Moldova invites Romania to share Eurovision stage

Moldova’s public broadcaster, Teleradio-Moldova, has invited Ovidiu Anton, Romania’s disqualified representative for Eurovision 2016, to perform together with the Moldovan contestant, Lidia Isac.

The broadcaster sent a letter to this effect to Romanian national broadcaster TVR and Mr Anton.

“We’re convinced that the two can make an exceptional duet with the song Falling Stars in the first semifinal, on 10 May. Obviously, the changes in the show’s concept, at such an advanced stage, involve the approval of the contest’s organisers,” the letter read.

Mr Anton, however, politely declined the offer in a post on his Facebook page.

“I take a bow before our brothers in Moldova, [it] is an extraordinary gesture, unique and noble. Because I know how much work the preparation of such a moment requires and how important Eurovision is for the career of an artist, I don’t want to affect in any way Lidia’s performance,” the post stated.

Romania is not allowed to participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, after national broadcaster TVR failed to pay debts to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) totalling CHF 16 million (approx. US$16.4 million). Ovidiu Anton had been due to represent Romania in Stockholm with the song Moment of Silence.

The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Stockholm on 10, 12 (semi-finals) and 14 (final) May.

Source: Romania Insider