In the spotlights: Sam Ryder

Road to Vienna: Romania As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Today, we focus on Romania.​ Alexandra Căpitănescu: Romania’s Pop-Rock Powerhouse Alexandra Căpitănescu was born on July 31, 2003, in Galați, Romania. While initially pursuing a degree in physics in Bucharest with ambitions of becoming a medical physicist, her passion for music quickly took over. At just 15, she gained national attention on Românii au talent (2019), impressing judges with a soulful Janis Joplin performance. Breakthrough on The Voice Romania Her major breakthrough came in 2023 on Vocea României (The Voice of Romania). Turning all four coaches during auditions, she joined Tudor Chirilă’s team and delivered standout performances throughout the season. Her powerful rendition of “Like a Prayer” became a highlight, leading her to win the competition in December 2023 and launch her professional career. Music Career and Style After her win, Alexandra signed with Universal Music Romania and released her debut single “Nu pot.” In 2024, she dropped her first EP Căpitanu’, showcasing a mix of pop-rock energy and emotional depth. Follow-up singles like “A ta,” “Arde,” and “Tare” further established her sound, while tracks like “Dilaila” and “Stea căzătoare” revealed her versatility. Her music is known for its intensity, strong vocals, and emotional storytelling. Live Performances and Stage Presence Alexandra has built a reputation as a powerful live performer, touring across Romania and captivating audiences with her dynamic stage presence. Memorable moments include her duet of “Shallow” and a theatrical performance of The Phantom of the Opera. Her shows combine vocal strength with raw emotion, making her a standout on any stage. Choke Me: Controversy & Impact “Choke Me” by Alexandra Căpitănescu quickly gained international attention thanks to its striking title and emotional intensity. Blending dark pop-rock with powerful vocals, the track stands out as a bold and deeply personal release that resonates with modern listeners. The Meaning Behind “Choke Me” Despite its provocative title, the song is not about violence. Instead, “choking” serves as a metaphor for emotional pressure, anxiety, and inner conflict. The lyrics reflect the feeling of being overwhelmed by self-doubt, expectations, and personal struggles. At its core, the song tells a story of vulnerability and transformation—turning internal battles into strength. This emotional honesty gives the track depth and makes it highly relatable. Themes of Self-Love and Growth “Choke Me” ultimately delivers an uplifting message. It encourages self-acceptance and highlights the importance of facing inner fears. Alexandra transforms themes of anxiety and insecurity into a narrative of empowerment, showing that growth often comes through struggle. The Controversy Explained The song sparked online debate due to its title and intense imagery. Some listeners initially interpreted “Choke Me” as referencing sexual or violent themes. This led to confusion and discussion across social media. However, Alexandra Căpitănescu clarified that the meaning is purely symbolic. The song focuses on psychological pressure and emotional overwhelm—not literal actions. Once explained, many listeners re-evaluated the track and connected more deeply with its message.   Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest Romania first took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994. In the beginning, it was hard for Romania to do well. The first top-10 score was in 2002, when Monica Anghel and Marcel Pavel reached the 9th place. A very high score, 4th, was there for the afornamed Mihai. Two 3rd places were there for Romania: in 2005 (Luminița Anghel and Sistem even won the semifinal!) and for Ovi and Paula Seling in 2010. In more recent years Ilinca and Alex Florea became 7th with “Yodel it!”. The bookmakers Despite — or perhaps because of — the controversy about the song, Romania holds an impressive 8th place with the bookmakers. The real question is: how much higher can it go?