Moldova is preparing to participate in the Eurovision 2026 grand final, competing against 24 other nations. The country aims for its first victory in this annual competition, having previously entered 19 times since debuting in 2005. Moldova’s best placement came in 2017 when SunStroke Project secured third place with “Hey Mamma.” However, they withdrew from the 2025 contest due to financial and artistic challenges, as well as dwindling public interest in their national selection.
In the previous year, Moldova was represented by Natalia Barbu, who performed “In the Middle.” She finished 13th in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2024, accumulating 20 points. This marked Moldova’s first failure to qualify for the grand final since 2019.
Moldova’s Hopes: Satoshi
This year’s representation relies on the artist Satoshi, hailing from Cahul, a city in southwest Moldova. Initially self-taught in drumming, he has produced three albums and gained popularity in both Moldova and Romania through extensive tours. UK audiences might recognize him from his London debut in 2024.
Satoshi, whose birth name is Vlad Sabajuc, chose his stage name reflecting his admiration for Japanese culture. His upcoming Eurovision performance will embrace this theme, showcasing his diverse artistic influences.
Winning Odds and Lyrics
As of the latest information from Betway, Moldova has a 40/1 chance of winning, positioning them among the top ten favorites ahead of the grand final.
The entry, titled “Viva Moldova,” features catchy and culturally infused lyrics that celebrate the nation. Here is a glimpse of the song:
- Viva Moldova, aloha – Long live Moldova, hello
- Adio, vida loca – Goodbye, crazy life
- Soroca, Europa – Soroca, Europe
- Palma de Mallorca – Palma de Mallorca
- Saluti a tutti – Greetings to everyone
“Viva Moldova” expresses love for the homeland and highlights quintessential Moldovan themes such as family and community. It serves to connect with both local and international audiences, aiming to resonate during the performance.
With Satoshi at the helm, Moldova enters Eurovision 2026 with renewed hope and ambition. The public eagerly anticipates whether he can finally secure a win for the nation in this prestigious music competition.
