As well as hosting Eurovision 2018, Portugal has the task of selecting the act who will represent the country on home turf.

And today RTP gave a big clue about the direction of its national final Festival da Canção 2018 with the announcement of the 26 composers in the competition.

The revamped Festival da Canção format places a lot of emphasis on songwriters as well as performers. Twenty composers have been invited to create entries for the national final. Composers will have full artistic freedom to create the songs — from genre and lyrics to production and language and, above all, the singer.

Out with the old and in with the new! That seems to be the motto of RTP and its creative team who decided to mix old souls with some fresh faces.

In Kyiv, Portuguese commentator Nuno Galopim told wiwibloggs that the goal is to make Festival da Canção more contemporary in the coming years and they didn’t waste any time.

Pop icon and heartthrob Diogo Piçarra and rapper Capicua are two of the big names in the list of composers, joined by Eurovision 1980 and Portuguese music royalty José Cid and Eurovision 1973 and 1977 act Fernando Tordo.

Jorge Palma is also a big name in the pack with a career that started way back in 1975. Isaura brings a contemporary approach to this year’s contest and Júlio Resende — Salvador Sobral’s bandmate in the “Alexander Search” project — will channel class.

Paulo Flores, JP Simões, Tito Paris, Miguel Ângelo, Malu Magalhães, Bruno Cardoso, Paulo Praça, Rita Dias, Francisca Cortesão, Benjamim, Aline Frazão, Armando TeixeiraDiogo Clemente, Francisco Rebelo, Minta, Nuno Rafael, Janeiro, Daniela Onis and Peter Serrado complete the list of chosen composers.

After opening the floor to songs in any language last year and winning Eurovision with a song completely in Portuguese, we don’t know how many composers will risk producing a song in English. But that is a question for the coming months.

This time around, each semi final will have thirteen songs and seven of them will advance to the grand final. The voting system is yet to be revealed but it should follow last year’s pattern: 50% televote and 50% jury in the semis, and 50% televote and 50% regional jury in the grand final.

As announced in the press conference in July, the final of Festival da Canção is moving from Lisbon to 2012 European capital of culture Guimarães.

RTP’s President Gonçalo Reis was clear when it came to the strategy the broadcaster is using for the national final. “We want to decentralise the event. We chose Guimarães to host this year’s edition of Festival da Canção. It’s the birth city of the nation, European capital of culture in 2012. It’s a choice that honours RTP. It honors the country,” he said.

Festival da Canção 2018  will be back with semi-finals on February 18 and 25. The grand final will take Europe by storm on March 4.

What do you think of the selected composers? Do you think Portugal has any chance of producing a winning song the year after winning it all? Tell us in the comment section below!

READ MORE PORTUGAL EUROVISION NEWS

143 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
euro
euro
6 years ago

Xavi is very good. He’ll surprise everybody, in a good way.

Derios
Derios
6 years ago

@kai how can you say that about Salvador? so rude.

Derios
Derios
6 years ago

@Maria, what’s wrong with you? You’re toxic. Insults are not approved on ESC Portugal, all comments have to go through an approval by the mods. So, why are you making lies on here? It seems you’re the one who does not have an education. Calling others pathetic, really? I share this quote, maybe you can learn something “Using insult instead of argument is the sign of a small mind.”

Derios
Derios
6 years ago

Delighted to hear all the different sounds and this years festival. I smell another epic song!

Uk ????
Uk ????
6 years ago

Stick to Portuguese, and stick to finding the voice and the perfect song that represents Portugal, even if it’s not 2 years in a row at least it’s showing Europe the Portuguese culture and not going by Gimmics, stick to what made you win in 2017

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Uk ????

Ikr, originality will always beat cheap.

Rita
Rita
6 years ago

I’m excited! Can’t wait.

Volinzka
Volinzka
6 years ago

Diogo is hot too!! those tattoos?

