Moment of Silence (song)

Last updated

"Moment of Silence"
Moment of Silence (song) cover.jpg
Song by Ovidiu Anton
Released2016
Genre Gothic rock
Length2:59 [1]
Songwriter(s) Ovidiu Anton
Producer(s) Liviu Sorescu
Eurovision Song Contest 2016 entry
Country
Artist(s)
Languages
Composer(s)
Ovidiu Anton
Lyricist(s)
Ovidiu Anton
Finals performance
Final result
Disqualified
Entry chronology
◄ "De la capăt" (2015)
"Yodel It!" (2017) ►

"Moment of Silence" is a song recorded by Romanian singer Ovidiu Anton. It was written and composed by himself, while production was handled by Liviu Sorescu. A gothic-inspired pop rock track featuring an electric guitar solo throughout, "Moment of Silence" acts as a homage to the victims of the 2015 Colectiv nightclub fire. It received mixed reviews from music critics, with one likening it to the works of Swedish band Europe. At the 2017 Radio România Actualități Awards, the track won in the Best Pop Rock Song category.

Contents

Winning the Romanian pre-selection show Selecția Națională , "Moment of Silence" was selected to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm, Sweden. However, Romania was forced to withdraw from the contest due to defaulted payments by the nation's broadcaster, TVR. Anton had promoted his intended Eurovision participation with live performances in Amsterdam and London, as well as on native Românii au talent . On 14 July 2016, "Moment of Silence" was digitally released as a single through Roton. It also received a music video, which was uploaded onto the label's YouTube channel the day prior.

Background and reception

Premiered on his YouTube channel on 8 February 2016, [2] "Moment of Silence" was written and composed by Ovidiu Anton, while production was handled by Liviu Sorescu. [3] Although withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, it was featured on the contest's official compilation, Eurovision Song Contest: Stockholm 2016, released on 15 April 2016. [1] "Moment of Silence" is a "song of the soul, for the souls", acting as a homage to the victims of the 2015 Colectiv nightclub fire. [4] A gothic-inspired pop rock track, [5] [6] it contains an electric guitar solo throughout. [7]

"Moment of Silence" received mixed reviews from music critics. In a Wiwibloggs review containing several reviews from individual critics, the song received praise for its cohesivity and anthemic nature, as well as for Anton's emotional vocal delivery, but was criticized for the lack of connection it creates with the listener. Overall, the reviewers on the website gave the song 5.55 out of 10 points. [7] A Eurovision.de writer likened "Moment of Silence" to the works of Swedish band Europe. [8] At the 2017 Radio România Actualități Awards, the track won Best Pop Rock Song, while receiving a nomination for Song of the Year. [9]

Eurovision attempt and promotion

The Romanian Television (TVR) opened a submission period for artists and composers to submit their entries between 8 and 10 February 2016 to the Selecția Națională , in order to select their entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. [10] A jury panel made up of music professionals rated all songs, revealing their 12 finalists on 11 February. [11] [12] During the contest's semi-final held on 4 March, Anton qualified for the final in first place, gaining 54 points from the jury. On the latter occasion two days later, he was chosen to represent Romania at Eurovision, with 6,585 televotes. [13] [14] During Anton's performance, he was accompanied by a sword dancer and several backing vocalists—including singer Teodora Dinu. [15] [16] Irving Wolther of Eurovision.de applauded the singer's vocals, but deemed his show as "lifeless". [5]

Romania was originally planned to perform in the contest's second semi-final, but was eventually forced to withdraw. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on 22 April 2016 that TVR had repeatedly failed to pay debts totalling CHF 16 million (€14.56 million) by 20 April, the deadline set by the EBU. TVR's failure to repay their debts resulted in their withdrawal from the EBU, and consequently Romania's withdrawal from the contest. [17] This led to strong reactions against the decision, including from Anton. [18] [19] He was eventually invited by Moldova's TeleRadio-Moldova (TRM) to accompany their entrant Lidia Isac on the Eurovision stage, with the intent of singing "Falling Stars" as a duet, but he declined the offer. [20]

In order to promote Anton's intended Eurovision participation, he had performed "Moment of Silence" at Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam, [21] as well as at the London Eurovision event in London in April 2016. [22] He also appeared on the third semi-final of the sixth season of Românii au talent in May. [23] Other performances of "Moment of Silence" include at the Selecția Națională 2017 , [24] and at the 2018 Golden Stag Festival, [25] during which he acted as the representative for Romania. [26]

