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🇷🇴 From Newcomers to Fan Favorites: The Names to Watch at Selecția Națională 2026


5 February 2026 at 3:37 PM

By Titi Stefan Ceica



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Romania’s Selecția Națională 2026 is here, and this year it’s bigger than ever. With 101 songs submitted, the competition brings together a wide mix of familiar faces and new artists, all hoping to represent Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. From experienced performers to fresh newcomers, this edition promises variety, surprises, and plenty of moments worth talking about. Whether you’re a long-time Eurovision fan or just curious to see what Romania has to offer this year, Selecția Națională 2026 is shaping up to be a journey you’ll want to follow closely.

TVR dă start înscrierilor pentru Selecția Națională Eurovision 2026 - Radio  Bucuresti FM - Radio Muzica Live Online - Stiri Bucuresti

What Happens Next: From 101 Songs to the Final 10

After an incredible 101 entries were submitted for Selecția Națională 2026, the next step is narrowing them down to the acts that will actually perform in the live part of the competition. First, the songs go through a screening by a professional panel, and the artists whose tracks make the cut will move forward into the semi-final phase.

The semi-finals, known as the Atelierul deschis Eurovision 2026, take place between February 9 and February 11, 2026, where each performer will sing their song live in front of the jury and viewers on the streaming platform TVR+. From all those performing, only the top 10 songs will be chosen to compete in the final, which is scheduled for March 4, 2026.

This final show will decide who gets the honour of representing Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, so the competition is heating up!


The Artists to Watch This Year

WRS, Romania’s Eurovision 2022 representative, Bella Santiago, winner of X Factor Romania, Olivia Addams, a pop artist with international chart success, Ruxit, a fresh name bringing a modern sound, Edward Maya, the global hitmaker behind Stereo Love, Alejandro Zandes, known for his Latin-influenced style, Anais Vacariu, a melodic pop singer from the new generation, Andreea Bănică, one of Romania’s biggest pop stars, Alexandra Căpitănescu, a powerful vocalist and Vocea României winner, Antonio Pican, a young artist with strong online presence, Emy Alupei, a rising pop performer, and Razi, an artist adding diversity to this year’s lineup.

Let’s discover all of them!


WRS

WRS is far from a stranger to the Eurovision world. Representing Romania in 2022 with the instantly memorable “Llámame”, he brought confidence, charisma, and a strong sense of identity to the Eurovision stage, finishing as one of Romania’s most talked-about recent entries. Since then, WRS has continued to evolve as an artist, experimenting with sounds, visuals, and storytelling, while keeping that unmistakable stage presence that made audiences notice him in the first place. His return to Selecția Națională 2026 feels less like a comeback and more like a new chapter, one where experience meets ambition, and where many fans are curious to see just how far he’s willing to push himself this time.

May be an image of one or more people and beard

At Eurovision 2022 in Turin, Llámame qualified from the second semi‑final in 9th place with 118 points, and went on to place 18th in the Grand Final with 65 points, marking a solid showing on the international stage.

WRS Performance in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2022!

Discover WRS’s music and dive into his world of catchy beats, smooth vocals, and stage-ready hits. From Llámame to his latest tracks, get ready to feel the energy that makes WRS one of Romania’s most exciting pop artists.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – All the way ( to be released on 13 February)


Bella Santiago

Bella Santiago is a powerhouse voice in the Romanian music scene, known for her emotional performances and soulful pop sound. Originally from the Philippines, she captured hearts in Romania when she won X Factor in 2018, and has since become a familiar face in Selecția Națională.

Sacrificiul făcut de Bella Santiago pentru a locui în România

Bella competed in Selecția Națională 2019 with the song Army of Love. While she didn’t win, her performance stood out for powerful vocals, emotional depth, and stage charisma, earning her recognition from fans and media alike.

Bella Santiago at Selectia Nationala 2019!

Her music blends pop, soul, and Latin influences, creating heartfelt songs that connect instantly with listeners. From dramatic ballads to energetic pop tracks, Bella has consistently shown versatility and emotional range.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – Romanian Queen ( to be released)


Olivia Addmas

Olivia Addams is a Romanian pop singer and songwriter known for her catchy melodies and modern pop sound. She gained international recognition with her energetic performances and collaborations, becoming a rising star not only in Romania but also in other European countries.