Volinzka
Volinzka
6 years ago

Diogo picarra album is fire!! already obsessed with “Nao sou eu” . He better pick himself, letz go babyyyy

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

Portugal to win 2 years in a row? I doubt it. It took them 50 years to win.
What they need to do in 2018 is to pick a good act as a host country. Most host countries don’t do well at all.

Don’t change the language please. Keep it in portuguese. I don’t want to listen to an English song from Portugal. And they don’t need to do this.

lucie
lucie
6 years ago
Reply to  AngieP

The difference is they didnt care to win back then. They even send troll acts. the attitude from RTP now is different.

Bart
Bart
6 years ago

On pop-composers… It is true that it could have brought a little more diversity if the likes of Anselmo Ralph or Mickael Carreira would have been invited or other pop-acts. After all they are invited by RTP to be jury of “The Voice”. Not that I like them. I am just saying that that would strip away criticism of being a bit of an elitist choice. I also miss the guys from Buraka Som Sistema. But of course, we cannot wear out all the composers and have some for next year, right? On a different note, why José Cid and… Read more »

lucas
lucas
6 years ago
Reply to  Bart

Mickael said that he was interested in Eurovision, but not in Festival da Canção. Besides, with all the scandal surrounding his father I think RTP wants to play it safe. FDC acquired a new status last year, and we all know how the Carreira family is perceived in Portugal, especially now with Tony being accused of plagiarism.

And Anselmo is not a good composer at all. Yes, he made some hits but the quality is somehow debatable.

Maybe Jose and Fernando were invited just to make the list of composers as diverse as possible, mixing old blood with fresh blood.

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  lucas

I didn’t know that about Mickael… That is rich… Probably you are right, about the family. It’s not the right moment. I also agree that the Carreiras and Anselmo are not good composers. It would just give an ampler scope.

Fo
Fo
6 years ago
Reply to  lucas

Hah

Fo
Fo
6 years ago
Reply to  Fo

Hah, Lucas, you have no idea of what you’re saying. The Carreira family is perceived quite good in Portugal, i mean look at Mickael, he’s a judge at a show in RTP. Literally no one cares about this scandal, Tony had a sold out show in Paris with mostly portuguese emigrants attending.

Anselmo is a good composer, try to separate your musical taste from your criticism. José and Fernando were invited because they have connections, RTP is corrupt to the ground.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

WoW! I’m impressed. Great list!!!

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Malu is a big name in Brazil!!!

Rob
Rob
6 years ago

Omg Isaura is giving me Noah Cyrus vibes. Love it!!!!

Jake
Jake
6 years ago

It’s stunning that Portugal is now announcing composers for their festival before the major esc-crazy countries. Remember when they would seem to pull things together in February. I’m impressed. They have turned the corner is finding worth in both their festival and their music industry. The list is incredible diverse, I just wish they had include a little more composers from radio-friendly pop world. I guess Diogo is the most radio-friendly name. You’ll never get a Mello-like club banger from Portugal, but the Portuguese music scene is not heavy with that either. This is more of a true reflection of… Read more »

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Jake

l

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Jake

These choices dont represent what portuguese people listen to cause if that was the goal, portuguese rappers would be the majority on that list. unfortunately these are the choices from judges with a bit of an old age, so they think many of them fit esc. I dont listen to most of them, love korean pop music and classical. Still we have more pop composers and it’s a major improvement.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

so please dont say that it’s a reflection of what portuguese people listen to, it’s far from it, unless you’re talking about elders.

