Fifteen countries competed to reach the final. The Moldovan artist opened the first semi-final with the song “Viva, Moldova!”. The bright production, ethnic motifs and powerful energy of the number helped Satoshi not only to win the audience, but also to justify the expectations of bookmakers.
On the eve of the semi-final, analysts estimated Moldova’s chances of reaching the final at about 88%. This was a breakthrough for the country: back in March, bookmakers predicted Moldova only 29th place out of 35 contestants. In a few weeks, the country has risen in the ratings by 13 points at once.
It should be noted that the Moldovan artist performed first – a position that Eurovision fans traditionally consider risky. Nevertheless, Satoshi’s number managed to impress.
The artist’s real name is Vlad Sabajuc. He comes from Cahul and is known in Moldova and Romania primarily as a rapper.
The Eurovision 2026 final will take place on May 16 in Austria.
Together with Moldova, the following countries also qualified for the grand final:
Greece – Akylas – “Ferto”
Finland – Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen – “Liekinheitin”
Belgium – Essyla – “Dancing on the Ice”
Sweden – Felicia – “My System”
Israel – Noam Bettan – “Michelle”
Serbia – Lavina – “Kraj Mene”
Croatia – LELEK – “Andromeda”
Lithuania – Lion Ceccah – “Sólo quiero más”
Poland – ALICJA – “Pray”