Anton version

"Moment of Silence"
Anton Moment of Silence Artwork.png
Single by Anton
Released14 July 2016
Genre Pop rock
Length3:02
Label Roton
Songwriter(s) Ovidiu Anton
Producer(s) Liviu Sorescu
Antonsingles chronology
"Suntem brazi"
(2017)		"Moment of Silence"
(2016)		"Amintirea ta"
(2018)

"Moment of Silence" was eventually released as a single by Ovidiu Anton as part of his band Anton, consisting of him on vocals, alongside Cristi Gram, Fernando Drăgănici, Dani Vlad and Liviu Sorescu on instruments. [26] It was made available for digital download on 14 July 2016 by Roton. [27] In comparison to the original recording, the single version was remastered, opting for a more rock sound, and has the guitar played by Gram in the foreground. [28] An accompanying music video was uploaded onto Roton's YouTube channel on 13 July 2016, [29] featuring Anton performing the track in a "deserted attic". [28]

Track listing

  1. "Moment of Silence" – 3:02

Release history

TerritoryDateFormat(s)Label
Romania [27] 14 July 2016Digital downloadRoton

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let Me Try</span> 2005 song performed by Luminița Anghel

"Let Me Try" is a song recorded by Romanian singer Luminița Anghel and Romanian percussion band Sistem, consisting of Toth Zoltan, Mihai Ciprian Rogojan, Claudiu Purcărin, Robert Magheti and Florin Cătălin Romașcu. It was released as a CD single in 2005 by the Romanian Television (TVR). Romanian composer Cristian Faur wrote and produced the single for Anghel, who subsequently recorded it in collaboration with Sistem. Musically, "Let Me Try" is an uptempo folk-influenced disco song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest</span> Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest

Romania has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 23 times since its debut in 1994, and has placed in the top ten six times. Its best results were achieved by Luminița Anghel and Sistem in 2005, and by Paula Seling and Ovi in 2010, who both finished in third place. Selecția Națională, a song contest that has been taking place every year in Romania except for 2021, has been used to select the country's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 in Athens, Greece. They selected their entry, "Tornerò", by Romanian singer Mihai Trăistariu through the national selection competition Selecția Națională 2006 in February 2006. Controversy surrounded the event, as seventh-placed duo Indiggo accused the organising broadcaster, Romanian Television (TVR), of vote rigging. Prior to the 2006 contest, Romania had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest eight times since its first entry in 1994. Its highest placing in the contest had been third place, which the nation achieved in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tornerò (Mihai Trăistariu song)</span> 2006 single by Mihai Trăistariu

"Tornerò" is a song by Romanian singer Mihai Trăistariu from his eighth studio album of the same name (2006). Released by CMC Entertainment on 3 July 2006, it was written by Cristian Hriscu, Mihaela Deac and its producer Eduard Cîrcotă. With English verses and a refrain in Italian, "Tornerò" is a disco, pop, dance and rave song featuring Trăistariu using his higher vocal range. The track won the Selecția Națională pre-selection show and represented Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, held in Athens, Greece. There, the singer was pre-qualified for the Grand Final, where he finished fourth with 172 points. On stage, three male and two female dancers from Romanian dance group Big Bounce accompanied Trăistariu, performing a mixture of ballet and contemporary dance.

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 in Kyiv, Ukraine. They selected their entry, "Let Me Try" by Romanian singer Luminița Anghel and group Sistem, through the national selection Selecția Națională 2005 in March 2005. Controversy surrounded the event, as second-placed singer Loredana accused the organising broadcaster, Romanian Television (TVR), of vote rigging. Prior to the 2005 contest, Romania had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest seven times since its first entry in 1994. Its highest placing in the contest, to this point, had been ninth place, which the nation achieved in 2002. In 2004, they placed 18th in the final.