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

I think the list reflects a bit the diversity of what people listen to these days. There are composers in very different music styles: rap, bossa nova, morna, jazz, classical, indie, rock, pop, electronic, fado, etc. There are traditional Portuguese styles, but also the influences from our former colonies (African and Brazilian rhythms) and the Anglo-American pop-rock scene. Portuguese people are not only teenagers, listening to rap, disco and radio-friendly tunes. I myself don’t listen to rap at all (nor does any of my friends or family), and that doesn’t make me any less Portuguese than those you say are… Read more »

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  isabel

Hmm?? He said it was a reflection of what portuguese people listen to, i just replied to him saying it’s not true, why you replying to me ? yes it’s diverse in terms of countries, but most sound the same. I’m portuguese and would never buy this kind of music. It’s a reflection of ONE genre/group of people and it’s very focused on it. They have not included one single rapper(Mishlawi or Dillaz), cause they’re afraid of going out of their taste and taking big risks. It’s pathetic since they sold out concerts here. All you gotta do is check… Read more »

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

i forgot about capicua, but she’s just one in the middle of so many ballad composers.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Isabel, learn how to read. He said it’s a reflection of what portuguese people listen, not representing. It’s not a reflection, it’s a reflection of SOME people, not all. There are genres which aren’t there, so it doesn’t. Once again, you cant read. Never said it should ONLY include hip hop lmao, but it should have a big percentage of it since it’s what most teens(again, i said most) listen to. Capicua and Francisco Rebelo rap are rappers that are more connected with the pop sound, not the rap underground scene. And i didnt know that you could guess if… Read more »

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

“He said it was a reflection of what Portuguese people listen and you said it’s not true. That’s why I replied to you. Because it does indeed represent what people listen to. It represents different groups of people, from different generations and music styles – not only your style or mine. It wouldn’t be representative if it only included hip-hop (which is represented by Capicua and Francisco Rebelo, from Orelha Negra), dance music (represented by Bruno Cardoso, from Xinobi), mainstream pop (represented by Piçarra) or whatever you consider to be “modern”. It includes those genres as well, but it also… Read more »

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  isabel

Isabel, learn how to read. He said it’s a reflection of what portuguese people listen, not representing. It’s not a reflection, it’s a reflection of SOME people, not all. There are genres which aren’t there, so it doesn’t. Once again, you cant read. Never said it should ONLY include hip hop lmao, but it should have a big percentage of it since it’s what most teens(again, i said most) listen to. Capicua and Francisco Rebelo rap are rappers that are more connected with the pop sound, not the rap underground scene. And i didnt know that you could guess if… Read more »

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Just checked what ESC Portugal is, apparently it’s a website of portuguese esc news and the comments must be approved, unlike here. That’s why this Maria psychotic person with fake identities came here to insult me?insults are not allowed there. what a weirdo.

Derios
Derios
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Yes, i agree on that regard.This is not a reflection of the portuguese music scene and what the portuguese listen to, not in the slightest bit. It is though a diverse choice from RTP, which can end up really bad or good.

lucas
lucas
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

It depends on which radio station you listen to. Most of the composers are frequently played on Antena 1.

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  lucas

Exactly. And Antena 3 too.

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  lucas

Well some of them even in Radar or Oxigénio.

lucie
lucie
6 years ago
Reply to  lucas

no offense…antena 1 is not a good example lol most portuguese teens dont listen to the radio, which are owned by(again) old people who choose what they want and most music played in most radios is english pop. Every portuguese music that trends on youtube it’s basically pt rap and pop or sometimes, indie.

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  lucie

For the record, teens are not the only ones that matter (nor the ones who have money to vote… thank God).

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  isabel

Isabel, HONEY, OF COURSE THEY ARENT. Who said that they are not the only ones who matter? But they are the ones who are gonna lead this country forward. The whole show is very old fashioned, no wonder teens dont matter, rtp makes it very clear with all the terrible medleys they have LMAOOO but unfortunately for you, teens actually do vote a lot. If it werent for them, festival da cancao would be even more dead and have less views( it’d be hilarious, still cant forget all the old grandmas and grandpas that were in the gala last year…).… Read more »

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Oh yeah?!… So you think Robin’s I can’t go on is a song for teens???? Such an old-fashioned almost retro 90’s song but without any edge?…. only for those silly little girls that fancied Robin if one likes that sort of thing

