For the second time this year, Moldovan TV viewers sat down to watch their national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest in Athens. The winners, who will go straight to the final in Athens this May, were ex-Ozone singer Arsenium with Natalia Gordienko, singing the song Loca.
The reason for the second selection programme was an unprecedented three-way tie in the first selection last month, which could not be resolved. Under Moldovan selection rules, the youngest jury member has the deciding vote in the case of a tie, but the member in question this year felt uncomfortable making such an important decision. Instead, a second show was hastily put together, although of the three original 'winners', only Serj Kuzencoff chose to take part again. In total, just five songs competed for the second crown.
The result was decided once again by 50% televoting and 50% jury. Arsenium and Natalia Gordienko won the jury vote and the televote with Loca. Second was original joint-winner Serj, with Marcella in third place.
The winning duo has a spectacular act to live up to following Moldova's explosive debut in Kyiv last year, complete with drum-beating granny and an impressive sixth place in the final. Thanks to that performance, Moldova are spared a participation in the qualifier round and pass straight to the final on Saturday 20th May.
