Iberian

Eurovision is coming to the Iberian Peninsula for the first time since 1969 *sobs in a corner*. Spain and Portugal don’t only share a border, but also a common history of failure, drama and some ridiculousness at Eurovision.

But in 2018, the tables have turned: with Portugal hosting for the first time ever, both countries have apparently decided to bring out the big guns. Riding their wave of success, Portugal has chosen a moody yet strong ballad packed with some electro production while Spain has gone for a lovely duet with two standout voices.

Now it’s time to unleash the Iberian flavour in what’s about to become the most important wiwibloggs poll in the 2018 season. We can only expect this post to become a battle royale of overly patriotic fans. We’re hot-blooded people, the Iberians, y’all!

Stop acting like you’re foreigners to Almaia’s videos, stop writing dramatic comments about how the fan sites underrate Cláudia and Isaura: it’s time to cast your votes. Two countries, four singers, two ballads, two legions of die-hard fans. Let the Iberian Hunger Games begin!

Portugal: Cláudia Pascoal ft. Isaura – “O jardim”

Simplicity at its best, Cláudia and Isaura won the hearts of the Portuguese back in March with their sophisticated performance. This garden contains two powerful women who manage to touch the heart with a mellow and moody ballad. Pink hair, modern production and beautiful harmonies add extra touches to the 2018 host country entry.

Spain: Amaia and Alfred – “Tu canción”

After a three month rollercoaster, Amaia and Alfred emerged as the audience’s favourites in Operación Triunfo’s Eurovision gala. This is a classic ballad, but it’s also a love duet reinvented by these two young artists whose story flows across the screens and surpasses the language barriers.

Which Eurovision 2018 act from the Iberian Peninsula is your favourite?

[polldaddy poll=9978903]

Do you think Amaia and Alfred will be able to touch the hearts of the Europeans? Will Cláudia and Isaura’s garden be filled with points at the end of the night? Can you see any of them making the top 10? Unleash that Iberian fierceness and let us know in the comment section below!

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MANUEL
MANUEL
5 years ago

PORTUGAL, VERY NICE AND FEELING SONG

MANUEL
MANUEL
5 years ago

PORTUGAL THE BEST.

MANUEL
MANUEL
5 years ago

PORTUGAL!

Nimo
Nimo
5 years ago

I have to be honest, I’m not that fond of either of them. Personally, I feel that Portugal is better than Spain, since it has more…”power”, I guess, than Tu Canción. Neither of them are among my favorites, though.

Tiago
Tiago
5 years ago

Both in top 10,Great songs.

Djedzje
Djedzje
5 years ago

Amaia makes the big difference. Touched with a magic wand.

Djedzje
Djedzje
5 years ago
Reply to  Djedzje
Miguel
Miguel
5 years ago

I am portuguese and i voted for Portugal. Just because Spain is very cheesy and disney for me.

Ruud
Ruud
5 years ago

Spanish song would enter some quality blockbuster movie. That’s how good their melody is. The one that’s going to stand out amongst lots of generic europop in 4 weeks.

fdsa
fdsa
5 years ago

Portugal

Pasadena
Pasadena
5 years ago

These are my two absolute favorites in the whole competition. Both of them touch me to the core, like no other entry this year. I would be thrilled if they both got the top 10 results that they deserve.

Jan Levý
Jan Levý
5 years ago
Reply to  Pasadena

A Czech here, I feel exactly the same – these two are in my Top 4, together with Italy and Norway, all of them are really beautiful. Sadly I am afraid none of those will get into the Top 10 in the end, at least the betting odds really don’t seem like it…

Ariso Light
Ariso Light
5 years ago

I know this is dumb, but why isn’t the UK in this poll? They have Gibraltar. XD

Guillle77
Guillle77
5 years ago
Reply to  Ariso Light

*Cries in Spanish*

carlos
carlos
5 years ago

I just find it weird that most comments shoe their preference towards portugal but Spain is winning the poll? lmao. im Portuguese so obviously im not gonna vote for my own country it doesn’t make sense.

Ricardo
Ricardo
5 years ago
Reply to  carlos

Like we are this much interested in winning a two-country poll :/ See, this “spaniards rigging polls” myth in here is a way to discredit Spain’s entry every year, using against us the massive suport we get from all the hispanic people around the world, not just those who live in America, but those hispanic migrants in every European country. Hispanics are 10x times more than people from Spain (525M x 45M) so go figure the “hype” effect. But you won’t say nothing when a tiny country with no strong cultural connections with other countries, gets overhyped… The black legend… Read more »

Pedro Alves
Pedro Alves
5 years ago
Reply to  Ricardo

“But you won’t say nothing when a tiny country with no strong cultural connections with other countries, gets overhyped…”

Since when is Portugal a tiny country with no strong cultural connections with other countries? What about the 250 million of Portuguese speakers around the world? Go study some History!

Ricardo
Ricardo
5 years ago
Reply to  Pedro Alves

Sorry Pedro. I didn’t explain myself (didn’t want to give concrete european country names)

I was not refering to Portugal, but when other small countries from Europe get a load of votes in any poll.