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  isabel

Oh and Isabel, would also like to know why you think teens dont vote. Because you’re kinda contradicting yourself, not everyone has the same taste, and there are certainly teens which have better musical taste than you and people who’d rather listen to Pimba. You have a very narrow view, it’s sad tbh :/ off you go with the old grandpas and their boring asf songs.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  isabel

last but not least, you better think those TEENS cause you wouldnt have Diogo Piçarra on the show without them. cheers 😉

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

last but not least, you better thank those TEENS cause you wouldnt have Diogo Piçarra on the show without them. He wouldnt be solding out shows or have a career, it’s all thanks to those teens, thankfully. cheers ?

lucas
lucas
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Carol, just shut your mouth for a second. Please. You have no idea what you’re saying.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  lucas

Lucas, grow up. i, unlike you, gave arguments and i know Diogo Piçarra. Just stop being a low live, insulting others and go ask your mother for some education. Macho latino telling a woman to shut up…typical insecure human.

Maria
Maria
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Child, you’re the one who doesn’t have education. Why are you insulting everyone on wiwibloggs and on ESC Portugal? Just stop.
You’re always right and everybody else is dumb. We got your point.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

yeah, Lucas is such a child. Absolutely agree Maria.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

yeah, Lucas is such a child. Not sure about esc portugal as i dont know what that is, but he always insults people here. Not the first time it happens. He doesn’t respect other opinions. Absolutely agree Maria.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

p,s- you must have confused me with some other guy too, the hell is ESC portugal? oh well, take care.

Bart- did not get any 90s retro vibes from Robins song at all. But i agree with everything you stated 100%.

Fo
Fo
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Maria, shut up. You’re known for being a troll. You’re the one who’s always insulting everyone on ESC Portugal, specially those who like Pop. That’s why the admins removed your comments, because they were homophobic and ignorant. Now you’re here being insulting to Carol who gave some solid arguments. I’m ‘mesmerized’ by your hypocrisy, Maria. It’s always easier to insult and divert attention than give arguments. You are ridiculous.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  lucas

I have plenty of idea. I’m saying the truth and that’s why you dont wanna hear it.

Maria
Maria
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

You’re pathetic.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Creepy asf. This Maria(Lucas) keeps coming to this page, to see if i replied and to reply me, even though she’s not getting a notification, like the pathetic troll she is. Get a life and dont bother replying, i won’t read it.

Maria
Maria
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

You’re right Carol. II thought you were someone else. I’m sorry if i offended you, i lost my way there and did not mean it. Sorry for insulting you.

euro
euro
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Maria, kid, you’re pathetic. Why do you keep insulting everybody here and escportugal? You complain about people being offensive (which no one was), and then you insult others. You’re the girl who called every pop singer of eurovision a justin bieber and screaming divas on Esc Portugal, THAT is an insult. Go find professional help instead, you sound like a mentally ill person looking to vent your frustrations online cause no one pays you attention in real life. I pity people like you.

euro
euro
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

Carol, Maria’s comments on ESC Portugal were offensive and got deleted by the administrators. That’s why she decided to come here instead, she got mad about it. Maria is an insecure child, an hypocrite. Don’t feed the troll.

Derios
Derios
6 years ago
Reply to  lucas

Lucas, She does have an idea, actually. Why would you insult her by telling her to shut up?
You can disagree with someone, but be civilized.

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  lucie

Teens are an important demographic group, but it’s not the only one and certainly not the one that are in the majority of viewers… simple demographics

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Bart

Concerning Piçarra, they really are tho.

Unknown Melody
Unknown Melody
6 years ago
Reply to  lucas

Yes, if anything I would say that if there’s any problem with the list is that it’s too radio-friendly (or too Antena 1 friendly)

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Unknown Melody

Antena 1 does not play the majority of the composers that are in this list.

Derios
Derios
6 years ago
Reply to  Carol

I agree on that regard, it’s not.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  Jake

Also diogo is not the only one who is radio friendly just wait.

