Last year Eurovision organisers gave three men the responsibility to host the song contest. But now RTP is swinging the pendulum in the other direction, confirming that four women will guide the live action during this year’s semi-finals and grand final — and the green room that accompanies each of them. The Eurovision 2018 hosts are: NCIS: Los Angeles star Daniela Ruah and RTP presenters Catarina Furtado, Sílvia Alberto and Filomena Cautela.

Who are the Eurovision 2018 hosts?

Today’s news confirms an earlier report, which we published on Saturday evening. The fierce foursome were spotted by sources from Impala News during an official photoshoot last week.

Three of the announced hosts were rumored by wiwibloggs after Portugal’s victory at Eurovision 2017. In case you missed any of that, let’s review the chosen ones.

Daniela Ruah

The 34-year-old beauty is a Hollywood actress and currently stars in the CBS hit series “NCIS: Los Angeles”. The talented thespian was born in Boston, but her family moved to Portugal when she was only 5.

She started her career in Portuguese telenovelas before flying to London where she got her Bachelor of Arts. In 2006 she won the Portuguese version of Dancing with the Stars, showing she is not just a pretty face. She’s got legs — and she knows how to werk ’em!

Daniela went on to live in New York to hone her craft and booked a leading actress position in “NCIS: Los Angeles”. The series is currently in its 9th season.

Catarina Furtado

A 44-year-old TV presenter and actress, Catarina Furtado has media in her blood: She’s the daughter of noted RTP journalist Joaquim Furtado, who famously reported on the Carnation Revolution military coup in 1974. But Catarina is definitely standing on her own two feet, having worked with RTP for the past 14 years.

She has immense experience hosting televised talent shows, including the two most recent editions of The Voice of Portugal — the network’s highest-rated show. Perhaps most germane to this discussion, she also hosted the 2017 edition of Festival da Canção, which resulted in Salvador singing for Portugal at Eurovision. Kind, experienced and, let’s face it, stunningly beautiful, she would be in her comfort zone while leading the show either alone or accompanied.

Sílvia Alberto

The 36-year-old stunner trained at the Escola Superior de Teatro e Cinema, so she’s comfortable on the stage and knows how to deal with drama. Just like Catarina, she served as a host at Festival da Canção. In fact, she’s led the show eight times — through good times and bad, through the amazing Suzy…and Homens da Luta.

A former Disney Club presenter, she hit the big time when she presented Ídolos — the Portuguese version of Idol — in 2003 and 2004, alongside actor Pedro Granger (more on him below). Since then she’s hosted other talent shows including Operação Triunfo(2007 and 2011) and most recently, Got Talent Portugal. From circus performers to dance troupes to singers, Catarina has dealt with them all.

Filomena Cautela

When it comes to the green room — where a host needs to draw out the personality of the acts — the obvious choice is Filomena Cautela.

Funny, charismatic and welcoming, Filomena was Portugal’s spokesperson in this year’s Eurovision final (watch her from 23:52 here). She currently helps laugh Portuguese to sleep with her comedy chat show “5 Para A Meia Noite” (Five to Midnight).

She’s no stranger to the world of Eurovision either. As with the earlier ladies, she played a role at Festival da Canção 2017, hosting this year’s green room. In Portugal, everyone knows her and almost everyone loves her.

After having three male hosts celebrating diversity in Kyiv, RTP is going for a full on female crew to take on the world’s biggest music competition. We’re excited!

What do you think of the four ladies? Are you excited to see them hosting Eurovision in May? Tell us in the comment section below!

READ MORE PORTUGAL EUROVISION NEWS

117 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Elsa
Elsa
6 years ago

Daniela Ruah gave an interview to Billboard. As expected, there will be only two hosts on stage (Daniela and Catarina), while Filomena and Sílvia will be in the green room. English interview here: https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8099312/daniela-ruah-eurovision-portugal-host

Balão
Balão
6 years ago

Hi guys, i’m portuguese. Let me clarify here something. The reason why there isn’t any diversity in the hosts is because…we dont have them. If you check the cultural and ethnic statistics, you will see im right. Portugal is one of the few countries with an homogeneous society in the world. Even in portuguese TV, there isn’t a black, or asian, or half black host. Our countrys major ethnicity is caucasian, so you cant force us to bring certain people we dont have, right? The hosts are a perfect choice. They’re professional and beautiful. I’m sorry that Portugal is not… Read more »

Elfi
Elfi
6 years ago

Amazing commercial with Daniela Ruah:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiKt8pNjJAg

enjoy 😉

Elfi
Elfi
6 years ago
Reply to  Elfi
Mandato
Mandato
6 years ago

can you please remove Bart comment. It’s very discriminatory and offensive, specially to filomena. A troll.

