He’s the Portuguese jazz star who has battled health issues while touring the country and facing the glare of international media.

And on Friday Portugal’s Salvador Sobral officially stepped away from the limelight, giving an emotional farewell concert ahead of a temporary career hiatus.

Performing at the Jardins do Casino Estoril, as part of the International Festival of Culture, the Eurovision 2017 winner sang his most beloved songs, including “Excuse Me”, “Change” and “Nada Que Esperar”.

But the emotional climax came when he was joined by his sister Luisa to sing “Amar pelos dois” — the song she wrote and which he performed brilliantly at Eurovision.

While mouthing the words of the song, Salvador welled up before burying his face in his hands.

His sister immediately rushed to his side to embrace the singer, who faced his head away from the cameras.

As ever, the audience channeled nothing but warmth and love for the singer, who they sent off in style by singing “Amar pelos dois” en masse at the close of the show.

The concert came following the September 6 announcement that Salvador would go on professional hiatus and cancel all of his scheduled performances so that he can focus fully on his recovery as he waits for a heart transplant.

His announcement came in a YouTube video entitled “Hello, Até já” (Hello, See you soon).

“It is no longer a secret to anyone that my health is fragile,” he said in the video, while seated at a piano.

“I have a problem. Unfortunately, the time has come to give my body to science and consequently to remove myself from the life of concerts and music in general. Get out a bit of this world of civilians and go to another, where surely this problem will be solved. Unfortunately, I do not know how long it will take.”

“I’ll be back soon — how soon I do not not know.”

We hope that Salvador can bottle up the love and support he felt on Friday and draw on it as he faces his toughest fight. Our fingers are crossed for his speedy recovery.

Read more Portugal Eurovision news

 

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isabel
isabel
6 years ago

Martina Bárta left this message in Salvador Sobral’s facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/salvadorsobralmusic/

14/9 às 22:44
“Dear Salvador, me and my whole family send many hugs and support in our thoughts to you from Prague. I really believe, that you will get better very soon. Of course you will!!! because you are a strong personality ? Not kind of a person, who gives up easily… You are the winner in many ways ? PS’: Keep the monkey-pearl-stone bracelet strong in your hands, when you’re feelin’ down…it’s a magic thing. PS”: You’ve got a friend in me ? Martina

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  isabel

She also published this message on her own wall:

“Dear Salvador,… I’m thinking of you and believe in your quick recovery… Be strong my friend With love & kisses***Martina”

https://www.facebook.com/martinabarta/posts/10209937984592845?pnref=story

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  isabel

Manuel Navarro also sent a message to Salvador: “Mi querido Salvador Sobral: desde el día que te conocí en Lisboa y me invitaste a aquella Jam Session no sólo vi tu increíble talento como artista, sino como persona. Vendrás con más fuerza que nunca, como sólo hacen los más grandes. Y cuando el corazón esté cansado, utiliza el mío. Tendrás el mío siempre pelos dois”. [My dear Salvador Sobral: ever since that day I met you in Lisbon, when you invited me to that jam session, I saw your incredible talent not only as an artist but also as a… Read more »

Tiago S
Tiago S
6 years ago

And the highlight of the concert finally posted on youtube. https://youtu.be/FGo48bSfmXQ

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

Best wishes on passing through and recovery.

Jonas
Jonas
6 years ago

The article says that he is awaiting a heart transplant. I know that seemingly everybody already knows this, but have we had actual confirmation? I don’t doubt you for a second, but I was always kinda hoping that maybe the rumors weren’t true, and that maybe it wasn’t as bad as everybody feared. So sad.

I wish Salvador nothing but the best, and encourage everybody reading this article to sign up for organ donation, and carry a donor card. You could save many lives! Do it today.

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Unfortunately, yes. He is waiting for a heart transplant and there’s a deadline.
No one knows when it will be possible, though…

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

OFF TOPIC: Isabella Clarke is gonna represent Australia at Junior Eurovision in Tbilisi!

Grande Amore
Grande Amore
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

Are you even serious to comment that in something sad like this?

AG
AG
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

@beccaboo1212 you have no taste. This is not the place to post other news.

Nicholas - Athens
Nicholas - Athens
6 years ago

I have Salvador in my heart, as simple as that. Good luck, meu querido, you are strong, very strong.

L'oiseau
6 years ago

The last stretch of the song was wonderful! So emotional! All the best!

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

Yes it is… it merges two songs with powerful messages: “Hello, Goodbye” (by The Beatles) and “Hope for the best” (by Salvador’s band Alexander Search: https://youtu.be/ZGET_xjf_zI?t=17m46s )

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

This is sad news!! hope his health improves soon!! I think he has also become thinner.

Thales
Thales
6 years ago

Omg I’m crying so hard! Best of luck Salvador, Europe and the World are waiting for you

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

I couldn’t help but cry watching this. It was such a bittersweet moment. I hope he comes back sooner rather than later.

Kora
Kora
6 years ago

I’m drowning in tears right now

Bartosz
Bartosz
6 years ago

I don’t usually cry but when I watched this I bawled my eyes out. Its awful to watch someone give up something they love. Hopefully, he gets better and he’ll come back with an awesome album. Força Salvador!!