MiYa
MiYa
6 years ago

NOOO, that’s bad. Now I guess Catarina Pereira won’t participate 🙁

lucas
lucas
6 years ago
Reply to  MiYa

You do realize that literally no one in Portugal knows who Catarina Pereira is? Only Portuguese hardcore ESC fans will know.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago
Reply to  MiYa

catarina pereira is literally a nobody lol andrej babic was the real master.

Catherine
Catherine
6 years ago

Wow! Great list. I adore JP Simões and like Diogo Piçarra. I’m happy-happy! Sure it will be a great Festival.

Olga
Olga
6 years ago

If Isaura sings in english, she’s gonna get slammed by the juries 🙁 hopefully not. The quality seems better than last year.

Unknown Melody
Unknown Melody
6 years ago
Reply to  Olga

Not if she has a strong song and performance, which Pedro Gonçalves, as good as he was, lacked.

Joel
Joel
6 years ago

Isaura. I like her.

1
1
6 years ago

Very exciting, looks like it’ll be better than last year. Bring Suzy back tho! lol jk

Lola
Lola
6 years ago

Melodifestivalen who? lol I’m here for Tito Paris !! I always wanted his music genre on ESC. Portugal is the only that can make it happen !!

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

No need to fix what’s not broken.

Of course it could happen that every song that enters is bad, but the format of the festival is one of the best, giving credit (and accountability) to both singer and songwriter and allowing the acts to produce bespoke songs with actual effort. No Melfest rejects here. And it’s more likely that at least one song is a diamond, which is all it takes.

thespb01
thespb01
6 years ago

FdC is always awful – “Amar pelos dois” winning was pure luck. If Portugal want to carry on doing well, they should go for an internal selection & a memorable, modern song.

thespb01
thespb01
6 years ago

I agree, quality is even more important.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

You’re right, Bernardo.

Joao
Joao
6 years ago

There are different nationalities in the 26 composers.
Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada

Joao
Joao
6 years ago
Reply to  Joao

And Angola too.

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  Joao

Yes, but they all are Portuguese citizens or are currently living in Portugal.

Ooooo
Ooooo
6 years ago
Reply to  isabel

literally n

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  Joao

João Afonso (another composer that is not mentioned in this article) was born in Mozambique btw. The former colonies and the Portuguese immigrant comunity in north america are represented…

Jini
Jini
6 years ago

Most composers sucked but we ended up winning. Im putting all my hopes on Diogo Piçarra to bring some good POP though. He’s the only reason why im happy.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  Jini

I agree….Portugal won because of the dying seizing singer not the song.
If you get another singer with as powerful a backstory then you might win again with last years song standard but if not then Portugal Needs a huge improvement in its NF song quality to avoid Ukraine’s fate of this year

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

You don’t win Eurovision, let alone break records, by having a backstory. Especially when it has been shown time and time again that Eurovision voters (those who know, because most don’t) frankly don’t care about that. Just ask Poland 2015, Finland 2015, and Yulia Samoylova. Salvador won fair and square, get over it.

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Hada

or the backstory from the dutch sister’s mother this year, did they win? nope. i also dont hear anyone saying it helped them get to the finals. people are such hypocrites lol

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  1

and by the way, they literally used that backstory cuz the song was about their sick mother, unlike salvador who kept silent and avoided questions. oh well im just soooo excited for this year. letz do this!!

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

Cause they never let it get a hype for them. The girls said it and separated it from their performance.

Unlike Salvador and Portuguese delegation who dodged questions on his health when he clearly looked ‘not normal ‘ in his performances. That’s how you create hype and atleast the Jury did get swayed by it.

