"Luminita won the popularity prize at the International Festival 'The Golden Stag'"

"Luminita Anghel was born on October 7th 1968, in Bucharest. She is a graduate of the Popular Art School, section Vocal-Light Music. At present, she is a student in the 4th year at the Faculty of Sociology- Psychology within the University " Spiru Haret".

She fell in love with performing since childhood, having performed from the age of 8. Since then, her artistic career based on an outstanding voice expanded continously. By now, Luminita is a very popular and appreciated artist, that has been awarded with numerous prizes, both on domestic and international song contests.

1993- won the 1st Prize and the Trophy of the song festival " Mamaia", Romania
1995- played in the movie "Captain Conan", directed by Bertrard Tavernier.
2001- won the 1st place for the best performance aswell as Popularity prize at the International Festival "The Golden Stag".
2002- won the 1st prize and the trophy for the best international voice, at "Song for Europe Festival Malta", the 1st prize and the trophy for the best international voice at the International festival "Discovery", in Bulgaria, the special prize of the Press Jury, at the Festival "Universetalent Prague 2002".
2003- won the 1st Prize for the best international performance at the International Festival "Voice of Asia", the 2nd Prize at the International Creation Festival "Cairo 2003", with the piece "I Ask You Why".

Luminita is also well known and respected for hosting a number of public service Romanian TV programmes over the last seven years.

The Singer

Luminita (Lumina "of the light" in Latin) Anghel ("Angel" in Romanian) writhes around on a chalky floor like a true pro. Her constricting dress sense brings to mind Lara Croft, that discoverer of ancient artifacts. So it's really no surprise that she stumbled across the Eurovision Song Contest. Now all that left to do is to thwart the badmen and get something out of it (and maybe learn something along the way).
The backing group are in a state of constant motion which is ok since they've got a clearly defined job of smacking tin drums with sticks.
And it's official the wonderbra is doing a roaring trade in Bucharest.

The Past

To me Romania are that the unruly boy at the back of the class in high school. The one that is clever, but refuses to listen and instead disrupts the class, throwing bits of paper and being immaturely suggestive to the young female French teacher. As a result he gets report cards which say "young Roman is clearly a bright child and could have potential, but will not succeed until he starts to pay attention in class". "Until he sorts this, he will occasionally produce mildly interesting songs that scrape a top ten place, but will more likely stagnate with the likes of Sanda Ladosi".

The Song
If you recall Romania's confident assertion from 2003 that Nicola and her euro dance number would win the contest, you may scoff at me for recommending this number. And whilst this is a similar effort, it has much more oomph about it, and no stripping ballerina either. It's basic, it's got a striking leading singer, it employs Stomp-alike backing group who even at one point angle grind a backing beat. It's a walloping bit of forgetful nonsense, and should qualify with ease. Wave their flag, you won't regret it.

Gestures - 5 She welcomingly shakes her tightly packed booty a lot but there's little arm shenanigans, which is fine in my book. The backing group make up for this with head bobbing aplenty (think Hartnolls of Orbital but without those head torches and with a range of sticks instead).
"Wanna" Count - 4 As in, "I don't wanna say goodbye". A classic use of the "wanna" there, although a "donna" as in "don't" might have put the icing on the cake..."donna wanna"...Majestic all the same.

Overall
Now we're talking. Things are looking up. Beat that drum. I actually hope this wins, and although their chances are slim, Romania have wisely reacted to the current trend in Eurosong and gone with a bombastic catchy euro dance track with an unique selling point (that is, if the health and safety people allow construction equipment on the stage). I'm glad there's no party this year so I don't have to dress up like Romania, as I was bound to get propositioned in my leather chaps and gypsy bangles.

In a Nutshell
"More Angel of the night than Angel of the light"

"The Shrink Says"

Freud's Thanatos - "The Death Instinct". A fearful term on the face of it, but don't be overly alarmed. Thanatos compels people to act in risky and destructive behaviours that could lead to death. An example in this case would be a backing group consisting of angle grinders and other heavy industrial machinery all jammed in a tight space. Here please refer to Sistem.

Brassy tart Kat Slater ex of Eastenders
 Classy tart Luminita

Let Me Try

When I find you in my dreams
You always try to run away
It doesn't look it, but it seems
You still take my breath away

And when I try to ask you why
We couldn't give ti one more try
I can't find you anywhere
You're not there

Let me try, let me try
I don't wanna say goodbye
I will find a way to make you stay
Just let me try

Looking back I realize
We are learning from mistakes
I can see it in your eyes
I can feel your heartbeat breaks

But when I try to ask you why
We couldn't give ti one more try
I can't find you anywhere
You're not there

Let me try, let me try
I don't wanna say goodbye
I will find a way to make you stay
Just let me try

Let me try, let me try
I don't wanna say goodbye
I will find a way to make you stay
Just let me try

Let me try, let me try
I don't wanna say goodbye
I will find a way to make you stay
Just let me try

Let me try
I will find a way to make you stay
Just let me try
Prediction Semi Final 1st
Final 1st