Olá! The Wiwi Jury continues to review the eight songs competing in the grand final of Portugal’s Festival da Canção. Next we look at Salvador Sobral with “Amar pelos dois” and Viva La Diva with “Nova glória”. Will either of these artists be the ones to bring Portuguese to Kyiv? Read on to find out!

Salvador Sobral – “Amar pelos dois”

“Amar pelos dois” reviews

Deban: Fusing vintage chanson and cabaret, Salvador Sobral takes things to another level. Underscoring the strength of his expressive performance is a delicate touch. Crafted in the style of when Eurovision was a high-end black-tie event, there is a nostalgic quality to “Amar Pelos Dois”. However, this throwback isn’t a throwaway number. I liked it on the first listen, and it grows on repeat spins.

Score: 7.5/10

Chris: Why anyone thought delving in to a 1950s back catalogue was a good idea is beyond me. Maybe there’s a timeless quality to it, but this wouldn’t stand out for any good reason at Eurovision. I understand Salvador was ill during this performance, but all of his mannerisms come across as offputting. I just can’t enjoy it.

Score: 3/10

Robyn: This is just delightful. “Amar pelos dois” would not have been out of place at Eurovision 60 years ago, but yet it feels vintage, not dated. It’s helped that scruffy hipster Salvador brings a quirky feel to his performance. He bends the song to his own style, but still lets the classic sound ring true. If this went to Kyiv, it would be a moment of stillness amid all the dramatic divas and pumped-up pop and it could do really well.

Score: 8.5/10

Luis: I didn’t really got this at the semi-final, but ever since I’ve found myself listening to it again and again. Salvador’s performance is everything. He brings the ’50s back and I’m more than happy to welcome them. “Amar pelos dois” has beautiful lyrics, and Salvador absolutely nails his performance. The best thing about this act is that, as dated as it is, you still stop to watch it.

Score: 8/10

Antranig: I have to admit, I fell asleep before he even started singing. Once he did start singing, I fell into a coma. This sounds dated even by Festival da Canção standards — or even by Festivali i Këngës standards. I’m trying to find a positive comment to throw in amidst all my negativity but I’m drawing a blank. This is the definition of terrible.

Score: 0/10

Mikhail: It’s beautiful, but there are a lot of buts to that. Firstly it’s really boring. Secondly, it is incredibly dated. Thirdly, it strongly reminds me of “Bella Notte” from “Lady and the Tramp” with a touch of piano and lounge music. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was actually the Portuguese version of the song, but FdC somehow forgot to disqualify it. It’s 2017. Wake up. Please.

Score: 3/10

In our Festival da Canção Wiwi Jury, we have 14 jurors but only room for six reviews. The rest of our scores can be found below:

Bernardo: 8.5/10

Gökhan: 5/10

Jordi: 7.5/10

Josh: 8/10

Jovana: 7/10

Matt: 7/10

Natalie: 5.5/10

Zakaria: 5/10

 

 

 

 

Before calculating the average score, the highest and lowest scores are dropped. This is to remove outliers and reduce potential bias. We have removed a low of 0 and a high of 8.5.

Wiwi Jury Verdict: 6.21/10

Viva La Diva – “Nova glória”

“Nova glória” reviews

Josh: “Nova Glória” starts off a little dated, but strong enough to keep me engaged. The vocal on the female lead is powerful and reminiscent of all the great divas in music history. Then the two fellas join her on stage and it turns into an entire joke. The falsetto backing vocals are off-putting and cringe worthy. How this managed to win the first heat baffles me.

Score: 2/10

Deban: “Nova Gloria” is a musical threesome with multiple climaxes. A pop take on opera that firmly strips out its elitist appeal. Despite their packaging being somewhat comedic, this trio led by Kika take themselves very seriously. Relatable yet disposable, they have the public on their side. To add to their appeal, the vocal showdown in the last minute of “Nova Gloria” won’t ever be forgotten.

Score: 6.5/10

Luis: I’m digging the verses of this song, but then the chorus hits and almost turns this entry into a joke act. “Nova Glória” means ‘new glory’. However, this is anything but new and anything but a glory. To begin with, it’s as if each of them was singing on a different stage. And then, the mix between borderline counter-tenors and a power diva is… complicated. There’s no way the European audience would get this.

