How Vlad Sabajuk Is Preparing for Eurovision 2026
Moldova's entry for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, Vlad Sabajuk—better known by his stage name Satoshi—has opened up about his preparations for the competition. Scheduled to open the first semi-final on May 12, 2026, he will perform the song 'Viva, Moldova'. In a recent interview, the singer shared his experiences interacting with fellow contestants and discussed a trip he made to Kyiv.
Satoshi revealed that Jamala was the first to welcome him, and Jerry Heil—Ukraine's 2024 representative—reached out via Instagram. His most frequent daily exchanges are with:
- Alisa from Albania
- Akilas from Greece
His first in-person meeting was with Leleka during Ukraine's national selection in Kyiv, followed by a meeting with Poland's Alicja in Warsaw.
About the Song and Rehearsals
Describing his track, Satoshi emphasized that 'it's an anthem for a big arena, carrying deep meaning'. The lyrics of 'Viva, Moldova' include phrases in Latin and Hawaiian, and name-drop the Moldovan city of Soroca as well as Palma de Mallorca in Spain. 'The opening lines—'Viva Moldova, aloha, Adio, vida loca'—came together as if in one piece,' the artist explained.
During rehearsals, Satoshi wore a shirt bearing the number 373, the telephone country code for the Republic of Moldova. He also noted that Jamala, serving on the jury for Moldova's national selection, gave him the highest scores. 'It was a bit stressful when I saw the Instagram post revealing the running order for the semi-finals,' he admitted.
Originally from the city of Cahul, Satoshi began his music career at the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts of the Republic of Moldova in Chișinău. Before 'Viva, Moldova', he had already released two songs that charted in Romania and Moldova. Bookmakers predict Moldova will reach the top 15 in the final, and public voting ranks Satoshi as the sixth most likely winner.
“We’ll be the first act the audience sees, and that really sets us apart in the semi-final” – Satoshi.
Satoshi's Eurovision performance carries special weight for Moldova: his song 'Viva, Moldova' not only represents the country on a global stage but also highlights its cultural identity. The multilingual lyrics suggest a desire to bridge different cultures through music. A strong showing by Satoshi could also spark greater interest in Moldovan music and culture more broadly—an important outcome in an era of globalization and cultural exchange.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Eurovision 2026, fans are eager to learn more about the rehearsal dynamics and performances from various artists. This year's event promises to showcase a diverse lineup, making it essential to stay updated on who will be taking the stage and the latest developments. For a detailed look at the rehearsal schedule and insights on the participating acts, check out our coverage on Eurovision 2026 rehearsals.