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

Again… I was being ironic… And why is it offensive, again?… I am the one beginning to be offended by your apparent homophobia and harassment…

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

Just to set the record straight: I am positively “in love” with RTP’s choice and couldn’t be happier with all of them and especially Filomena, of which I am a big fan.

Mandato
Mandato
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

Homophobia, harassment… lol just go away pls

Mandato
Mandato
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

You cant know it’s irony through the internet

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

Other people got the irony, so I suggest you improve your reading skills. But by reading your comments I assume you must be under aged (you certainly seem to be) so this will be my last reply to you, as I don’t engage with underage people in the internet. I suggest you don’t engage with conversation with adults either, as you are clearly not well equipped to do that yet.

Mandato
Mandato
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

Bart, quite the contrary. I wish i was still under raged though, then i wouldn’t have to work 🙂 You do seem to be young though, quite an immature reply that i would expect from a teen, not to mention your first troll comment. I suggest you find something more useful to do instead of internet trolling, you’re clearly not ready to engage with adults and as you can see, the replies that you got didn’t find your ‘irony’ funny. Go to youtube and stop trolling like a child. This is a civilized blog. Thank you.

Mandato
Mandato
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

Bart, quite the contrary. I wish i was still under raged though, then i wouldn’t have to work ? You do seem to be young though, quite an immature reply that i would expect from a teen, not to mention your first troll comment. I suggest you find something more useful to do instead of internet trolling, you’re clearly not ready to engage with adults and as you can see, the replies that you got didn’t find your ‘irony’ funny. Go to youtube and stop trolling like a child. This is a civilized blog. Thank you.

Edelstein
Edelstein
6 years ago

Why did you delete my comment that speaks about hypocrisy? This one-Eurovision 2017: “Why are all the hosts men? Where are the women? These hosts are terrible!”
Eurovision 2018: “Yesssss 4 women! This is amazing! They’re so beautiful and they’ll be brilliant hosts!!”
Well okay then ?

Bart
Bart
6 years ago

I am appalled that there are no blue-eyed blond or redhead this year, as there is an important minority of blond and redhead in Portugal from descendant from Nordic and Celtic ancestries. RTP should represent more diversity and it is not doing it, by choosing four women, one jewish and Moroccan ancestry, one with Indian ancestry and development activist for Africa and one (possibly) lesbian. This is scandal.

Elsa
Elsa
6 years ago
Reply to  Bart

Sílvia’s coloured her hair blond and she can always put on contact lenses, though 😀

L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  Elsa

LOL… Well, it has to be authentic, contact lenses won’t do… 😉

Nilton
Nilton
6 years ago
Reply to  Bart

I don’t understand your comment at all ? you’ve just described a very diverse group of ancestries ?

Mandato
Mandato
6 years ago
Reply to  Bart

You’re either trolling or you’re just a dummy who copies everything people write. First of all, where did you get the info that Daniela has moroccan ancestry… aye. I dont find it in any portuguese news or interview.

Secondly…Filomena is not a lesbian, but she has blue eyes. Either way not lesbian, so stop believing everything you read on the internet There are PHOTOS of filomena with her boyfriends. So, Enough with lies.

Thirdly…stop using a fake english name. You aint fooling anyone…’bart’. i’ve read other comments of yours.

And last but not least…Silvia is blonde, just not blue eyed.

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

I think the dummy is you! Have you never heard of irony?… God… And yes, the great grandfather of Daniela came from Marroco to Portugal in the ninetieth century, but of course, this is completely irrelevant to ESC, and this irrelevance, (as the colour of skin or eyes… dah) was my point… Other people got the joke… And on Filomena’s (or anyone’s) orientation I don’t give a damn, but apparently you seem to care… I don’t even know anything about Filomena’s or anyone’s private life, because it’s just not interesting to me, contrary to you. And on my name, I… Read more »

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

And last but completely irrelevant, Silvia is not a natural blond… Oh Gosh… Was that offensive?…

Mandato
Mandato
6 years ago
Reply to  Bart

Gosh, again…you literally dont know what being offensive means. Já te topei socio lol

Bart
Bart
6 years ago
Reply to  Mandato

Sure… (This was ironic…)

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

In the past, the hosts’ practical job at Eurovision was to introduce the contest and the songs, and afterwards to explain the outcome of the voting to the viewers at home. But those were the days before smarter graphics and computers were put to use. A computer can pretty much do all of that now. So why have hosts at all? (Consider that an open question.) 🙂 – Interestingly, what SVT did in 2013 and 2016, in my opinion was the right approach, as the hosts themselves were also live comedic entertainers and good singers. Petra and Måns added those… Read more »

Elsa
Elsa
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Daniela and Catarina are former dancers.