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Aria what a bad troll. Separate it from the performance? the girls and their manager would mention it in every chance they had, especially on social media. It was literally a song about their sick mother, that’s how you get sympathy. Salvador and Portuguese delegation never dodged questions, they just said everything was fine. Unlike the girls who wanted to bring attention to themselves. Seriously, your’e the type of person who will criticize no matter what. Damned if you do, damned if you dont, typical. That’s not how you create hype at all, otherwise they would have done it years… Read more »

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

No the way they spoke about the fact was in a very matter of fact way. No crying and no sadness over it. They seemed happy mentioning it. That’s what I meant with they separated it from their performance. Cause they went about their ways without making people get intrigued or attached.
Thanks for the compliment though. Life gives everybody a lesson bud even a 100 yr old and I at 18 have a lot to learn .Pray that it gives you one too.

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

No crying? did you ever check their social media and interviews lolol they pretended they’re happy too which made people feel even sorry for them, they were smart. and they did not even separated it from the performance, omg loooooool you ‘re so lost.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

Says guy who can’t remember the fake email id they’re using just to ‘Troll’ here!!

I personally felt they were too callous towards their dying mother. I didn’t feel any sympathy for them but they had good vocals

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

SHUT Up!! the girls played the innocent sweet ladies card. Oh look at us, we’re so nice. The guy couldn’t give a damn about what people think!! He would behave in a ‘bad manner’ according to some and everytime he opened his mouth he said non politically correct things. it was a big risk , unlike all the other fake people who just said what everyone wanted to hear so they would not lose votes. Like the guy from romania, who opened his mouth about salvador only after the show lol hilarious.

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Sorry Aria but you are really loosing your argument here. They talked about their mother the whole week long and even had images in the backsreen of her… the whole act was about their mother, c’mon now mate…

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

Cause they never let it get a hype for them. The girls said it and separated it from their performance.

Unlike Salvador and Portuguese delegation who dodged questions on his health when he clearly looked ‘not normal ‘ in his performances. That’s how you create hype and atleast the Jury was swayed by it

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Hun, this is eurovision. Most people dont look normal. People thought it was a character. This is not how you create hype and salvador won the televote too. He said so many non political correct things, which could have backfired, but it didnt. He won fair and square, just because you dont like the song or the guy doesnt mean it was unfair. Try a new excuse, aria. You’re a lost case.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

I know he won fairly and I never said otherwise.

I’m saying his song shouldn’t have won.

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

You know he won fairly? lol you’re literally contradicting yourself in every comment. Take your meds.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

Making/playing a character/persona is how you create hype. And that’s exactly my point. How do you think Conchita with that horrible song won over the much better entries from NL/Sweden/Armenia?

Are people wrong to use it ? No … obviously he and the delegation would do what it takes to get them closer to the win.

I’m disconcerted at people falling for the persona and hype.

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Hum. You do realise the only people who thought it was a character were his haters? He always acted like that, it was not just on stage. Also, eurovision has had freaks for ages and many didnt win. I love how you ignored my, uh, point where i stated he said non politcal correct things which was a risk that would make everyone hate him and not vote. Conchita always played the victim card and act nice like those dutch girls. Seriously, it’s pointless to talk with u. Go on with your miserable life. Farewell.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  Hada

Look at the televote points Finland 2015 got!! A backstory does make a difference to gullible voters!!

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

yeah they got so many points they did not go to the finals. TROLL

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

A 0 vs 55 in televote is quite a significant difference. It’s an infinite times actually.

Lucoe
Lucoe
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Aria, The audience is not stupid, they didn’t know he had a problem, only after the show. He never spoke about it. I followed Salvador from the beginning. He had so many views after he performed on festival da cançao, so many international attention. Portugal won because of the song, deal with it. You’re the typical frustrated hoe. Bet you’re a bulgarian rat.

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Lucoe

Lol there are so many euro-vision singers that had life threatening health problems and did not even go to the finals. Can’t believe this Aria troll is still using the ‘he won cuz he was sick’ bs excuse. Wtv helps ya sleep at night i guess.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  Lucoe

Nope….his song had amongst the lowest views on YouTube. Though it had the highest proportion of likes.

