As the official cut-off point for entries to the 2006 Moldovan selection draws precariously close, Teleradio-Moldova report that so far, only fifteen songs have been received. With only a planned fifteen places in the Moldovan final, it would seem that shortlisting could definitely be short work for the TV company!
However, officials stress that they are not worried, as experience from 2005 suggests that most of the entries will be received in the final few days before the application deadline. Moldovans have until Friday 27th January to submit.
In a schedule given by Teleradio-Moldova chairman Ilie Telescu, successfully shortlisted candidates will begin promotional activities on 30th January, and these will last until the semifinal on 4th February. The lucky fifteen will proceed to the Moldovan final, to be held in the National Opera House towards the end of February.
Well-known names who have shown an interest in taking part so far include Natalia Barbu, Cezara, and the band Edict. They could be joining the final line-up battling it out for the unenviable task of matching or bettering Zdob si zdub's debut sixth placing for Moldova in 2005. As a result of their success, Moldova is a direct participant in this year's Eurovision Song Contest final.