Moldova Picks Its Anthem: Satoshi Wins Selecţia Naţională 2026 With “Viva, Moldova”
Moldova has made its choice — and subtlety was never really on the menu.
Satoshi has won Selecţia Naţională 2026 with “Viva, Moldova”, securing the ticket to Eurovision after a final that leaned heavily into national pride, big choruses and unapologetic confidence.
Sixteen artists took turns on the stage at the Chișinău Arena, delivering a line-up that bounced freely between classic Eurovision pop, heartfelt ballads, folk-infused entries and a dash of patriotic rock. Moldova didn’t play it safe. Moldova played it loud.
A Jury Line-Up That Didn’t Mess Around
The winner was decided by a combined vote of televote, national jury and international jury — and yes, the juries came with credentials.
Among those casting votes were Jamala, Efendi and Paula Seling. In other words, people who know exactly what survives — and what doesn’t — on the Eurovision stage.
And they were remarkably aligned.
The Results, Very Clearly
National Jury
- Satoshi – “Viva, Moldova” – 12 points
- Pavel Orlov – “Can’t Say Goodbye” – 10 points
- Catalina Solomac – “Pink Margarita” – 8 points
International Jury
- Satoshi – “Viva, Moldova” – 12 points
- DAYANA – “Doina” – 10 points
- Pavel Orlov – “Can’t Say Goodbye” – 8 points
Televote
- Satoshi – “Viva, Moldova” – 12 points
- Catalina Solomac – “Pink Margarita” – 10 points
- Pavel Orlov – “Can’t Say Goodbye” – 8 points
Final Ranking
- Satoshi – “Viva, Moldova”
- Pavel Orlov – “Can’t Say Goodbye”
- Catalina Solomac – “Pink Margarita”
When juries and televoters all point in the same direction, there’s usually no debate left to have.
After a Year Away, Moldova Goes Big
Following a year of absence from the Eurovision Song Contest, Moldova is returning with a song that wears its identity front and centre. “Viva, Moldova” isn’t trying to be universally neutral. It’s trying to be unmistakably Moldovan.
That’s a choice — and a deliberate one.
Now the goal is clear: do better than Natalia Barbu, who narrowly missed the Grand Final in Malmöe. With a confident performance, a clear message and a country eager to be noticed again, Moldova is aiming higher this time.
Will “Viva, Moldova” conquer Europe? That’s another conversation.
But one thing is certain: Moldova is back, it knows who it is — and it’s not whispering about it.