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 in Helsinki, Finland. They selected their entry, "Liubi, Liubi, I Love You" by Romanian group Todomondo through the national selection competition Selecția Națională 2007 in February 2007. Controversy surrounded the event, as Romanian Television (TVR) disqualified several entries over the course of the competition. Prior to the 2007 contest, Romania had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest nine times since its first entry in 1994. Its highest placing in the contest had been third place, which the nation achieved in 2005. In 2006, Romania finished in fourth place. Prior to Eurovision, "Liubi, Liubi, I Love You" was promoted by a music video and a promotional tour in Belarus. Todomondo ultimately achieved 13th place in the contest's Grand Final on 12 May 2007, scoring 84 points. Their performance saw the use of pyrotechnics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Admit (Sanda song)</span> 2004 single by Sanda Ladoși

"I Admit" is a song recorded by Romanian singer Sanda for her fifth studio album Khalini (2006). It was recorded at the Studioul Adi Ordean and was released as a CD single in 2004 by Romanian Television (TVR). A dance-pop track with Latin beats in its instrumentation, "I Admit" was written by Irina Gligor and produced by George Popa.

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade, Serbia. They selected their entry, "Pe-o margine de lume", by Romanian singers Nico and Vlad through the national selection competition Selecția Națională 2008 in February 2008. Controversy surrounded the event, as the organising broadcaster, Romanian Television (TVR), was accused of conspiracy, and the song reviewed for plagiarism. Prior to the 2008 contest, Romania had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest ten times since its first entry in 1994. Its highest placing in the contest had been third place, which the nation achieved in 2005. In 2007, Romania finished in 13th place.

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia. They selected their entry, "The Balkan Girls", by Romanian singer Elena through the national selection competition Selecția Națională 2009 organised by Romanian Television (TVR) in January 2009. Prior to the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, Romania competed eleven times since its first entry in 1994. Its highest placing in the contest had been third place, which the nation achieved in 2005. In 2008, Romania finished in 20th place. "The Balkan Girls" attained local commercial success, topping the Romanian Top 100 in April.

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song "Zaleilah" written by Elena Ionescu, Costi Ioniță and Omar Secada. The song was performed by the band Mandinga. The Romanian broadcaster Televiziunea Română (TVR) organised the national final Selecția Națională 2012 in order to select the Romanian entry for the 2012 contest in Baku, Azerbaijan. Fifteen entries were selected to compete in the national final on 10 March 2012 where "Zaleilah" performed by Mandinga was selected as the winner after scoring top marks from a nine-member jury panel and a public televote.

Romania had originally applied and selected an entry to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm, Sweden, however, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) removed the Romanian national broadcaster Televiziunea Română (TVR) from all EBU member services, including the contest, following repeated non-payment of debts on 22 April 2016. With TVR's inability to broadcast the contest, the Romanian entry became ineligible to compete and was removed from the contest.

Ovidiu Anton is a Romanian singer-songwriter. He was to represent Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "Moment of Silence", but Romania was forced to withdraw from the contest on 22 April 2016. His song got the most points from the jury, in the semifinal on March 4, but also the most votes from viewers, in the final on March 6. He participated in Selecția Națională five times so far: 2010, with Pasager band – "Running Out Of Time", 2012 – "I Walk Alone", 2013 – "Run Away With Me", 2015 – "Still Alive".

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Yodel It!" written by Mihai Alexandru and Alexandra Niculae. The song was performed by Ilinca and Alex Florea. In October 2016, the Romanian broadcaster Televiziunea Română (TVR) announced that they would be returning to the Eurovision Song Contest after a one-year absence following their forced withdrawal in 2016 due to repeated non-payment of debts to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). TVR organised the national final Selecția Națională 2017 in order to select the Romanian entry for the 2017 contest in Kyiv, Ukraine. The national final consisted of two shows: a semi-final and a final. Fifteen entries were selected to compete in the semi-final on 26 February 2017 where a five-member jury panel selected ten entries to advance to the final. The ten qualifiers competed in the final on 5 March 2017 where "Yodel It!" performed by Ilinca and Alex Florea was selected as the winner entirely by a public vote.

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with the song "Goodbye" written by Alexandru Matei, Alin Neagoe and Cristina Caramarcu. The song was performed by the Humans. The Romanian broadcaster Televiziunea Română (TVR) organised the national final Selecția Națională 2018 in order to select the Romanian entry for the 2018 contest in Lisbon, Portugal. The national final consisted of six shows: five semi-finals and a final. A total of sixty entries were selected and twelve competed in each semi-final where a five-member jury panel selected three entries to advance to the final. The fifteen qualifiers competed in the final on 25 February 2018 where "Goodbye" performed by The Humans was selected as the winner entirely by a public vote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goodbye (The Humans song)</span> 2018 single by The Humans

"Goodbye" is a song recorded by Romanian group The Humans, released on 12 January 2018 by Roton. The track was written by vocalist Cristina Caramarcu, while production and composition were handled by fellow members Alexandru Matei and Alin Neagoe. "Goodbye" is a 1980s-inspired soft rock and pop rock ballad whose instrumentation includes a cello; lyrically, it is a manifesto that discourages the abandonment of one's dreams. It also discusses the overcoming of suicidal ideation, depression and internal battles. Reviewers likened the track to the music of Bonnie Tyler, Celine Dion and Heart.