Score: 2/10

Jordi: There’s something about Viva la Diva that is really catching my attention. They managed to bring something dated but sounding quite contemporary at the same time. However, even if I do appreciate the falsettos from both male singers, the song is slightly messy in some parts. Even so, I did enjoy it. It’s varied and interesting but it lacks a little bit more of modernity. The idea is nice, but it’s not especially fresh.

Score: 7/10

Robyn: I have no idea why this came top in the televote. I find it incredibly unpleasant to listen to — a supremely bland popera track with three performers who have zero chemistry. Honestly, with this in the final, my choice for Portugal 2017 would be “anything but ‘Nova glória'”.

Score: 2/10

Natalie: With a name like Viva La Diva, I seriously expected these people to push the boat out and offer us something spectacular. They do prove to be the clear highlight from the first semifinal, but I was seriously disappointed. There was a bit more of a slaying underbelly to this song, and the operatic slice didn’t go amiss, but it’s still just more of a slow and loud ballad. Can someone please just raise the tempo a little bit, make us smile and give us a buzz? I’d love Portugal to do that for us this year, but it won’t be with this song.

Score: 5/10

In our Festival da Canção Wiwi Jury, we have 14 jurors but only room for six reviews. The rest of our scores can be found below:

Antranig: 3.5/10

Bernardo: 5/10

Chris: 3.5/10

Gökhan: 3/10

Jovana: 8/10

Matt: 6/10

Mikhail: 2/10

Zakaria: 6/10

 

 

 

 

Before calculating the average score, the highest and lowest scores are dropped. This is to remove outliers and reduce potential bias. We have removed a low of 2 and a high of 8.

Wiwi Jury Verdict: 4.29/10

See our list of Festival da Canção reviews here

Read more Portugal news here

50 Comments
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pointless_nostalgic
pointless_nostalgic
7 years ago

I know this may shock many eurovision fans, but Salvador’s songs is not dated at all: it’s just a *jazz song.
Believe it or not, many many many people love jazz.
And this song, in its touching beauty, totally belongs to this contest.
And with that excellent, honest performance, can’t fail to touch you.
This is art in music. Pure and simple.

Luz
Luz
7 years ago

Rui – This is the first and last time I will respond directly to you. First of all, I’m not Jorge. My name is Luz, a female from Puerto Rico, living in the United States. I have no portuguese bloodline and only type of portuguese I can barely speak is portuñol ;-). So I didn’t understand half of the things you wrote. Also, I’m not desperate about anything, at this point, I could care less who wins Festival Da Cancao, because whatever you select won’t win Eurovision. In addition, I can guarantee you that I’m not a fanboy nor a… Read more »

Rui
Rui
7 years ago

(continuando) oh LUZ(aka, jorge), es tanto da america latina como eu sou da coreia do norte pah. Once again, thank you JURIES for speaking what everyone outside of portugal thinks. the truth will be hard to endure for some fanboys. FORÇA FERNANDO!

Rui
Rui
7 years ago

e POR FAVOR, ele que PARE de imitar o patrick watson. É decadente.

Rui
Rui
7 years ago

Porque realmente nao ha nada mais comico do que ir ao video do salvador e ver os comentarios em ingles, que sao 90% escritos por tugas. Voces estão desesperados Ganhem uma vida em vez se fazerem passar por outras pessoas, sim? a musica dele é secante e como disseram, uma copia barata de musicas da disney.

Ah, o meu favorito é o fernando. beijo.

Rui
Rui
7 years ago

Quem ganhou o televoto?vamo lá comparar as paginas pessoais…a do salvador tá ás moscas, nao tem estrangeiros nenhuns, só mais uma prova do quao ridiculos voces são. Só a do fernando tem atençao de fora. O vosso sofrimento é taoo comico, chegam a ir ao video dos outros cantores insulta-los. Fofinho, vais a sitios onde percebas que sao mesmo estrangeiros, tá?

Rui
Rui
7 years ago

Eu sou o vlad? lol oh Jorge, aka…luz, why so defensive hun? guess you’re one of those portuguese who pretends to be foreigners. Os estrangeiros nao gostam da musica do salvador, nao tem melodia, é para dormir. E ja agora…comparar a ucrania que tinha ritmo uma voz poderosa, era em ingles. Se o pedro nao fosse um adversario voces nao se preocupavam.

