Mihai TrÃÂistariu (; born on 16 December 1976 in Piatra NeamÃÂ, Romania), also known as simply Mihai (stylized as M I H A I or MIHAI), is a Romanian singer and songwriter. He is best known for representing Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 held in Athens, Greece, where he placed 4th with his song, "Tornerò". The track gained commercial success, selling over one million units worldwide and influencing the trajectory of TrÃÂistariu's career.
TrÃÂistariu comes from an artistic family. His father, Gheorghe TrÃÂistariu, was a well-known painter of Piatra NeamÃÂ, while his mother, Natalia TrÃÂistariu, studied medicine and sang in her youth. TrÃÂistariu has three siblings: Geanina, Constantin and Vasile TrÃÂistariu. All four play a musical instrument, with Mihai playing the piano. TrÃÂistariu studied piano for 10 years with a private teacher and graduated from the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in IaÃÂi with a double major in mathematics and informatics, as well as from the Theatre University in ConstanÃÂa and the National College Petru Rareàin Piatra NeamÃÂ, but chose to pursue a music career. When he was 16 years old, TrÃÂistariu began to take lessons in acting and directing with Romanian actor Corneliu Dan Borcia, the manager of Teatrul Tineretului, the Youth Theater in Piatra NeamÃÂ. He joined the jazz courses of the Student House in Iaà Âi, led by Romanian composer and teacher Romeo Cozma.
In 2006, TrÃÂistariu was chosen to represent Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with his song "Tornerò", placing fourth in the Grand Final.
TrÃÂistariu has competed nine times in the SelecÃÂia NaÃÂionalÃÂ, a pre-selection show to select Romania's entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest. He won the competition in 2006, while placing second in 2017 and in 2000 with his then-band .