At the moment we’re yo-yoing between Balkan and ex-Soviet countries. Back to a country which was part of the Soviet Union but culturally and historically is very close to Romania (a look at voting patterns will show that too!) – Moldova. In the past, they’ve provided some distinctly quirky entries but have failed to qualify for the final for the last two years? Can Lidia Isac turn their fortunes round?
Lidia Isac is a Russian-born Moldovan singer who has tried to represent her country on a number of occasions (in 2013, 2014, and 2015) as part of a duo, Glam Girls. However, she’s finally succeeded this year as a solo artist, triumphing over 15 other acts in the national final.

Listening to the song, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported back in time a few years to the Eurovision of the late noughties. Not bad on the ear (well not the studio version), but not exactly original either – it’s pretty forgettable. The live vocal has improved since the national final but being in the super tough first semi-final and no Romania in that one (meaning they miss out on some guaranteed points), I think it will be tough for this to make the final.

Live performance at Eurovision in Concert:

Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest:

First entered: 2005

Appearances (excluding this year): 11

Best result: 6th in 2005

Last year’s result: 11th in semi-final (did not qualify)