Rui
Rui
7 years ago

rindo

Josh Smith
Josh Smith
7 years ago

I’d vote for viva la diva. Salvador was a very boring ballad.

Luz
Luz
7 years ago

I’m from Latin America and have been following Eurovision since 2001. The reason I’ve followed it for so long is because of its diversity and through the competition I’ve learned about other countries and amazing artists, singers and performers that I follow up to this day. While I understand and respect the variety of opinions, I think some of the statements made both in the article and comments section are rude, disrespectful, not factual and just of very poor taste. Let’s play nice in the sandbox children. Amar Pelo Dios is a gem. It’s a gorgeous, haunting and timeless poem… Read more »

Helder Santos
7 years ago

ESC_Kiev Diversity “My Heart Can Love for Both” and Everyone… Salvador Sobral… 🙂 (It’s not Disney, not Leonard Cohen, Not Piaf, Not Bossa Nova from Brasil, Not Classic… Not Vintage, Not 50 or 60’s, this is more! 🙂 impressive: This is pure poetry and simbiose and interpretation and a original style unique in the Eurovision… and i believe in this… 🙂 Zeeeee! in a universal garden with a bee? Lirics “My Heart can Love Both”_Amar pelos Dois_ Se um dia alguém perguntar por mim | If one day someone asks for me Diz que vivi pra te amar… | Say… Read more »

jorge
jorge
7 years ago

Rui aka Vladimir a musica da Ucrania do ano passado também nunca seria aceite na Russia e ganhou. Ganha uma vida . Antecipa o teu sofrimento porque de facto o Pedro não vai passar nos juris nacionais. Sem musicalidade ,sem autenticidade , nao perdura na memoria , sem presença em palco. Os “adversarios” do Salvador são outros. Ganha uma vida.

Vladimir
Vladimir
7 years ago

Mikhail very well said. Thought ‘amar pelos doi’s’ was a plagiarism of bella notte and old disney songs. His song,performance is incredibly boring, not sure how he’s the one with more views, but then again this just proves how clueless they are about eurovision, no wonder they keep getting bad results. Salvadors song would NEVER be accepted in Russia.
My hope is on pedro, the kid has a great song and is the only decent one, capable of qualifying for the final.

Rui
Rui
7 years ago

and looks like the portuguese keep on pretending they are foreigners here too, anything to defend salvador will work. yall pathetic roflmao

Rui
Rui
7 years ago

Absolutely agree with the ratings and opinions. More proof that most comments in english on Salvador’s video are made by portuguese people pretending to be english. Thank you juries. 100%

Helder Santos
7 years ago

I do not know why but my intuition that the wiwi channel will surprise many people on this subject 🙂 with the context of body expression and zzzeeeee 🙂 and listening more than once to his music in the video rtp … 🙂 Embrace to all ! Zzzzeeee “My Heart Can Love Both :)” and everyone …

https://www.facebook.com/pg/AmarPelosDois

Helder Santos
7 years ago

I created a very simple page about this song on facebook precisely called “AMAR PELOS DOIS” when I learned that the Salvador had gone to the hospital … I believe in it and I believe that with the context and the interpretation and support in its disclosure … that The poetry, the music, and the sense of the message reaches the hearts of all … Embrace. Thanks to those who lost some time reading me 🙁 ESC_Lisbon_Atlantic All Together … A Dream 🙁 because we love all people of this world and we are in a competition with a strong… Read more »

Helder Santos
7 years ago

It is very sad to see the purchase of an interpretation of a poem with bodily expression as if it were the flower’s own bee in bloom and in which each flower has a meaning and color appealing to difference, ephemerality and fragility, and individual and universal love with the title “My Heart Can Love Both …” and everyone … by someone from your team without any effort to understand the context or at least help in making sense of an europe that increasingly needs to review itself With the difference the understanding … and the authenticity of loving someone… Read more »

Helder Santos
7 years ago

Lirics “My Heart can Love Both”_Amar pelos Dois_ Se um dia alguém perguntar por mim | If one day someone asks for me Diz que vivi pra te amar… | Say that I lived to love you… Antes de ti só existi | Before you I only existed Cansado e sem nada pra dar |tired and with nothing to give Meu bem, ouve as minhas preces… | My darling, listen to my prayers…. Peço que regresses, que me voltes a querer | I ask you to return, that you want me again Eu sei que não se ama … sozinho… Read more »

Gregory La Cava
Gregory La Cava
7 years ago

‘Relatively about your opinion that the entry is the “portuguese version of Bella Notte that deserved to be disqualified by the contest authorities “: it’s more than a foolish displeasure.
C’est quelque chose d’immoral vers les auteurs et vers le public.
Je suis obligée de partager cette triste anecdote.’ Chimènes M., apparently, the attitude in ‘Europop news with attitude’ has little to do with morals.

