The young artist Alexandra Căpitănescu, Romania’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, spoke openly about the song “Choke Me” and the controversies surrounding its message.
In an interview with Agerpres, the artist said that her goal is clear: “We want to be as high as possible (…) and I think Romania deserves, after many years, a moment of glory there.”
Although the title of the piece has caused numerous reactions, including criticism related to an alleged violent message, Alexandra Căpitănescu firmly rejects these interpretations.
“I’ve read a lot of articles that the play would be considered violent as a message, but I don’t think so, that wasn’t the goal and I’m against violence. I think, as they say in the play, the only antidote to everything is love,” explained the artist.
She says the song actually has a deeply personal and symbolic meaning.
“‘Choke Me’ actually means choke me with your love. I’m addressing myself, that part of me that is choking me with negative thoughts. I want them to be replaced with love so I can be creative.” detailed the singer.
The artist is convinced that success at Eurovision does not depend on online popularity, but on the live moment.
“I believe in those three minutes that can do wonders. It doesn’t matter how many followers you have on social media, it’s what happens on stage” she said.
Despite the criticism received after winning the national selection, Alexandra Căpitănescu says that she chose to see everything as an opportunity for evolution.
“In the first days I was affected by the hate messages, but then I realized that they are all part of my development process as an artist”she confessed.
Romania will participate in Eurovision 2026, organized in Vienna, where the semi-finals will take place on May 12 and 14, and the final on May 16.
Alongside Alexandra Căpitănescu, the members of her band will take the stage, conveying the same message: the piece is about love and energy, not violence, and the public is invited to vote for Romania if it resonates with the artistic moment.
