Criticized for the lyrics considered provocative, Alexandra Căpitănescu, Romania’s representative at Eurovision 2026, returns with “Choke Me (Piano Version)”, a version in which she abandons strong sound elements in favor of a sensitive interpretation.
The song has sparked controversy since its release, with some critics claiming that the title and certain lyrics could suggest risky practices.
Activists against sexual violence stated that the play, in which the expression “choke me” (“strangle me”) is repeated 30 times during the three minutes, “playing with young women’s lives”.
However, the artist rejected these interpretations and explained that the real message is a deeply personal one, centered on the idea of love as a form of healing, according to Agerpres.
“Choke Me With Your Love or My Love” it is a metaphor for emotional balance and the need for self-love, said Alexandra Căpitănescu.
“At the heart of the message is the idea that love is the only antidote to everything, and this becomes stronger in the song’s minimalistic form. The verse
The song is composed by Alexandra Căpitănescu, Călin Grajdan, Elvis Silitra and Ştefan Condrea, the lyrics being signed by Alexandra Căpitănescu and Elvis Silitra, and the production by Bogdan Stoican and Thomas Circota, who also signed the mix and the master.
The video of the new version is made by Vlad Preda and edited by Isabella Szanto,
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.
