It was a long night in the Transylvanian city of Brașov (home of the Cerbul de Aur Music Festival) on Saturday, with a dozen acts performing for a spot on the ESC 2014 roster.  In the end, however, it was fan favorite and Eurovision 2010 alums Paula Seling and Ovidiu “Ovi” Cernăuțeanu who stormed to victory with “Miracle“.

Despite coming in second place in the televoting, Paula and Ovi clinched the win when the jury’s vote was counted.

So, what do you think?  Do we have another “Playing With Fire” on our hands, or does “Miracle” fizzle?

It’s always tough to return to Eurovision after making as big of a splash as these two did back in Oslo.  Lucite pianos, combustible accessories, and a catsuit that would make Emma Peel jealous…Romania worked for their podium position that year, and they’ll have to work even harder to duplicate or surpass it.  I’m not sure if “Miracle” is as strong as “Playing With Fire” was, but it’s by no means a weak entry.  The usage of the hologram screen is intriguing; if they put that to work in Copenhagen, they might have a nice visual trick to attract a vote or two around Europe.

It’s rare for a returnee to clinch a win; Johnny Logan, Dima Bilan, Udo Jürgens, Linda Martin, Carola and Cory Brokken were able to take home the tropy after multiple attempts, but more often than not, past success doesn’t guarantee a high placement on future scoreboards.  Out of the list of winners alone, just look at the records of Lys Assia, Jean-Claude Pascal, Dana International, Charlotte Perrelli, Lena, Niamh Kavanagh…and Carola and Cory Brokken, who both ended up lower on their third try than their first or second.  I’m not saying that it’s impossible, it’s just a tough hill to climb.  But you never know if you don’t try, and Paula and Ovi have as good a shot at any.