The Moldovan national broadcaster, TRM has revealed that Katherina & Litesound have withdrawn from the country’s upcoming national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

Katherine & Litesound, the latter having previously participated in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest as the Belarusian representatives, were originally shortlisted from the audition phase of the selection and were set to compete in one of the two semi-finals. However due the personal reasons, Katherine & Litesound have decided to withdraw from the selection.

They will be replaced by Valentina Nejel with her entry Va fi târziu. Valentina was originally eliminated from the audition phase of the contest, but will now be given another chance of representing Moldova at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.

Valentina will join the previously announced participants and will be drawn to compete in one of the two semi-finals of the selection. Moldova’s national selection, O Melodie Pentru Europa 2016 will begin on the 23 and 25 February where the 2 semi-finals will take place. The winner will be decided on the 27 February.

O Melodie Pentru Europa 2016 dates

• 23/02: Semi-final 1 (12 competitors, 8 qualifiers)
• 25/02: Semi-final 2 (12 competitors, 8 qualifiers)
• 27/02: Grand Final (16 finalists)

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