Eurovision season is back. It’s a mix of optimism and nervousness.
The optimism is that we will again see a lot of great performances and enjoyable songs. The nervousness is about the appearance of Israel in the Contest again. This has been a big dispute since the conflict in the Middle East. There are supporters for the Palestinian cause that believe Israel should not be present. Meanwhile the EBU keeps pretending they’re doing something about it while we still end up with the same result. And five nations are boycotting because of it. With the boycott pay off and have the EBU make the necessary changes? That is something only time will decide.
In the meantime, there are 35 nations competing. That is the lowest number of participants since the semifinal system was introduced in 2004. This Eurovision year could be make-or-break for the Song Contest. Last year’s result where Israel almost won really hit like a lightning rod and no one wants to go through that nervousness again. I even thought I would have a heart attack!
I know Eurovision claims to be apolitical so for the sake of my song reviews, I will do my best to be as least political as possible. In the meantime, the show must go on.
For my first review, I will be reviewing the returning nations. All of them are Balkan Nations! One was absent only last year, one was absent the previous two Contests while one is returning after being absent from the last three Contests. Before I review you all, welcome back! Now here are my thoughts:
BULGARIA
Song: Bangaranga
Performer: DARA
For Bulgaria’s return to the Contest, they held a national final. The first stage was to select the winning representative. The second part was to select the winning song. Although winning singer DARA first thought of withdrawing herself from the Contest, she will participate with the song ‘Bangaranga.’
DARA, whose real name is Darina Yotova first came to notice in Bulgaria in 2015 with her participation in the nation’s X-Factor. Since then, she’s had a successful singing and acting career in Bulgaria. Her song ‘Bangaranga’ Bangarang is another word for riot but the song doesn’t specifically have to mean a riot, despite they lyrics hinting to one. The song starts in a mysterious feel and goes into a slower tempo at the start of the chorus where they start their mix of ethnic sound. The chorus then speeds back up to the song’s regular tempo. The song is a mix of modern dance hits with an ethnic flavor and singer DARA delivers a seductive tone to the song. I can find this song very infectious and very appealing. It has a lot to like.
ESC Chances:
It’s interesting. In Bulgaria’s first Eurovision run from 2005 to 2013, they only had one Grand Final qualification and it finished fifth. Their second Eurovision run begins in 2016. It starts with a fourth-place followed by a runner-up, and 2022 ends up being their first miss of the Grand Final. And they skip the next three Contests! This song shows a lot of potential. It has an infectious beat and DARA has sultry vocals. It can go far if it has the right staging. I’m sure a Grand Final qualification followed by a good finish is something Bulgaria is looking for in Vienna.
MOLDOVA
Song: Viva, Moldova!
Performer: Satoshi
Last year, Moldova skipped the Contest because they felt the efforts of the singers and writers weren’t creative enough. For their return to the Contest, the national final selected rapper Satoshi, their first first-time entry since 2019 to the Contest with the song ‘Viva, Moldova!’ Satoshi, whose real name is Vlad Sabajuc, has been passionate since music since 12 and has studied at the nation’s Music Academy. In 2019, he launched his own musical project Satoshi and they were signed to a record label in 2022 and has had a Top 40 hit in Moldova in 2023.
The song is a mix of ethnic sounds, thrash metal, rap and dance music and is obviously a patriotic salute to being from Moldova. The song is mostly in Romanian with some English lyrics. This song sounds like they type of song one would play at a party in Moldova. The song is loaded with a lot of energy and the transition to the ethnic music in the verses with the female singing in the bridge works well for the song. I’m sure Eurofans can soak up the energy.
ESC Chances:
Moldova often has songs that make the Grand Final and can be quite the showstoppers. Five have finished in the Top 10. Their last Top 10 finish in 2022 was a mix of hard rock and Moldovan folk music. This song shows potential that it can again be a winning combination. They will have to bring the celebratory feel on stage with a show that can win the public. Staging that’s like a party and with an ethnic feel is make or break for a song like this.
ROMANIA
Song: “Choke Me”
Performer: Alexandra Capitanescu
For Romania’s return to the Contest after being absent the previous two, they held their national final and on March 4th, Alexandra Capitanescu was decided to be the winner with the song ‘Choke Me.’ 22 year-old Capitanescu first caught Romania’s attention when she won Vocea Romanei in 2023.
The title ‘Choke Me’ has sparked some controversy. Some have even accused the song to be about sexual strangulation. Even listening to the lyrics will get one thinking. Capitanescu, who co-wrote the song with three other writers, took time to answer to the controversy: “‘Choke Me’ is a metaphor for the pressure we sometimes place on ourselves. It speaks about inner fears, self-doubt, and the feeling of being emotionally suffocated by our own expectations. It was never intended to represent anything sexual. As a songwriter, I often use symbolism to give shape to feelings that are difficult to explain directly. This song reflects the weight of certain emotional struggles and the journey of reclaiming your voice and autonomy.”
The song starts out slow and mysterious and soon grows into to hard rock energy that’s just as dramatic as when it began. Alexandra’s vocals are on full range from the lowest of notes in the verses and her highest in the chorus. The song has a good hard rock vibe and is loaded with energy.
ESC Chances:
Romania has normally had a consistent showing at Eurovision in past decades. Tow third-place finishes and a consistent record of qualifying for the Grand Final. The last ten years have not been very kind to Romania. They had a Top 10 finish in 2017 and in 2018, they failed to qualify for the first time. Since then, the only time they qualified for the Grand Final was 2022. They went from their first non-qualifier in 2018 to having four in total. Their last in 2023 was 0 points and probably explains their absence the previous two Contests. This song has good chances for qualifying for the Grand Final. The thing is Alexandra will need staging that fits the song right. If it does, Romania can not only qualify but get their best result of the 2020’s so far. It will make the comeback worth it.
And there you have it. That’s my first review blog of this year’s Eurovision songs. There are 32 songs to review. We’ll see how the competition stacks up.
WORK CITED:
ESC-XTRA: Alexandra Capitanescu responds to recent debate over ‘Choke Me.’ ESCXTRA. 2026. <https://escxtra.com/2026/03/18/alexandra-capitanescu-responds-to-recent-debates-over-choke-me/>
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