The song for most didn’t matter based on their comments. It was Salvador able or so brave rather than such a good song in any of those comments

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Alright hun this is how i know you’re clueless. Salvador had the HIGHEST amount of views, especially on festival da cançao. Literally in ONE DAY. i followed him since the beginning, most compliments were from foreigners. Then his first semi final got the more views quickly too. It was a song that was different from the rest, which was nothing but pop euro songs, nothing new. People voted cause the song was beautiful, enchanting and different. Hmm he won fair and square, why are we still discussing this? yep, trolls gonna troll. Aria, get a hobby.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

He had 538000 views before Semi 1 on ESC channel. After Semi-1 it increased to 3.2 million and after final it was whatever it was. Get your facts right before calling out others.Thanks. I do have a hobby…it’s using facts in my comments.

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

lolol Aria where did you get those numbers, from your lame hairy ass? lololol that ain’t a fact for gods sake. I’m portuguese and am a fan of Salvador. i followed him since festival of cançao, his semi final was the most viewed there. Then his videoclip was posted on ESC channel and it got many views. THEN his semi final came in got 1 million views in one day. Doubt you know more than me, which is clear from your comments. Nice try, i almost believed you. Now shut up and i’m done, keep annoying others with your bs.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

I don’t know FdC numbers!! Those numbers are from the Official ESC channel!! And my ass is not hairy anyways . Thankyou

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

It was in the bottom third of the views amongst the 42(+1) entries before the Contest started.

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

before the contest started, it was the most viewed on RTP channel with many foreign comments. Then they put it on esc and it got many views as well, didnt reach 1 million in one day like the semi final but it did reach before the show started. Only his sister reharsal had low views. BOTTOM THIRD? ay…bye.lol

kai
kai
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

shame on you…Portugal did not won because of a dying seizing singer! You´re just a jealous hater

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  kai

Thanks. You have unearthed the hidden truth.

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Dear Aria,
You need to refresh your arguments against Salvador (and against Portugal, as it seems)… Never ever anyone said he was dying. In many countries his disease wasn’t even mentioned. Most probably you don’t know the composers and much less the Portuguese music scene, so why don’t you concentrate on the career development of Blanche and her successes on Spotify and leave us alone with you slightly sad remarks.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  Bart

I don’t really!! I’m not Portuguese .

I’m not saying and have never said anything against Salvador. He had a song to perform and he did. I’m questioning the intentions of voters who are supposed to vote for a SONG contest . A similar thing happened in AGT this year where people were saying Angelica Hale has had a kidney transplant and was about to die and look how good she sings after a near-death experience….she should win!! That isn’t a credible argument!! We are supposed to judge the song/talent by itself and not the backstory!!

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Voters had chances to vote for ill people and they didnt. Eurovision voters are not like x factor voters, people care about song and quality here. IT’S A SONG contest indeed, not a hit the high notes or be a cute guy contest so maybe they should all ditch the staging and dancers and just listen to the song. Give me a break!! He did not need things on stage to distract people. Voters are not naive, they voted for the SONG. GET OVER IT.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  1

You think what you want and I’ll think what I interpret from facts and not based on few guys on a blog.

1
1
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Yeah, a foreigner will certainly know more about Salvador’s path than a portuguese. shut your mouth.

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

I understand your concept of backstory. I am not that dumb. But I think you are seeing things where there are none and blowing them out of proportion. I still believe it was the power of the song, his flawless performance, the contrast with the other stagings (especially coming after DK) that and maybe the exotic element of singing in Portuguese that did the trick both for televoters and jury alike.

