The Romanian representative has responded to the debate surrounding the message of “Choke Me”, her song for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
In recent days, there has been a growing debate regarding the Romanian entry for Eurovision 2026 and whether it is suitable to be performed on the contest’s stage. Following reporting from The Guardian late last week, there has been increasing coverage and reporting on whether “Choke Me” is “glamorising sexual strangulation”, an act which can cause brain injury and death.
The Romanian representative took to social media on Sunday evening to release a statement regarding the debate. Alexandra Căpitănescu stated that:
I’ve read the conversations around “Choke Me” and I want to share with you what this song means to me.
Alexandra Căpitănescu
I respect every opinion, but I also believe deeply in the freedom to express complex emotions through art. I have a responsibility to the people who listen to my music, come to my concerts or follow me on Social Media.
“Choke Me” is a metaphor for the pressure we sometimes place on ourselves. It speaks about inner fears, self-doubt, and the feeling of being emotionally suffocated by our own expectations. It was never intended to represent anything sexual.
As a songwriter, I often use symbolism to give shape to feelings that are difficult to explain directly. This song reflects the weight of certain emotional struggles and the journey of reclaiming your voice and autonomy.
Music is how I process complicated emotions and make sense of my inner world.
When I stop putting pressure on myself, I reach my maximum potential.
The lyrics are about taking back control over anxiety and emotions that are choking you!
I’m grateful to everyone who listens and engages with my music in good faith.
The European Broadcasting Union has not confirmed to The Guardian whether any broadcasters have lodged complaints regarding the message of the song and the way it can be interpreted. The last example of a song requiring adaptation following complaints for participating broadcasters came in 2025 when “Kant” was retitled “Serving” and removed “Kant” from the lyrics due to its similarity of a strong profanity in the English language.
Alexandra Căpitănescu will compete in the first half of the second semi-final on May 14.
Source: Alexandra Căpitănescu / The Guardian
Romania first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994. The country tried to participate in 1993 but failed to get through the pre-qualifying round. At the 1994 contest, Dan Bittman finished 21st in the final scoring 14 points, Romania didn’t make it through to another final until 1998. Romania’s best results in the contest are two third-place finishes. In 2005, Luminita Anghel & Sistem finished 3rd scoring 158 points, while Paula Seling & Ovi finished 3rd in 2010 with the song “Playing with Fire”. Romania missed the 2016 contest due to TVR being removed from the EBU due to debts to the organisation. Romania has not participated in Eurovision since 2023, coming back only this year.
