While Romania‘s broadcaster TVR is silent after last night’s deadline for Selectia Nationala submissions, Eurovision star M I H A I went ahead and released his announced bid “I Won’t Surrender”. Written by English, Spanish, Swedish and Romanian songwriters who penned countless other tracks for national selections, the song is a heartfelt power ballad that highlights the singer’s vocal range — and his relentless drive to win the contest.

After he finished in fourth place in Athens with “Tornero” in 2006, the artist formerly known as Mihai Traistariu has made it clear numerous times that he wants to return and actually win the contest.

It wasn’t to be last year with “Paradisio”, which finished fifth on the Selectia Nationala scoreboard, not to mention Romania’s withdrawal from the contest. Maybe 2017 could be M I H A I’s turn to win?

The deadline for submissions in Romania was last night at 22:59. After they are validated, all the candidates will perform their songs in front of the five-member jury and the public between 27-29 January. The auditions will be recorded and afterwards aired on TVR as a standalone show called Euroshow.

Fifteen songs will be selected by the jury for the live semi-final, scheduled for 26 February. Ten songs will advance to the National Final based on 100% jury votes. The winner will be decided based on 100% televote at the National Final on 5 March.

What do you think about “I Won’t Surrender”? Is it good enough to warrant a much-awaited win for M I H A I in Selectia Nationala and beyond? Sound off below!

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