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  Bart

I agree with all but one of the things you said there. ‘Power of the song ‘ for Amar Pelos dois didn’t exist for most. It was all power of his performance and very emotive too and that made him win. I agree with that.

kai
kai
6 years ago
Reply to  Aria

Aria…just GO HOME

Aria
Aria
6 years ago
Reply to  kai

I’d so like to.can you get a leave sanctioned by my dean

Ronda
Ronda
6 years ago

It’s gonna be awesome, I feel it. 🙂

khm
khm
6 years ago

Can Portugal make a homesoil win in the 21st century? Judging by those names and their songs, IT COULD HAPPEN.

thespb01
thespb01
6 years ago
Reply to  khm

Probably not. The last time a host country sent a well-received song was 2012 with Sabina Babayeva. I doubt RTP will particularly want to win (and host) twice in a row – otherwise they’ll end up going down the same slippery slope RTE (Ireland) did. And let’s face it, if someone does pull off the first back-to-back victory since the introduction of televoting, it’s going to be Sweden or Russia, not Portugal. Of course, if they get their act together a la Belgium or Bulgaria and send a modern, memorable song, another top 5 finish is feasible.

Chippaponi
Chippaponi
6 years ago
Reply to  thespb01

“The last time a host country sent a well-received song was 2012” ….So you dont remember 2016?

Unknown Melody
Unknown Melody
6 years ago
Reply to  Chippaponi

Or 2014

thespb01
thespb01
6 years ago
Reply to  Chippaponi

Yes, Frans did very well in the end, but before the contest, “If I Were Sorry” got slated by many, including me. It doesn’t change my point, though – host songs are almost always good enough to not be embarrassing, but mediocre enough not to win.

Lucoe
Lucoe
6 years ago
Reply to  thespb01

Sweetpea, this aint eurovision pop modern. Salvador (and many other eurovision acts) brought a lot new different voters, it’s not just poppy gays that are voting now. Stop trying to turn this competition into just one genre or your personal taste. Not gonna happen, People will bring different styles and still be able to achieve top 5 if the song is good. Sweden does the same thing every year and i bet they’re gonna try something different this year. Get over it. Times are changing.

Lucoe
Lucoe
6 years ago
Reply to  thespb01

And another thing, Iceland decided to send a pop modern song twice in a row and look where that got them. If they sent the other guy with the lovely original song of his they would have gone through the final. Iceland wont make the same mistake.

pessego
pessego
6 years ago
Reply to  khm

khm, Even if we could, we still have portuguese old-fashioned bitches watching the show and voting, which is worrying. They wanted Jorge benvida to win too, says it all. They’re not gonna let a good pop- banging modern sound win the festival, some portuguese old farts still hold very big prejudice views against this sort of sound. Fortunately, most of them don’t bother to vote as they see themselves as superior to Esc, they just post comments on the internet. Salvador attracted many teens and young adults, which is gonna help. Diogo Piçarra is huge, which is gonna attract more… Read more »

L'oiseau
6 years ago

These are such great news! This is bound to be the best Festival da Cancao ever. A great mix of young people and great old-timers and so different musical genres, pop, electro, Brazilian, African, rock, jazz, hip-hop… I am particularly happy for Isaura, Benjamim, JP Simoes and Capicua. Not so hot on Diogo Picarra… All these artists in such a music event is truly historical…

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

They are all so good in their own style. Even the less well-known composers, like Peter Serrado, for example, are good. Let’s hope they come up with good songs for the festival.

a Portuguese ESC fan
a Portuguese ESC fan
6 years ago

What planet do you live on? God, I hate the typical portuguese pessimism and self-loathing.

Miss X
Miss X
6 years ago

“Worst National Final” – Wow, what a typical fanboy, aren’t you?

Luis
Luis
6 years ago

There’s even a Brazilian. Mallu Magalhães is from Brazil ?

L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  Luis

Yes, but I think she actually lives in Portugal.

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

Yes, she lives in Lisbon.

L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  isabel

And she is great! I have been listening to her album obsessively… Forgot to mention her earlier.

isabel
isabel
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

Yes, I like her music (and her husband’s too btw).

Marc
Marc
6 years ago

Diogo yas!!!
Portugal will be strong again 🙂

No Name
No Name
6 years ago

omg Diogo Piçarra I’m shook

Thales
Thales
6 years ago

DIOGO PIÇARRA <3