Eurovision Song Contest 2009 pre-selection starts in Moldova

Public broadcaster Teleradio-Moldova has started the national pre-selection for Eurovision Song Contest 2009, which will take place in Moscow from May 12 to 16, 2009. Moldovan singers shall apply from November 10 to December 20, 2008, Info-Prim Neo has learnt from the organizers. The conditions of participation in the national selection remain the same: the original song should be no longer than 3 minutes, a maximum of six performers on the stage, the singers shall be older than 16. The national selection will roll out in two stages: the singers will be selected by a jury following a live performance on the national TV and radio stations. Eurovision Song Contest 2009 will have three live shows: two semifinals (on May 12 and 14 ) and the grand final on May 16, 2009. Moldova participates in the contest for the fifth time. In 2005 the band “Zdob si Zdub” got the sixth place. In 2006, Moldova was represented by the duet of Arsenium and Natalia Gordienco, who got the 20th position. In 2007, Natalia Barbu got the 10th place with the song “Fight”. In 2008, Moldova was represented by the jazz singer Geta Burlacu, who did not qualify for the final.