Romanians choose Stefan Stan as the Voice at the first local edition of the show

Romanian Stefan Stan (in picture) won the first edition of the Voice, the TV show format translated as Vocea Romaniei, which ended last night (December 26) on Pro TV. The 34-year old was coached by Romanian artist Smiley and had to compete against three other finalists, supported by three other Romanian musicians. Stefan Stan got the biggest number of phone calls and text messages from fans and public. He won the title, a cash prize of EUR 100,000 and an album that will be recorded with Universal Music Romania. The three other contestants - Iuliana Puschila, Cristian Sanda and Dragos Chircu also won a music video that will be produced by Universal Music Romania. Lats night, Stefan Stan sang three songs: Frank Sinatra's 'My Way', Rolling Stones' Satisfaction” (together with Smiley) and 'Vivo per lei', in duet with Romanian singer Andra. Listen to Stefan singing at the final in the video below. Stefan Stan started singing karaoke, after some friends encouraged him, but never studied music. Friends pushed him to sign up for 'Vocea Romaniei” (The Voice of Romania), the show that started in October this year. He has already received offers to sing abroad, but decided to stay in Romania, 'out of respect for his country', he said at the final show on December 26. “If I was to choose something abroad, it would always be representing Romania,” he went on. The show in Romania was based on the reality singing competition 'The Voice of Holland', created by Dutch television producer John de Mol. It is part of an international series, that includes the Voice in America, which premiered in 2011. Judges and coaches for the first American edition were Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Stefan Stan/Facebook)