*And what is worse they seem to have no curiosity whatsoever.

Gregory La Cava
Gregory La Cava
7 years ago

‘they have no idea who’s who before Dana International won this whole thing’ – true, Charles. And what is worsr they have seem to have no curiosity whatsoever.

Wiwi should more careful when selecting jurors.

Gregory La Cava
Gregory La Cava
7 years ago

‘Amar pelos dois’ does not slay and Salvador does not look expensive – cardinal sins for some people around here. I like reading some of the reviews published on this site, but what is being said about ‘Amar pelos dois’ reveals profound ignorance and deep rooted prejudice.

Chimènes M.
Chimènes M.
7 years ago

Mikhail (about your review about Amar pelos Dois): I’ll be brief . I have developed knowledge in musicology to be able to perform my work. Often I am confronted with opinions that I accept even though they lack support. The statement you made about the musical authenticity of “Love for Two” and the underlying arguments moved me into an urge to comment. – Obviously you are not a musicologist and you don’t have any background in audiovisual expertise. Your considerations are completely unfounded. – in terms of your musical knowledge as a consumer you should know that “Bella Notte” is… Read more »

Charles
Charles
7 years ago

@Pointer: It’s amazing when people are so desperate to go to the south of Europe and use Eurovision songs to scream their desperation … b*** please! Greece has no money to give you what you want! And we’ve heard this load of rubbish before in Eurovision. Next please!

Charles
Charles
7 years ago

@Griffin: Nah he’s spending too much time listening to autotuned real housewives from God knows where or Friday by Rebecca Black on loop … while trying to be the next Brendan Jordan.

Charles
Charles
7 years ago

@Gregory La Cava: When your biggest musical influence is a lip sync entertainer that sells millions without singing one damn note live … what else could you expect? Some people are willing to be 12 or 16 forever … maturity and intelligence are allergies that scare the hell out of these millennials lovers of autotuned trash plastic pop about childish repetitive rhymes or Rihanna doing bjs … Bob Dylan must be so proud! Oh right .. they have no idea who’s who before Dana International won this whole thing.

Gregory La Cava
Gregory La Cava
7 years ago

‘Amar pelos dois’ is current Portuguese music, influenced by bossa nova. Dated? 1950s? Some of these jurors must never have listened to anything in their lives other than noisy pop songs and shouty ballads. It’s time to learn.

Gregory La Cava
Gregory La Cava
7 years ago

Do listen to plastic, Antranig. I am sure it will slay.

Gregory La Cava
Gregory La Cava
7 years ago

o pts?! It’s hard to read such statements and not laugh.

Griffin
Griffin
7 years ago

I love this song bcs it can make me fell asleep, rather than sceeamy diva that gives me vertigo and nightmare.

About Antranig rating, maybe he got too much listening Loin d’ici

Jorge
Jorge
7 years ago

Este tipo de artigo é muito útil para nos mostrar como um júri nacional pode julgar sem critérios. Seria bastante razoável a publicação de um relatório de votação de cada elemento do júri regional. No caso de um concurso organizado pela RTP , como contribuintes devemos exigir rigor. Sabemos que, no que diz respeito ao gosto musical, cada louco com a sua mania, … mas mesmo num assunto recreativo informal quando se fala de “júri” deve haver um bom senso para ser objetivo. Isso requer por exemplo a exclusão de: – vestígio de preconceito: “Isto soa obsoleto dentro dos padrões… Read more »

Jorge
Jorge
7 years ago

This kind of article is very useful to give an idea of how a national jury can judge without criteria. It would be quite reasonable to publish a voting report from each regional jury element. In the case of the contest organized by the Portuguese public broadcasting the taxpayers we must demand rigor. We know that as far as the musical taste is concerned “different strokes for different folks” … but even in an informal recreational subject when speaking of “jury” there must be a good sense to be objective. This requires the exclusion of: – vestige of prejudice: “this… Read more »

