideology of the band. In 1996 the band has released the first album in 1996 and in 2005 it has been awarded as “Best Romanian Act” by the MTV Europe Music Awards. The band has the following members: Călin Goia (vocals), Gabi „Porcus“ Constantin (guitar), Adrian M. Cristescu (keyboard), Valeriu „Prunus“ Ionescu (bass) and Oliver Sterian (drums). Until now Voltaj has released 9 albums and many songs which constantly reached good chart positions and has been touring around Europe.
The band is also committed to children who left alone by their parents, which often takes place in Romania, the campaign is called delecapat.ro and also has a title song “De la capăt“ which has been selected as ESC entry, with this emotional theme. You can also watch it in the impressive video clip.

The song is a very emotional ballad with a sad meaning. This should draw the viewers and listeners attention to the young children left alone, when their parents leave them, because they have to earn money for living. This is very touching in will certainly do well in Vienna. Let’s hope everybody will get this message.

History

Debut: 1994
Participations: 17
Finals: 16
Top 10: 5
Chance for Top 10: 29%

This year it will be the 17th time for Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest. The debut entry “Dincolo di Nori” by Dan Bittman in 1994 only made the 21st place. One year before there has been an international pre selection held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where Romania could not qualify with “Nu pleca” by Dida Drăgan.

Romania’s entries distinguished modern and up to date songs, less folkloristic elements. With a little help of the neighbour countries in particular Moldova, it was always possible for Romanian entries to qualify for the Grand Finals. But Romania only made it three times into the Top10. So there is a statistically chance of 29% to achieve a Top10 place for Romania. Paula Seling & Ovi have been representing Romania twice in the ESC.