Moldova 2023: Pasha Parfeney with ‘Soarele si Luna’

Our first (and surely not last) 2012 returnee has entered the picture with Pasha Parfeney seeing off even more ghosts of Eurovision past in Etapa Nationala:

Moldova is many a fans pet country and they haven't disappointed this time around either bringing another fun song to the table. All three of their returning esc acts in Etapa Nationala brought respectable to strong efforts but Pasha Parfeny was the correct winner and a comprehensive one in the end.

The obvious comparison is to Shum with the driving beat and flute but I'll also caution this may fall halfway between that effort and France last year which fell flat on its face somewhat.

It's great to see Pasha back but live this does need refinement to bring all of it's elements together better than ‘Fulenn’, in particular his role in all the madness. Still there is the foundation for a classic Eurovision staging what with antler headed backing singers and of course a flute playing dwarf.

It's a little subjective but this is Wtf in a good way compared to our previous review of Germany. I'm not entirely sold how a politically correct BBC will view their national final staging and what will have to change but I do have faith in Moldova given their past achievements. I'm sure whatever product we get in Liverpool will be a strong package.

I'm expecting Moldova to qualify with no problem though a podium in this stronger semi might be just beyond them. Juries won't be buying this in the final but the televote should be strong. Perhaps another low top 10 combined would make the most sense.

Personal Rating: 10/10

Competitve Rating: 7/10

Early Prediction: Semi Final One 4th-7th, 8th-12th in the final