Moldova is returning to the Eurovision stage after a year away, hoping to score higher than their last entry in 2024.
This year, the nation will be represented by Satoshi, a music artist who creates “a unique connection with audiences, offering emotional support through headphones and turning arenas into shared spaces of feeling and belonging”.
Moldova will kick off proceedings tonight (12 May) during the first semi-final, as the competition gets underway.
But who is Satoshi and does he have what it takes to bring Moldova to victory? Here’s everything that we know about the Eurovision 2026 entry.
Who is Moldova Eurovision 2026 entry Satoshi?
Instagram: @satoshicahul
TikTok: @satoshicahul
Vlad Sabajuc, professionally known as Satoshi, is a rapper and singer-songwriter who has been passionate about music since childhood.
He first began composing music since when he was in secondary school and taught himself to play the drums. In 2019, he launched his Satoshi artist project and has gone on to release three albums and hit singles.
His stage name reflects his fascination with Japanese culture, conveying “the idea of clear thinking and creative awareness”.
How old is Satoshi?
Satoshi is 27 years old.
What nationality is Satoshi?
Satoshi is Moldovan, and was born and raised in Cahul, a city in southern Moldova.
What is Moldova’s Eurovision 2026 song called?
Satoshi will represent Moldova with the song Viva, Moldova! The song has been described as having “deliberating silly song lyrics… mixed with rap and folk music”.
You can watch the music video below.
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Where did Moldova come in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?
Moldova did not compete in the Eurovision Song Contest last year, with the nation withdrawing from the competition due to economic reasons.
The country last participated in 2024 but did not qualify for the grand final, placing 13th in the first semi-final.
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The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition.
At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation.
The EBU said in a statement: “A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place.”
Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.”
The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. “This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive,” it said in a statement.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.
You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision.
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