She’s the older sister of Salvador Sobral and she’s filling in for her brother during the first two Eurovision rehearsals. And on Sunday Luisa did him proud as she steered the first technical rehearsal. Ahead of today’s performance I worried that the big setting and over-the-top LED options might distract from the purity of the song. Thankfully it hasn’t. In fact, it’s enhanced the atmosphere and made a classic song feel more contemporary. It’s also my favourite performance of the day.

Luisa stood on the island stage — much like Anouk at Eurovision 2013 — and sang direct to the camera, which captured her soft face. Behind her producers lit the LED with an enchanted forest that looked incredibly life like. It matched the tenderness and softness of the song with its inviting hues — more enchanting than Ferngully, more tame than a jungle and pitched perfectly for Salvador’s vocals.

The camera work is thoughtful and sensitive. Slow pans swoop to Luisa from behind and the front, taking in the full breadth of the scenery. This is a quiet song that makes a loud impact. And the staging has taken it to another level.

Luisa Sobral (Salvador Sobral) — “Amar pelos dois”: Reviews and Reactions

Portugal: First rehearsal at Eurovision 2017

Portugal: First press conference 2017

Read all of our Eurovision rehearsal reviews

Read all of our Portugal Eurovision news here

Photo: Eurovision.tv (EBU)

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31 Comments
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Iggema
Iggema
6 years ago

This song really gets to me. In all its simplicity it moves me more than many other songs with their over the top staging. The strength lies in the melody and the fragile interpretation of Salvador (can’t wait to see him on this stage). Wouldn’t it be wonderful if such a song actually should win?

Pierre
Pierre
6 years ago

I don’t understand you guys. You say Belgium’s staging is too simple, but you don’t you don’t complain about Portugal.

lacrymea
lacrymea
6 years ago
Reply to  Pierre

They actually said Belgium’s stage was too busy.

Hi
Hi
6 years ago

Iraly and Portugal is awful

Leo Herlington
Leo Herlington
6 years ago
Reply to  Hi

Ahahaha. Ok. Coincidently, Italy and Portugal are my TOP2 for the final. Go figure. The rainbow is big enough for all the colors.

Jana
Jana
6 years ago
Reply to  Hi

Iraly? I don’t know that country XD
You’re just a hater…

irada
irada
6 years ago

It`s so boring song. Luisa`s performance it`s better but I think other songs are better.

MrBrightside
MrBrightside
6 years ago

The staging is simple and excellent. I got a feeling this could be a well deserved winner. Mark my words. 🙂

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

I don’t like the LED nor the song, but I wish good luck to our neighbours!

Prima
Prima
6 years ago

William, showing so much love for the portuguese entry. Thank you for your support this year. 🙂

#teamsalvadorable #teamgabbani

lemon
lemon
6 years ago

Thank you William!i Love your review and Vlog with wiwi team in IEC Kyiv.<3

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

It was beautiful and well made!

I liked the forrest concept and the island illusion! It will be captivating!

Sometimes you don’t need sth exceptional! You just need simplicity!

Loved it!

Mameo
Mameo
6 years ago

Can’t really see anything from the clip, so there’s no way to judge. I’m personally not a fan or minimalistic and traditional staging.

tom
tom
6 years ago
Reply to  Mameo

Minimalism is, in this case, good, needed. However I see no chance for this song to make some great result, its mediocre and nothing more or less. I guess jury will vote for it becuase of this “hype” that started when so many people from Portugal bet on this song 😀

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
6 years ago

my vibes 1| Finland (stunning LEDs, good effort on Leena’s part, love the softer hairstyle, the reds add a lot to those final 30 seconds) 2| Australia (I think the turntable has secrets and the giant Isaiahs in the background are probably not going to be the focus of the performance) 3| Azerbaijan (the horse is a bit much but I’m eagerly waiting to see Dihaj literally tear the house down) 4| Belgium (controversial ! ! but it looks pretty modern and fits with the color scheme of the video… will have to see the second rehearsal to see if… Read more »

Pgonc
Pgonc
6 years ago

Wow!! The “island stage” was a brave choice. I would love to see more of it in the rehearsal video. Having Salvador standing alone and singing in the middle of the crowd is a magnificent idea. I’m sure Italy will win this year, but Portugal is a serious contender.
After all the rehearsals of day 1, Portugal made me realize that, without a doubt, this year “LESS IS MORE”. Congratulations!!!

francESCa
francESCa
6 years ago
Reply to  Pgonc

I really don’t understand why so many people like the Italian entry..

Jana
Jana
6 years ago
Reply to  francESCa

francESCa Neither I…but everyone has different tastes

Sisimissi
Sisimissi
6 years ago

WTF?????? why is she singing????

Jana
Jana
6 years ago
Reply to  Sisimissi

Because Salvador is not in the Ukraine yet, he stills in Portugal due to health issues, so his sister is covering for him. He’ll fly to Ukraine just a few days before the 1st semi final.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

So for what I’ve seen…
Best 1st rehearsel: Sweden, Finland and Portugal
Good, but I need to see more: Azerbaijan, Australia, Albania
ok: Montenegro
Disappointed: Belgium
Bad or not enough: Georgia

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

*rehearsal.

ErvinSass
ErvinSass
6 years ago

After today’s rehearsals:
1. Portugal
2. Azerbaijan
3. Finland
4. Australia
5. Sweden
6. Georgia
7. Belgium
8. Albania
9. Montenegro

Donna Vey
Donna Vey
6 years ago

Is there any possibility she will be the singer for Portugal in the Grand Final?

I hope her brother is ok!

lacrymea
lacrymea
6 years ago
Reply to  Donna Vey

It will be him, don’t worry 😉

Jana
Jana
6 years ago
Reply to  Donna Vey

It will be him…I hope

Atlas
Atlas
6 years ago

Hermosa lirica tierna aerea,cinematografica humilde emotiva obra de arte. Winner!

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago

Chris, you’re starting to warm up to it? Wow!!! I thought by sending Bernardo to comment in your place in the video is showing some shade!

Anyway, like I said in the Azerbaijan thread, until Salvador shows up, I can’t fully rank it. But so far, it’s beautiful and Luisa did a great job in her brother’s place.

ESPAÑOL
ESPAÑOL
6 years ago

Força Portugal!!! Is the best this year!

Paul D.
Paul D.
6 years ago

This one will have a great impact during the semi-final with the arena filled with people, I think it’s going to be a very special moment

lacrymea
lacrymea
6 years ago

Chris? Is that you? XD