Alexandra Căpitănescu and her bandmates, who will represent Romania at Eurovision, left for Vienna on Sunday, where, between May 12 and 16, the semi-finals and final of this year’s edition will take place.
Confident, Alexandra pointed out that the months of intense rehearsals prepared the team for a memorable show.
“The long-awaited moment has arrived. After intense months of preparation for the semi-final on May 14, we are ready to proudly represent Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. We start with determination, constructive emotions, courage and a lot of enthusiasm towards the biggest music scene in Europe. ‘Choke Me’ is more than a song – it’s our moment of release, our shared energy and the chance to win over the audience. We want to make all Romanians proud, both through our performance and by returning to the Eurovision stage. We can’t wait to get to Vienna, start the official rehearsals, meet the other contestants again and live this unique experience to the fullest. We thank from the bottom of our hearts all those who have been with us in these months and who have contributed to our dream – that of bringing Romania back into the competition with strength and confidence“, said the artist, reminding the supporters that they can vote for Romania in the second semi-final by SMS or online, using the code “03”.
Smaranda Vornicu, the head of the delegation, stated that the prepared staging is a complex one, meant to honor the Romanian creative spirit in front of hundreds of millions of viewers.
“We have a concept that highlights the message of the song and Alexandra’s voice, supported by an exceptional team, which – through talent, determination and sustained effort – embodies the Romanian creative spirit. We want a moment that represents our country with strength and coherence on the stage of this contest, with a global audience of hundreds of millions”, said Smaranda Vornicu, quoted in the press release.
For her part, Iuliana Marciuc, the project manager, highlighted the ambitious course of the National Selection, which culminated in the election of Alexandra in March. The team is counting on a performance that will impress both the international juries and the global audience.
“Today we are leaving for Vienna for a new beginning, with only one desire: we will conquer the public from all over Europe and the international juries and we will return to the country proud to be Romanians. The story continues“, she conveyed.
Calendar of events: When and where we watch the contest
The first contacts with the scene have been scheduled since Monday.
Semifinal 1 is scheduled for May 12, and Semifinal 2, in which Romania will also participate, for May 14. The Romanian team will compete alongside Albania, Denmark, Armenia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Norway, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Bulgaria, Australia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Latvia.
The grand final is on May 16.
All three stages will be broadcast live by TVR 1, starting at 22:00.
Until now, Romania’s best rankings remain the two 3rd places (Luminiţa Anghel & Sistem – Kiev, 2005; Paula Seling and Ovi – Oslo, 2010) and the 4th place occupied in 2006 by Mihai Trăistariu in Athens.
