Mihai Trăistariu

Biography

Mihai Trăistariu (Romanian pronunciation: [miˈhaj trəjstaˈri.u]; born 16 December 1976), also known simply as Mihai (stylized as MIHAI), is a Romanian singer and songwriter. He represented Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with the song "Tornerò", finishing fourth, one of Romania's best results in the competition.

Early life and education

Trăistariu was born in Piatra Neamț into an artistic family. His father, Gheorghe Trăistariu, was a painter, while his mother, Natalia Trăistariu, studied medicine and sang in her youth.
He has three siblings: Geanina, Constantin and Vasile Trăistariu.
Trăistariu studied piano for ten years and graduated from the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iași with degrees in mathematics and informatics. He also studied theatre in Constanța.

Career

Trăistariu first became known as a member of the band Valahia, with which he competed several times in Selecția Națională.
In 2006, he represented Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 in Athens with "Tornerò", placing fourth.
The song achieved international success and reportedly sold over one million copies worldwide.
He subsequently released the albums Altceva (2005), Tornerò (2006), Love (2009), Lie, ciocârlie (2010) and Balade (2012).
Trăistariu returned repeatedly to Selecția Națională, competing in 2016 (Paradisio), 2017 (I Won't Surrender) and 2018 (Heaven).

Personal life

Trăistariu comes from a family of artists and has often spoken publicly about his relationship with his parents and siblings.
He has never married and has no children.
Outside music, Trăistariu became involved in tourism and real-estate activities in Constanța County, operating accommodation businesses in the Mamaia resort area.
He has also spoken publicly about cosmetic procedures, including hair restoration treatments.

Studio albums

Altceva (2005)
Tornerò (2006)
Love (2009)
Lie, ciocârlie (2010)
Balade (2012)