Fatima
Fatima
6 years ago

Well said Robyn, I actually think those three Ukrainian lads did quite well last year. I even warmed to the red carpet hosts / hostesses. But I seem to be the only one.

amarelo
amarelo
6 years ago

and yes i know most ppl like filomena…but i just think she doesn’t fit for this show. I dont find Her humor very funny….

GazilionPT
GazilionPT
6 years ago
Reply to  amarelo

Filomena seems a good choice for the green room.
A host in that position needs the capacity to stray from a script and go on her own. The 3 others surely know how to follow a script, but Filomena is probably the only one that can improvise with no insecurity. (Though it’s different to improvise in your native language or in a foreign one…)

amarelo
amarelo
6 years ago

the only one i dont really appreciate is filomena…just personal taste, ofc. Diogo Morgado should have been picked.

amarelo
amarelo
6 years ago

Filomena não parece ser boa escolha

Kinie
Kinie
6 years ago

This is perfect!!! Love the 4 of them. Good luck ladies, at least im sure Danielas english is great.

GazilionPT
GazilionPT
6 years ago

Besides co-hosting Festival da Canção 2017, Catarina Furtado has a further (though indirect) link to Festival and ECS. Her first major gig as a host was in 1993, with “Chuva de Estrelas”, the first-ever talent show in Portugal. That first edition would be won by newly discovered Sara Tavares impersonating Whitney Houston: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qKseSc21ZQ Sara Tavares would go on to win the 1994 edition of Festival da Canção, representing Portugal in ESC (8th place — not bad, considering Portugal’s overall record): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlW8sbSQelg In 1998 Sara Tavares was featured in a song by the band Ala dos Namorados, a duet with their… Read more »

GazilionPT
GazilionPT
6 years ago
Reply to  GazilionPT

I meant ESC of course… :/

Andreia
Andreia
6 years ago

Entre 4 apresentadoras escolhidos para apresentadoras o Eurovisao da cancao 2018 nåo existe uma unica cara que representa a diversidade multicultural em Portugal. A Eurovisao sera vista por milhares de pessoas e é uma oportunidade unica de mostrar a nossa diversidade e nao de a esconder.

GazilionPT
GazilionPT
6 years ago
Reply to  Andreia

The question should not be why Portugal does not showcase its diversity in the team of ESC hosts. We should ask ourselves why there so little diversity in Portuguese TV hosts, in the regular shows we have on the national TVs. Only *after* we have a diverse array of host in our domestic production can we hope to see diversity in major international shows we host. We just can’t put rookies on the international stage in the name of diversity and then hope for the best.

Barbara
Barbara
6 years ago

Not even one of the 4 host are black. They dont represent the diversity in portuguise sociaty. It is a pity that Portugal is showed worldwide this way

Fatima
Fatima
6 years ago
Reply to  Barbara

I know what you mean Barbara but don’t forget who sang for Portugal way back 1967!

Elsa
Elsa
6 years ago
Reply to  Barbara

There aren’t any black TV presenters in Portugal (just a few actors and journalists, but definitely not qualified for the job).

L'oiseau
6 years ago

I like the fact that RTP has made a bold move, for once. Wether you like it or not, it is an innovation. Especially after all that talk with harassment and power struggle I think is an good move to showcase four power women. But personally I would have preferred two woman and two men, because it would bring different kind of vibes. I also hope that one or two of them are the main anchors and the other the green room and other stuff. I also think that Filomena will do the funny bits, which indicates that RTP will… Read more »

Pedro
Pedro
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

Discordo Ana Sofia era uma boa alternativa
Actriz, Modelo, Apresentadora, têm um Inglês perfeito mas têm um defeito trabalha na TVI.

L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  Pedro

Penso que nao te estavas a referir ao meu post, porque eu nao mencionei essa questao… Mas concordo contigo, que poderia fazer parte das quatro (por mim substituindo a Silvia e ficaria perfeito), mas como dizes, é da TVI. Temos pena…

Josh
Josh
6 years ago

So. which one will be hosting the show and green room? I can see Filomena on the red carpet, she’s very enthusiastic.

Josh
Josh
6 years ago

I’m in love with Daniela…there, i said it.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

I feel like as time goes by, we see more presenters. Isn’t 4 too much? 2 ok, even 3 with the 3rd in the green room. But 4? We’ll see how this is going to come across.

