Bold Predictions: Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Romania and Eurovision 2026

Romania’s history at Eurovision has swung between impressive highs and painful lows, and many fans now feel it is time for a strong comeback. The discussion around 2026 focuses on learning from past mistakes while rediscovering the playful, original spirit that once defined the country’s best entries.

Early successes and iconic staging

Romania initially built a solid reputation with impactful songs supported by inventive but not overcomplicated staging. One memorable performance used industrial props like oil barrels, cutting tools and a grinding wheel to create a simple yet visually striking show that stood out on the Eurovision stage.

The following year, Mihai Trăistariu’s “Tornerò” earned fourth place, again relying on an uncluttered performance concept. The focus stayed on Mihai’s powerful vocals and energetic dancers, proving that a clean visual approach could be both dynamic and competitive.

From “Yodel It” peak to decline

With “Yodel It,” Romania achieved another high point, delivering a fresh and fun act that resonated widely. However, the years that followed saw the momentum fade, as entries struggled to match that mix of originality and accessibility.

The song “Goodbye” by The Humans ended Romania’s long qualification streak that had lasted since 1998. Despite solid vocals and a rock foundation, the staging with masks and mannequins felt more like small-scale theatre than a performance tailored for Eurovision, ultimately failing to leave a strong impression.

2022 glimmer: WRS and “Llámame”

WRS brought back some of the light-hearted energy that audiences had once associated with Romania, using a catchy English-Spanish Latino track titled “Llámame.” The staging, designed by Aurel Badea, remained relatively simple but effective, combining WRS’s charisma with four highly active dancers.

Even with limited LED resources, the overall effect was fresh and lively, helping Romania reach 18th place in the grand final. The song went on to become a fan favourite in the Eurovision community, and Andrei Ursu (WRS) continued to appear at pre-parties and related events, reinforcing his connection to the contest.

Rock bottom in 2023

In 2023 Romania recorded its worst Eurovision result so far, failing to qualify and finishing with 0 points in the semifinal. This was particularly alarming because the live vocal delivery was generally considered competent, suggesting other structural issues were at play.

That year marked Mihai Predescu’s first tenure as head of delegation, and the national final chose Theodor Andrei’s “D.G.T. (Off and On).” Theodor did not have the backing of a major music label, unlike several of the young acts who had represented Romania in previous editions.

Problems beyond the song

The 2023 outcome was not caused by a single flaw but by a mix of factors. Although “D.G.T. (Off and On)” was often described as an unusual choice for Eurovision, such unconventional entries can do well when executed carefully and promoted consistently.

Romania’s approach to promotion was weak: the act did not fully use pre-parties and repeated exposure to help the song grow on audiences. Making things worse, the contest version presented on the big stage differed significantly from the version fans had come to know, undermining familiarity and momentum.

TVR’s stance and responsibility

In April, TVR’s General Director Dan Turturică commented on the possibility of Romania returning to Eurovision and sounded pessimistic. He argued that Romania would only come back when relations between the national broadcaster and music labels improved, putting much of the responsibility on external partners.

Turturică also said that TVR cannot “invent singers” and that the broadcaster is not made up of songwriters, implying limited influence over song quality in Selecția Națională. Rather than a transparent admission of internal limitations, this position appeared to many as an attempt to disclaim responsibility and raised questions about whether TVR’s leadership truly understands its role as a public broadcaster.

The path to a strong return

For Romania to return to Eurovision with impact, the key advice is to recover the sense of fun that once made its entries stand out. This does not necessarily mean sending a novelty act, but instead offering something original, enjoyable and easy to remember—an act that leaves a clear mark on viewers.

Moldova is highlighted as a good model, often presenting entries that feel authentic and entertaining while rooted in national musical identity. Acts such as Zdob & Zdub with the Advahov Brothers, SunStroke Project and DoReDos demonstrate how distinct cultural flavour, strong energy and smart staging can lift even simple songs to a higher level.

Romanian music scene potential

Romania’s local music landscape already contains many of the pieces needed for a Eurovision resurgence. Current charts are rich in modern tracks that weave traditional elements into contemporary production, a combination that tends to perform well at the contest.

Artists like Theo Rose, F.Charm and Irina Rimes (originally from Moldova but mainly active in Romania) are mentioned as examples of this blend of modern sound and cultural colour. For such names—or similar emerging talents—to succeed at Eurovision, TVR would need to adopt a more active, supportive, and strategically minded approach.

Bold predictions for Romania

Possible returning artists

The article suggests that a familiar Eurovision figure from Romania could return to the contest. MIHAI has already attempted several comebacks, while Ovi and Ilinca have openly expressed interest and would likely be greeted enthusiastically by the fan community.

A major star steps in

Another prediction is that a high-profile Romanian artist may finally agree to compete at Eurovision. Theo Rose is cited as an established performer who has publicly stated that Eurovision is not off the table for her, fuelling speculation about a future participation.

Aiming for a Top 10 comeback

The boldest forecast is that Romania has the capacity to return to the Top 10 rather than just scraping into the final. A song that mixes traditional Romanian sounds with pop or electronic production, paired with a strong and coherent staging concept, could stand out and restore the country’s reputation.

The key is to start making better choices again, particularly at Selecția Națională, where stronger entries have sometimes been overlooked in years of weaker Eurovision results. With Romania back in the contest, the immediate priority should be to reach the final reliably, and only then build toward higher placements.

Author’s summary: The text reviews Romania’s Eurovision highs and lows, criticises TVR’s choices and leadership, and predicts a creative, fun revival built on strong staging, modern folk-pop sounds and possibly a Top 10 return.

Wiwibloggs — 2025-11-25