Latest News About Moldova Eurovision 2026

Here’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.