They gave us Epic Sax Guy, Sugar, and some deranged brides. And now Moldova has gifted us their return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026. After taking a one-year break from Eurovision, state broadcaster Teleradio-Moldova has officially confirmed its return for Vienna. On top of that, it will choose its act with a revamped national selection — complete with new producers, a larger jury, and a fresh approach to finding the next Moldovan Eurovision star. Lessss go!
Moldova confirms return to Eurovision 2026 with new national selection format
Moldova’s new national selection format
Following consultations with artists, producers, and key figures from the local music industry, TRM has decided to shake things up. The broadcaster is implementing a new national selection format. It’s reportedly inspired by successful European models but adapted to Moldovan musical traditions and talent. As Timpul reports, two official producers will steer the national final:
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Serghei Orlov – a Eurovision veteran with extensive experience supporting artists on the international stage
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Roman Burlaca – one of Moldova’s most acclaimed music video directors and producers, known for his collaborations with top Moldovan artists.
Their involvement aims to ensure a professional, transparent, and credible selection process that focuses on artistic quality and international competitiveness. You’ll recall that in January Moldova withdrew from Eurovision 2025, citing a lack of quality in its national final participants at the live audition.
TRM will open song submissions on November 7, and the window will stay open for 30 days. Entries must be original compositions and can be submitted via eurovision@trm.md. Full participation details and contest rules are available on TRM’s official website.
To ensure fairness and objectivity, the 2026 Moldovan national final will feature a 20-member jury — including five international experts alongside fifteen national members. That’s a serious level-up from previous years.
Eurovision 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest and the 20th participation of Moldova. To celebrate this double milestone, TRM is offering the national winner a special prize to support their preparations for the international stage. The two official producers, Orlov and Burlaca, will also mentor the winner to help craft a strong, competitive performance for the big show.
Martin Green, Executive Supervisor of Eurovision, shared his excitement about Moldova’s return:
“We are delighted to welcome TRM back to the contest after a year of absence. Moldova’s return reminds us of the power of our community, the strength of our values, and what it truly means to be united through music.”
Since debuting in 2005, Moldova has brought us countless Eurovision gems — from Zdob și Zdub’s wild folk-rock antics to SunStroke Project’s iconic “Epic Sax Guy” moment. Their best-ever result came in 2017, when SunStroke Project finished 3rd with the unforgettable “Hey Mamma”.
Are you excited for Moldova’s comeback? Do you like the idea of a new national selection format — and which Moldovan artists would you love to see throw their hat in the ring for Eurovision 2026?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