L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  AngieP

I have the feeling that two of them (my guess Filomena and Silvia) will be more in the green room and audience, and Catarina and Daniela the main anchors. But it is also true that the first time we had three presenters (all female btw) was in 1999 in Israel. It felt very strange back then, but 3 has become a standard today. So, 4 is another innovation.

Jonas
Jonas
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

Actually, there were 2 female presenters, Dafna Dekel & Sigal Shachmon, and one male presenter, Yigal Ravid (who did all the voting) in 1999.

L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Yes, my bad. You are absolutely right. But it was the first time that there was three presenters.

ken
ken
6 years ago

I have nothing against Austrian hosts, just that it seems two of them were supposed to make fun of the blonde one. Probably the writers thought this is cute and funny to make the blonde one to play the role of ”the dumb one”. Bad script in my opinion.

Craig
Craig
6 years ago

and Queen Petra did all of that on her own in 2013…..!

ken
ken
6 years ago

Diva loving Portugal, and its women with big jaws.

SR
SR
6 years ago

Freedom of speech is censored on wiwibloggs (many posts deleted here). Disgraceful.

ken
ken
6 years ago
Reply to  SR

I know, right?

Jonas
Jonas
6 years ago
Reply to  SR

What’s disgraceful? What freedom of speech?

This is a private forum, you are not entitled to anything.

If you graffiti’d the front of Buckingham Palace, would you not expect them to remove it without infringing your “rights”?

Wiwi’s roof, Wiwi’s rules.

Miss X
Miss X
6 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Censoring POLITE opinions you don’t like is authoritarian and fascist.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  SR

It’s a private forum! You aren’t free to write what you like! You follow the rules. If not, expect to be removed. i’s like being invited to someone’s house. It’s their roof, their rules.
Which polite opinions have been censored? The ones about ethnicity?

Miss X
Miss X
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Censorship is common practice in dictatorships.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

I guess there goes the whole “we want a cheaper contest” then! Doubt these four are cheap..

Chris
Chris
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

AHAAHAH what a CHEAP comment, I guess it might from a cheap dumb person too 🙂

Miguel LM
Miguel LM
6 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Except three of them already work for RTP so try again.

Azaad
Azaad
6 years ago

Although 4 seems excessive.

Azaad
Azaad
6 years ago

I’m one of those PC leftists people and I’m fine with the hosts even if they’re all white. They all seem great and at least one speaks English perfectly which is a huge plus- and they seem to be big names which is reassuring.

Would’ve loved diversity of race but I’m fine. Diversity is great but ability is the priority.

Although Jamala and Gaitana would’ve been far better than the white men we had this year. But on the basis of ability.

Dutchburger
Dutchburger
6 years ago

They look boring already

kitty
kitty
6 years ago
Reply to  Dutchburger

They don’t. Stop projecting.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

Now we know that at least one of them is fluent in English, which is more than we could say from the hosts last year.

I’m excited!

demo
demo
6 years ago

Interesting fact: Daniela has an eye of a different color. It’s a birthmark called nevus of Ota.

demo
demo
6 years ago

Congrats. You worked hard.

YoungsterJoey
YoungsterJoey
6 years ago

I like RTP was going for a very affordable (cheaper) contest yet hires this many hosts lol!

leader021
leader021
6 years ago
Reply to  YoungsterJoey

when 3 of the hosts work at rtp… you prop up the dough to a little surprise. BOOM!!

kitty
kitty
6 years ago
Reply to  YoungsterJoey

Well, this is how humans work. They say one thing but do another.

JCM
JCM
6 years ago
Reply to  kitty

3 of them Work for RTP, so they earn they salary in the end of the mounth… (With or not the contest)…

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

I hope they are better than the all-female hosts from Austria. Surely they can’t do worse than that.

SOL
SOL
6 years ago

Filomena is lesbian btw

kitty
kitty
6 years ago
Reply to  SOL

No she’s not.

blank
blank
6 years ago
Reply to  SOL

is she???

Branko
Branko
6 years ago

Robots? Really? Did we watch the same Show?

Adam
Adam
6 years ago
Reply to  Branko

You didnt see the 3 robots and Conchita?

Napaw
Napaw
6 years ago

Well Conchita was kind of a host, too. Or did you mean her with “roboter”??

Napaw
Napaw
6 years ago
Reply to  Napaw

robot 🙂

Mandato
Mandato
6 years ago

can you please remove Bart’s comment. It’s very discriminatory and offensive, and clearly trolling, talking about things that shouldnt matter. thank you.