Resciebelle "Bella" Barrios Santiago is a Filipino singer. Santiago first received recognition in Romania in 2016, after becoming a finalist on season six of Românii au talent, Romania's version of Got Talent. She later received widespread attention after winning season eight of X Factor Romania in 2018.

Romania was scheduled to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam, Netherlands before its cancellation due to the pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China and its spread to other countries. Romania's artist, Roxen, was internally selected and announced on 11 February 2020. Their competing entry, "Alcohol You", was chosen during the national selection competition Selecția Națională 2020 on 1 March. Prior to the 2020 contest, Romania had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 20 times since its first entry in 1994. Its highest placing had been third place, which the nation achieved in 2005 and 2010. In 2019, they failed to qualify for the contest's final for the second consecutive year. Prior to the scheduled Eurovision Song Contest 2020, "Alcohol You" was promoted by a lyric video, while Roxen appeared on several native talk shows and radio stations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alcohol You</span> 2020 song by Roxen

"Alcohol You" is a song recorded by Romanian singer Roxen, digitally released on 21 February 2020 by Global Records. It was written by Ionuț Armaș and Breyan Isaac, while Viky Red solely handed its production. "Alcohol You" emerged as the winner of Selecția Națională 2020 and was thus scheduled to represent Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 before the event's cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic in China and its spread to other countries. Roxen had previously been internally selected at the country's representative by Romanian Television (TVR).

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin, Italy, with "Llámame" performed by WRS. The Romanian broadcaster, Televiziunea Română (TVR), organised the national final Selecția Națională 2022 in order to select the Romanian entry for the 2022 contest. The national final consisted of three shows, including two semi-finals and a final. A total of 46 entries were selected and 10 qualifiers ultimately competed in the final on 5 March 2022, where the winner scoring top marks from both a jury panel and a public televote was selected.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jokero</span> 2005 single by Akcent

"Jokero" is a song by Romanian group Akcent for their fifth studio album French Kiss with Kylie (2006). Marius Nedelcu wrote the song, while Adi Colceru and Adrian Sînă produced it. The song was officially released on 17 December 2005, when it premiered on a Romanian radio station. In February 2006, "Jokero" was announced as one of the competing songs in Selecția Națională 2006, an event used to determine Romania's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. Akcent asked Romanian singer Nico to perform the track with them for the competition. The song came second overall, losing to Mihai Trăistariu's "Tornerò" (2006), though it won the public vote.

