The Wiwi Jury reveals their favourites in Portugal’s Festival da Canção 2019

On Saturday Portugal will begin the search for its act for Eurovision 2019, when the first semi-final of Festival da Canção begins. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — have been listening to the 16 acts who will be competing in the national semis. Who was the jury’s big favourite? Read on to find out!

Florian

1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis” 

There might not be a specific recipe to create a great song for Eurovision, but this comes as close as one can get. “Telemóveis” perfectly combines contemporary music with what could be considered typical Portuguese music in the best way possible. There is something really mysterious about this entry so I am really looking forward to seeing the live performance. This not only has the potential to stand out but also represent Portugal in an extraordinary way in Tel Aviv this May.

2. Mariana Bragada – “Mar Doce”
3. Calema – “A Dois”
4. NBC – “Igual a Ti”
5. Matay – “Perfeito”

Oliver

1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”

At first I did not know whether I was a fan of this song or not as it took me a while to process the song as a whole. But after a few listens I began to enjoy the intricate flares and qualities this song possesses. It is a subtle entry with nothing explosive or flashy which definitely complements the song well. I loved the delicate yet powerful string plucking in the backing track and if the staging is tailored to the song, I think it could definitely climb the leaderboard.

2. NBC – “Igual a ti”
3. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
4. Lara Laquiz – “O lugar”
5. Surma – “Pugna”

Barnabas

1. Mila Dores – “Debaixo do lugar”

Did anyone expect Festival da Canção to transform from a retro-dominated marathon to a competition full of quirky yet quality gems? And the best of the bunch now has been pretty clear, as “Debaixo do lugar” slowly unfolds from a soul-touched smooth jazz tune into a nostalgic indie rock ballad. Mila’s voice fits perfectly with the song, giving me the chills I need to enjoy the show. Gurl, you’ve won me over. Hopefully, you’ll do the same with the Portuguese public.

2. NBC – “Igual a ti”
3. Ela Limão – “Mais brilhante que mil sóis”
4. Matay – “Perfeito”
5. Madrepaz – “Mundo a mudar”

Robyn

1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”

Last year Portugal sent a pleasant song to Eurovision that didn’t have enough to stand out. This year, Festival da Canção has many other songs in that style, that would be at risk of fading into the shadows in Tel Aviv. But not Conan Osíris. “Telemóveis” is unusual, with layers of sounds that at first sound jarring but reveal themselves to all complement each other. The lyrics, using the cellphone as a metaphor for the complexities of modern life, come across like a haunting mantra.  Portugal didn’t win Eurovision 2017 by playing it safe. They should continue to take risks in 2019.

2. NBC – “Igual a ti”
3. Madrepaz – “Mundo a mudar”
4. Ela Limão – “Mais brilhante que mil sóis”
5. João Couto – “O jantar”

Bernardo

1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”

In a year where the Festival da Canção song production quality rose to a whole new level, Conan Osíris sits in a different league. “Telemóveis” is different and refreshing, paying homage to Portugal’s traditional elements but setting his experimental approach in the future with an over-the-top mixture of genres that simply works in its complexity. Portugal may not be ready to take a risk like this but Eurovision isn’t made so countries can play it safe. It’s time.

2. NBC – “Igual a Ti”
3. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
4. Matay – “Perfeito”
5. Calema – “A Dois”

Charlotte

1. Matay – “Perfeito

This year’s Festival da Canção has a good amount of ballads and slow songs. The one that really stands out to me is Matay’s “Perfeito”. The lyrics itself are actually pretty lightweight, almost easy, but at the same time so pure and honest. I love Matay’s deep, warm voice, especially combined with that tingly sound in his voice, at the end every sentence he sings. Love songs usually make me realise how single I am, but right now I feel loved. Let’s see if Matay can make the rest of Europe – or for now just Portugal – fall in love with his “Perfeito” as well.

2. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
3. Lara Laquiz – “O Lugar”
4. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
5. Calema – “A Dois”

Antranig

1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”

I’m surprised at Portugal having multiple good songs in their selection this year. However, Conan Osíris is light years ahead of the competition, with an experimental yet calculated entry. This pushes the envelope without breaking it and the musical composition is exquisite. Conan’s vocals suit the song perfectly and “Telemóveis” is an absolute gem. This is going to deliver Portugal another excellent result.

2. Calema – “A Dois”
3. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
4. NBC – “Igual a ti”
5. Ana Cláudia – “Inércia”

Jordi

1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”

Conan Osiris’ “Telemoveis” is the traditional meeting the contemporary in such a very distinctive way. This is very eye-catching yet spirited, blending gently electronic beats with his vocals and the emotional feeling behind his chants. There’s a dreamlike quality behind Telemoveis, being an overall composition that serves variety by sticking to the roots. This perfect mix merged with his emotion, turns his offering in a strong contender.

2. Matay – “Perfeito”
3. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
4. Calema – “A Dois”
5. João Couto – “O jantar”

Izhar

1. NBC – “Igual a ti”

There is so much quality in this year’s Festival Da Canção that it was quite hard for me to rank my top five. The same goes when it comes to the best song — I was actually debating myself whether Conan’s fabulous “Telemóveis” or “Igual a ti” will get my number one but finally I decided that “Igual a ti” should win the ticket to Tel Aviv. This song is pure magic and when I listen to it, I feel so much contradicting emotions at the same time – joy versus sadness, mystery versus honesty. It also showcases what Portugal does best – ballads in Portuguese sung by a passionate vocalist.

2. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
3. Matay – “Perfeito”
4. Surma – “Pugna”
5. Calema – “A dois”

Luis

1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”

It’s still hard to believe that a geniality like “Telemóveis” may be about to grace the stage of Eurovision. The three minutes speed by while listening to this fabulous souk of sounds Conan is presenting to us. The anthemic quality of the first notes mixed with Conan’s deeply Iberian vocal style, plus the dirtiness of some of the subsequent beats… There are just so many great things packed in just three minutes. Portugal should not, by any means, leave this gem behind. “Telemóveis” is a song that will linger in the Eurovision world for many years.

2. Mariana Bragada – “Mar doce”
3. Mila Dores – “Debaixo do luar”
4. NBC – “Igual a ti”
5. João Couto – “O Jantar”

Pablo

1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”

I’m joining the party that I’m sure is overcrowded, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t for a good reason: this is how you do futuristic. “Telemoveis” is unlike anything I’ve ever heard or that has been in the contest, and I couldn’t be happier. An artsy, deep, insightful song wrapped in a modern millennial package, spiced with a hint of Middle Eastern undertone brought to us by a highly artistic individual. If Portugal selects this, no doubt they will be on the right track to keep their Eurovision gears going.

2. NBC – “Igual a ti”
3. Calema – “A Dois”
4. Matay – “Perfeito”
5. Surma – “Pugna”

What do you think? Which songs are your favourite in Festival da Canção 2019? Who should represent Portugal in Tel Aviv? Share your thoughts below!

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