Jana
Jana
6 years ago

Really? People are mad because it’s 4 women? Like, Portugal did something never done before, for the 1st time 4 women host the show (I think it’s the 1st?). I’m Portuguese and I know every host. Daniela Ruah speaks fluent/native English and have lots of charisma, not to mention she’s known worldwide. Silvia and Catarina have many years of experience in hosting shows. Filomena Cautela hosts of a night show and she knows how to be funny. They are great choices, they will not be robots, I assure you. Now, “oh 4 white straigh women”. Can I ask what did… Read more »

Alex12345
Alex12345
6 years ago

Girls look very beautiful and charismatic

törbl
törbl
6 years ago

“OMG 4 white straight women are going to host”

TACV
TACV
6 years ago
Reply to  törbl

We are white in Portugal, what did you expect? Also Filomena is not straight.

blank
blank
6 years ago
Reply to  TACV

are you sure filomena is lesbien?

Adam
Adam
6 years ago
Reply to  törbl

I wonder if any of the people who were mad at Ukraine last year for sending three white men are gonna be mad this year at Portugal for not sending any dark skinned perfect-english-speaking TV presenters of Angolan or Moçambican descent.

ken
ken
6 years ago
Reply to  Adam

Many posts were deleted.

Miss X
Miss X
6 years ago
Reply to  Adam

I would like to ask wiwibloggs why my reply to Adam was deleted.

ninasublatti
ninasublatti
6 years ago

where is my human ken doll

kitty
kitty
6 years ago

Soooo excited. I love Daniela.

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

I must be one of the rare ones, who loved Austria’s hosts – I don’t think they were super funny like Petra, but they still did a very solid job I think, but I didn’t like this years hosts, they seemed really fake…

Adam
Adam
6 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

To me Vova and Alex were fake in a cheesy and charming way, mostly due to the language barrier.

Alice, Miriam, and robot #3 DID do a solid job for sure, but that’s it. It came off very much as them just doing what needed to be done, with no life or personality whatsoever.

Lara
Lara
6 years ago

RTP said that Ruah is going to be the International Host which means that she will be in fact the number 1 host. The other 3 will probably be in the green room.

Vasco
Vasco
6 years ago
Reply to  Lara

Obviasly not ???? 3 in the green room? Probably 2 in the semifinals e another 2 in the grand final

Alex-Leo
Alex-Leo
6 years ago
Reply to  Lara

Daniela Ruah doesn’t speak french… Catarina does

Adam
Adam
6 years ago
Reply to  Alex-Leo

Daniela and Catarina are probably gonna be the main presenters during the voting, while the other 2 will be in the Green Room

Alex-Leo
Alex-Leo
6 years ago

These comments are so boring… The esc hosts will unfortunately remain a bone of contention… Dudes can’t we just appreciate the fact that a major international event will be lead by 4 charismatic and professional women (pretty unsual to be highlighted). Besides, who cares about race, gender, etc? Esc is about music. I truly think that Portugal is right with this choice and is being innovative by putting women in charge for this event organized in a latin country. Congrats!

Nikki
Nikki
6 years ago

The first NCIS will always be the best one, IMHO. And I think it’s quite excessive 2 Show hosts + a Green Room host is enough

Paul D.
Paul D.
6 years ago
Reply to  Nikki

“The first NCIS will always be the best one”

The relevance of your comment lmao

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Nikki

I like(d) the first NCIS better too, but they don’t have portuguese people in that one.

Catherine
Catherine
6 years ago

I’m really dissapointed. I hoped for classic m&w duo with Pedro =/

Marcus (Day One)
Marcus (Day One)
6 years ago

Wow it seems eurovision fans will only be happy with an lgbt mixed race duo who also happen to both be transgender. (Obviously a joke) But seriously why do the host have to by default be diverse or a certain number? We have a host who is fluent in English. Famous in America and is able to be understood without an thick accent like previous host. Others who have experience hosting singing shows and national selections and another who’s good at greenroom hosting. Why is it a problem that Portugal (A Caucasian country) sends 4 white women? (And I’d call… Read more »

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Well, at least it wasn’t Suzy:)
I repeat myself again: 4 hosts? Isn’t that a bit excessive? Is there need for 4 hosts?
I hope they will be better than the robots that hosted Vienna. Those were terrible.

simba
simba
6 years ago

I can’t understand how can any broadcaster think to have so many hosts from the same sex. Just how do you have this idea?

Miss X
Miss X
6 years ago
Reply to  simba

Because there is nothing wrong with it.

Antranig Shokayan
Editor
6 years ago

Big NCISLA fan, I’m so excited to have Daniela Ruah on board! <3

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

I don’t particularly care about the hosts, I just hope they will stop trying to be “funny”.
About the complaints of being four white women… I didn’t care last year, so I don’t bother either.

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

These portuguese beauties are gonna be perfect. I don’t worry at all