Olivia Addams - YouTube

Her biggest hit so far is “Stranger”, which reached #1 on the Polish Radio Airplay Chart and stayed there for seven weeks. The song’s mix of pop hooks, emotional lyrics, and strong vocals helped Olivia gain a dedicated fanbase across Europe and solidified her position as one of Romania’s most promising pop artists.

Discover Olivia Addams on Spotify and explore her collection of infectious pop songs, heartfelt ballads, and international collaborations that showcase why she’s a rising star in Europe.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – CROCO ( to be released)


RUXIT

Ruxit is one of Romania’s freshest pop voices, quickly making a name for herself with her catchy melodies and energetic performances. Blending modern pop, dance, and subtle Balkan influences, she’s known for songs that are both fun and emotional. While still early in her career, Ruxit has already built a loyal online following and is turning heads with her entry in Selecția Națională 2026, showing that she’s ready to compete with Romania’s top talent.

Ruxit - YouTube

One of Ruxit’s most talked‑about singles is “Que Guapa Mami” — a catchy, dance‑inspired track that showcases her playful energy and bold pop sensibilities. The song has earned strong streaming numbers and enthusiastic reactions on social media, proving she knows how to make music that gets people moving.

Discover Ruxit on Spotify and dive into her infectious pop sound, from upbeat anthems like Que Guapa Mami to other tracks that highlight her growing range and personality — perfect if you’re looking for fun, fresh music from Romania’s new generation.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – Besame Mucho ( to be released)


Edward Maya

Edward Maya (born Eduard Marian Ilie) is a Romanian DJ, producer, musician, and songwriter who shaped the international dance music scene with his signature fusion of house, techno, and Mediterranean‑flavored pop. He began his career producing for other artists before launching his own music and becoming one of Romania’s most globally recognized music exports.

Stream Edward Maya Official music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for  free on SoundCloud

His career‑defining single is “Stereo Love” (released in 2009), featuring Vika Jigulina — a track that became a global smash hit, reaching #2 on the Romanian singles chart and topping charts across Europe while also entering the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song’s infectious accordion riff and dance vibe helped it become one of the most successful Romanian songs in international charts ever.

Discover Edward Maya on Spotify and explore his timeless electronic pop anthems, from Stereo Love to other melodic dance tracks that defined a generation and continue to connect with fans around the world.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – “Everybody Needs Somebody – feat. LavBbe and Costi ( to be released)


Alejandro Zandes

Alejandro Zandes is a Romanian‑British artist who first caught public attention through his appearance on Vocea României (The Voice of Romania) in 2023 and later appeared on the reality show Asia Express, building a profile as a versatile pop performer with dance‑inspired energy.

Alejandro Zandes | Spotify

One of his most recent standout singles is “Legacy”, released in October 2025 — a song that explores the idea of the artistic and personal mark we leave on the world, combining catchy melodies with a deeper, reflective message about memory and identity.

Discover Alejandro Zandes on Spotify and experience his range — from energetic dance‑pop bangers to deeper, thought‑provoking tracks like Legacy that show his artistic growth and versatility.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – Bailando Solo – feat. Emil Rengle ( to be released)


Anais Vacariu

Anais Vacariu is an artist born in Australia and raised in Romania, now based in Berlin where she studies and develops her own music. She blends dark pop, orchestral elements, and alternative influences into her sound, drawing inspiration from artists like AURORA and Woodkid. Over the years she has performed live in Europe and worked on her unique solo project while also singing with the rock band Kings & Pills.

Anais Vacariu - Apple Music

Anais is competing in Selecția Națională 2026 with her song “Cer Divin” — an atmospheric, soul‑stirring pop piece that blends expressive vocals and poetic lyrics. Originally released in 2025, Cer Divin highlights her creative range and emotional depth, making it one of the most intriguing entries in this year’s lineup.

Discover Anais Vacariu on Spotify and explore her immersive musical world. From Cer Divin to other tracks that showcase her artistic creativity and heartfelt storytelling.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – Cer Divin


Andreea Bănică

Andreea Bănică is one of Romania’s most successful pop artists with a career spanning over two decades. She started in girl groups like Exotic and Blondy before launching a solo career in 2005 that brought her major hits, awards, and chart success in Romania and the region. Over the years she has become a familiar name on pop and dance playlists everywhere.