Jorge
Jorge
7 years ago

This kind of article is very useful to give us an idea of how a national jury can judge without criteria . It would be quite reasonable to publish a voting report from each regional jury element. In the case of a contest organized by the portuguese public broadcasting as taxpayers we must demand rigor. We know that as far as the musical taste is concerned “different strokes for different folks” … but even in an informal recreational subject when speaking of “jury” there must be a good sense to be objective. Isto implica a exclusão de : – vestige… Read more »

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

Ok, Salvador doesn’t have the best song ever heard!! But, look at the other options in Portugal this year. Not sth special. There are few good choices.
Personally, I’d like to see him in Kiyv, though I don’t know whether or not he’ll do well.

henning
henning
7 years ago

oh look, antranig gives yet another pathetic biased score to a song not sung by a solo diva

i am shocked

Héctor
Héctor
7 years ago

I’m not a fan of Salvador Sobral, ‘Amor pelos dois’ would have been good in the first year of Eurovision, now it wouldn’t even take the jury to vote for it. His moves are also very strange and looks like an autistic boy.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

@ 4li3n – that song might be modern for Portugal’s standards, but for global standards it’s something straight out of 2011. Also, his high notes are pitiful.

4li3n
4li3n
7 years ago

I will vote for Pedro Gonçalves, his vocals surprised me. The song is good and modern, If he win I hope for a more catchy performance in ESC stage. At least, Portugal doesn’t need to copy songs like CERTAIN countries :). If Pedro won’t represent my country I hope for Salvador Sobral, however his song reminds me a portuguese entry in 1965 “Sol de Inverno”. I’m not fan of his song but at least it’s one of a decents songs. Finland song his more magical and better anyway (my top 1) ^^ I won’t support my country if the winner… Read more »

D
D
7 years ago

As for Portugal, I think that Viva La Diva would be great if they removed the two guys. They ruin the song. Without them it’d be a cool song that has some 60s/70s vibes to it. Salvador is good but you need to have an ear for it. People who prefer generic mainstream music will probably hate it, and I think it will crash and burn at Eurovision anyways.

D
D
7 years ago

Pointer – That song sounds absolutely horrible. I hope the other 2 are way better.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

Both songs have their own qualities. Amar pelos dois has that classical 50s Disney soundtrack vibe, it’s really retro and yet it sounds unique, while Nova glória is pretty flat until the falsetto singers kick in – then, the song goes on fire and I absolutely want to replay it!

@ Pointer – maybe at the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 with that sound.

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

Nova gloria is an absolute trainwreck. The song *could* be good if the woman would sing it by herself. This way, it’s unbearable at times.

Amar pelos dois is a sweet and calming song. Might not be an Eurovision hit, but along with Fernando’s song, this is the best Portugal has in their pot right now.

Toinousse
Toinousse
7 years ago

@Pointer, sorry This is love is not very good, I hope the 2 other songs are better.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

It has to be Salvador for Portugal this year.

Music is the key
Music is the key
7 years ago

Viiva la diva disappoints….very kitsch / cheesy….bad! And what a silly band name!! I hoped for more from the compoer, from the credible rock band The Gift

Paule
Paule
7 years ago

Btw, “This is love” is disappointing and absolutely terrible in my opinion.

Paule
Paule
7 years ago

Hands down, I love Viva La Diva, and if they can manage a Cesar-like performance, they will do reasonably well in Kiev. Similar things can be said about Salvador, nice little song, very special in contrast to a lot of other songs this year that are so desperately trying to be “now”.

Hiccup
Hiccup
7 years ago

Unvotable*

Hiccup
Hiccup
7 years ago

And in one listen, the eurovision audience will only pick of on Salvador being a toilet break of a song, sung by a creepy man (the gestures and reactions whilst performing are not sweet or endearing) in awful fitting clothing. The song is completely unavoidable outside of Portuguese-speaking pensioners.

Pointer
Pointer
7 years ago

Greece’s “This is love” leaked! Winning 2017 by far!!!
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/2028a2003780878cbf86b84351038db820170302015538/80c854