References

  1. 1 2 "Eurovision Song Contest 2016 Stockholm by Various Artists on iTunes". iTunes Store. Archived from the original on 2016-04-17. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
  2. ↑ "Ovidiu Anton – Moment Of Silence (Eurovision 2016)". YouTube. 8 February 2016. Archived from the original on 2017-10-17. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  3. ↑ Bejan, Anca (15 March 2016). "Ovidiu Anton: "Avem nevoie de sponsori ca să ne putem promova"" [Ovidiu Anton: "We need sponsors to promote ourselves"]. Click! (in Romanian). Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  4. ↑ Marica, Irina (7 March 2016). "Who will represent Romania at the 2016 Eurovision?". Romania Insider. Archived from the original on 2016-05-29. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  5. 1 2 "Ovidiu Anton: Gothich rock song for Romania" (in German). Wolther, Irving. 8 March 2016. Archived from the original on 2017-02-05. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  6. ↑ "Romania: First country to ever be kicked out of Eurovision". PinkNews . 22 April 2016. Archived from the original on 2017-12-15. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  7. 1 2 Honciuc, Bogdan (29 February 2016). "Wiwi Jury: Romania's Ovidiu Anton with "Moment of Silence"". Wiwibloggs . Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  8. ↑ "Rumänien: Ovidiu Anton - "Moment Of Silence"" [Romania: Ovidiu Anton – Moment of Silence] (in German). Eurovision.de. ARD. Archived from the original on 2016-04-21. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  9. ↑ Constanda, Alexandra (25 April 2017). "Câştigători Premiile Muzicale Radio România 2017: cine sunt cei mai buni artişti şi cele mai bune piese" [2017 Radio România Awards: who are the best artists and songs]. Adevărul (in Romanian). Archived from the original on 2018-05-25. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  10. ↑ "Încep înscrierile pentru Eurovision 2016" [Submissions begin for the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 national selection] (in Romanian). TVR. 15 January 2016. Archived from the original on 19 January 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  11. ↑ "Eurovision 2016 Regulament privind Selecția Națională" [Selecția Națională rules](PDF) (in Romanian). TVR. 15 January 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 January 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  12. ↑ "TVR a anunțat cele 12 piese calificate la Selecția Națională" [TVR has announced the 12 entries qualified for the Selecția Națională] (in Romanian). TVR. 11 February 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-02-14. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  13. ↑ Ștefan, Carmen (4 March 2016). "Ei sunt cei șase finaliști la Eurovision România 2016 – Totul despre semifinală" [They are the six finalists for the Romanian national selection – All about the semi-final]. Click! (in Romanian). Archived from the original on 2016-04-10. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  14. ↑ Leon, Jakov (6 March 2016). "Ovidiu Anton wins Selecţia Naţionala in Romania!". European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 2018-05-13. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  15. ↑ Morton, Elise (10 May 2016). "On song: 10 new east Eurovision hopefuls every self-respecting fan should know about". The Calvert Journal. Archived from the original on 2017-11-17. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  16. ↑ Solomon, Tatiana (10 March 2016). "Ovidiu Anton plăteşte scump victoria de la Eurovision România" [Ovidiu Anton 'pays' for his victory at Eurovision Romania]. Click! (in Romanian). Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
  17. ↑ "TVR (Romania) no longer entitled to take part in Eurovision 2016". European Broadcasting Union. 22 April 2016. Archived from the original on 2018-11-16. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  18. ↑ Albinsson, Mathilde (22 April 2016). "Efter uteslutningen av Rumänien i Eurovision – nu rasar fansen" [After the Romanian disqualification – the fans are raging] (in Swedish). Sveriges Television. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  19. ↑ Arvunescu, Victor (15 May 2016). "Ovidiu Anton, despre rezultatul Eurovision 2016: "Dacă nu eşti controversat, nu exişti în showbiz"" [Ovidiu Anton, about Eurovision 2016: "If you don't have controversy, you don't exist"]. Adevărul (in Romanian). Archived from the original on 2017-09-03. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  20. ↑ Honciuc, Bogdan (25 April 2016). "Ovidiu Anton declines Moldova's invitation to perform with Lidia Isac at Eurovision". Wiwibloggs . Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  21. ↑ "Ovidiu Anton Romania 2016 "Moment of Silence" Live at Eurovision in Concert". YouTube. 9 April 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  22. ↑ "ESCKAZ in London: Ovidiu Anton (Romania) - Moment of Silence (at London Eurovision)". YouTube. 17 April 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  23. ↑ Costache, Alina (13 May 2016). "Andra şi-a lăsat fanii fără răsuflare" [Andra left her fans breatheless] (in Romanian). Romania TV. Archived from the original on 2018-12-20. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  24. ↑ Cojan, Liliana (13 January 2017). "Ovidiu Anton a făcut pace cu TVR" [Ovidiu Anton has reconciled with TVR]. Evenimentul Zilei (in Romanian). Archived from the original on 2017-01-14. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  25. ↑ "Ovidiu Anton - Moment of Silence (Live @ Golden Stag 2018)". YouTube. 1 September 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  26. 1 2 Chirilă, Raluca (22 August 2018). "Cine reprezintă România la Cerbul de Aur 2018?" [Who represents Romania at the Golden Stag 2018?] (in Romanian). InfoMusic. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  27. 1 2 3 "Moment of Silence – Single by Anton on iTunes". iTunes Store . Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  28. 1 2 Constanda, Alexandra (14 July 2016). "Ovidiu Anton şi trupa sa au lansat videoclipul oficial "Moment of Silence", piesa ce ar fi trebuit să reprezinte România la Eurovision 2016" [Ovidiu Anton and his band have released the music video to "Moment of Silence", the song that was intended to represent Romania at Eurovision 2016]. Adevărul . Archived from the original on 2016-10-23. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  29. ↑ "Anton – Moment Of Silence (Official Video)". YouTube. 13 July 2016. Archived from the original on 2017-08-14. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.