S-a pozat așa fără nicio rușine! Cum arată Andreea Bănică nemachiată și  fără filtre. Fanii au rămas mască!

One of her most celebrated singles is “Love in Brasil”, released in 2010, which became a huge dance-pop hit in Romania. Its catchy rhythm and summer vibe helped it dominate radio and clubs, cementing Andreea Bănică’s reputation as a leading figure in Romanian pop music.

Discover Andreea Bănică on Spotify and dive into her mix of energetic pop, dance tracks, and timeless hits. From Love in Brasil to her latest releases, all showcasing her lasting appeal and versatility.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – Marinero (to be released)


Alexandra Căpitanescu

Alexandra Căpitanescu is a Romanian singer known for her powerful voice and emotional performances. She first gained major public attention as a standout contestant and winner of Vocea României (The Voice of Romania) in 2023, where her vocal strength and stage presence left a lasting impression on audiences and coaches alike.

Alexandra Căpitănescu - YouTube

One of her most beloved songs is “Stea Căzătoare”, a track that became a fan favorite thanks to its memorable melody, emotive lyrics, and Alexandra’s strong, expressive voice. The song combines heartfelt storytelling with contemporary pop production, making it one of her standout releases.

Discover Alexandra Căpitanescu on Spotify and explore her catalog. From Stea Căzătoare to other tracks that showcase her vocal range and emotional depth, marking her as one of Romania’s promising new voices.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – Choke Me (to be released)


Antonio Pican

Antonio Pican is a Romanian artist, composer, and social media personality who rose to fame through Next Star and X Factor Romania before building a music career marked by catchy singles and energetic pop‑rap vibes. Over the years he’s become a well‑known name among young listeners, blending contemporary pop, trap, and manele‑inspired elements in his sound.

One of Antonio’s standout tracks is “Prima și Ultima”, a catchy pop‑rap single that has resonated strongly with fans thanks to its memorable hooks and relatable lyrics. The song showcases his signature style and has become one of his most recognized releases.

Stream Antonio Pican on Spotify and experience his vibrant sound featuring Prima și Ultima and more tracks that show his fun, versatile style.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – Humans (to be released)


Emy Alpuei

Emy Alupei is a young Romanian pop artist known for her fresh, vibrant style and emotive vocals. She’s quickly gaining attention for her catchy songs and energetic performances, making her one of the rising talents in Romania’s music scene.

One of Emy’s most recognized released singles is “Nu Uita”, dropped in 2019. The song became a major milestone in her career, accumulating over 12 million views on YouTube and helping her establish a strong presence in Romania’s urban music scene.

Check out Emy Alupei on Spotify and explore her music. From the hit Nu Uita to other tracks that show off her personality, style, and growth as an artist.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – Tili Bom (to be released)


RAZI

Razi is one of Romania’s freshest urban pop voices. Known for his smooth flow, catchy hooks, and modern beats, he’s quickly gaining fans with songs that hit the right vibe for streaming playlists and social media.

RAZI, artistul care a renunțat la o carieră promițătoare în handbal pentru  a face muzică: „Am compus exact ce trăiam”

One of his biggest tracks so far is “Am Plecat” — a melodic urban-pop single with chilled beats and catchy hooks that helped him stand out as a rising star in Romania’s music scene.

Stream Razi on Spotify and vibe to his music — from Am Plecat to Hello Darling and other tracks that mix pop, trap, and urban energy, proving why he’s one to watch.

Song for Selecția Națională 2026 – Hello Darling (to be released)


Romania has been a consistent and memorable presence at Eurovision, bringing catchy pop tunes, emotional ballads, and unforgettable performances to the stage. From its first entries to recent shows, the country has impressed audiences with strong vocals, creative staging, and songs that stay in your head long after the final note.

Whether it’s dramatic ballads or energetic dance tracks, Romania continues to deliver performances that capture hearts and keep fans coming back year after year. Eurovision isn’t just a contest here, it’s a celebration of Romania’s musical diversity and talent.


Category: 🇦🇹 Vienna 2026


Titi Stefan Ceica

Head of Social Media