Cezar will represent Romania at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “It’s My Life”.

At tonight’s Romanian national final, Cezar – full name Cezar Florin Ouatu – narrowly won the public vote followed by Casa Presei and Luminita Anghel, with the rest of the field some way behind. The jury’s favourite was the band Electric Fence, but a third-place finish with the jurors was sufficient for Cezar to take victory in the overall vote.

“It’s My Life” combines beats and operatic vocals with the occasional flash of pyrotechnics, and there’s no doubt that it will will stand out in the ESC 2013 field – frankly, it’d stand out in any group of songs! – but it remains to be seen whether being remembered will translate into votes. Romania is a thoroughly reliable semi-final performer, in any case, and Cezar will be looking to keep up that impressive record when he takes to the stage in the second half of the second semi-final in Malmö on May 16th.