Portuguese people always keeps it very fair.

Wish you the best for may 12th both organization and representative wise.

José
José
5 years ago
Reply to  Ricardo

1640 hitch?

Marta
Marta
5 years ago
Reply to  carlos

Easy, those who don’t like the result (not saying portuguese people, also spanish and from other countries) are the ones that need to write a comment to put the winner in a bad position

Escher
Escher
5 years ago

Talk about spamming. This blog is full of comments in english, the majority of them sure are coming from british people considering the wording they use.

Where’s the role of Azerbaijan, Malta, San Marino, Croatia etc. in these wiwibloggs entries?

This website is 75% about what british people thinks and the hatred they want to spew on every other single entry. That’s why comments section is sometimes lacking credibility.

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  Escher

I doubt it. Several mentioned their country and only a few were from UK. And yes, the spaniards spam a lot, all they care about is their entry, are they all 5 years old?

cassio
cassio
5 years ago

Neither. One is a kitsch-orgy, the other utterly boring, five notes that are in a infinite loop.

Dempsey
Dempsey
5 years ago

Spain is plain baaad.
Surie FTW

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
5 years ago

They are all so ill-mannered that they dont even answer you hehe

Jo
Jo
5 years ago

Portugal

BEN
BEN
5 years ago

I think both will be dark horses with Portugal leading…wow, such a beautiful song!

Miguel Lupi
Miguel Lupi
5 years ago

The Spanish fans arent that bad people, they just have too much passion and put it in context that they have been for years let down with poor results in esc (some of those undeserved). We like our neighbors (I m from Portugal), cause they have great qualities too. Spain was one of the first countries to allow gay marriage, amongst other lgbt rights. They have a modern civilized society, they are very determined and with a great and rich culture.

Ed Jones
Ed Jones
5 years ago

I must say, Portugal’s song is quickly becoming not only one of my favourite songs not only from this year’s competition, but one of my favourite Eurovision songs of all time. It’s touched me very deeply, much like Salvador’s did last year.

Hada
Hada
5 years ago

I love them both! <3

AM casablancas
AM casablancas
5 years ago

Belarus, a singer with stellar vocals… honestly. Don’t get me wrong the song is good but Alekseev has yet to prove his vocals.

R
R
5 years ago

People complain about the spanish fans, but compared to the #TeamKris fangirls last year, they are quite tame! :lmfao_emoji:

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

Andorra were my personal winners in 2007.

EUROFAN MEXICO
EUROFAN MEXICO
5 years ago

this year i like both, they have a good songs with personality and senseibiliti

Mr. Abbott
Mr. Abbott
5 years ago

Isn’t a part of the UK in the iberian peninsula?

Juan
Juan
5 years ago
Reply to  Mr. Abbott

Gibraltar, the last remaining vestige of colonialism in Europe.

kai
kai
5 years ago
Reply to  Juan

you want Gibraltar? Give back Olivença to Portugal 😉

Juan
Juan
5 years ago
Reply to  kai

No. Spain and the UK are supposed to be good friends. Imperial times finished a long time ago.

The fair solution has been proposed by Spain: Co-sovereignty/Condominium.

Same with Olivenza.

Agree?

#porTWOgal
#porTWOgal
5 years ago
Reply to  kai

Portugal and Spain are meant to help each other, as siblings in the modern world. We don’t want to get back to the 15 century when thousands of people would fight each other just for claiming a peace of land…. Despite our differences we all have the same desire for love and to find the meaning of life. Let’s make peace, not war.

Álex
Álex
5 years ago
Reply to  kai

Draw your weapon, warrior!! Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

Opiates
Opiates
5 years ago

Great review, Eugene. Alfred definitively needs to bring his best to Lisbon (the one he proved in some OT performances and actually he’s been improving in the last ‘Tu Canción’ live performances in Spain & London) Let’s be honest. He will never be on Amaia’s voice level. That girl naturally sings like an angel would sing. He just has to be at his best. Albeit, he always brings the quality actions and expressions. It’s easy for him to feel the music and that’s also valuable. As you said, their destiny is in their own hands. They have the song, the… Read more »

L'oiseau
5 years ago

Well Luis, thank you so much for this article. Not even in my wildest dream would I thought to see an article and a poll like that. Wouldn’t it be great if the ESC would remain in the Peninsula? Anyway, I am sure that Amaia and Alfred will feel at home as a great part of the audience will come from Spain. Having said all that, I love both entries. Portugal is in my top 3 Spain in my top 10. I think Portugal is more original, modern and subtle. Spain is endearing, sweet and yes, a bit cheesy, but… Read more »

Sandro
Sandro
5 years ago

Hi Eugene. How are you ?

Evangelos
Evangelos
5 years ago

Spain simply got it right this time.

Portugal, not bad. Striking two straight times is so difficult.

ImpressiveInstants
ImpressiveInstants
5 years ago

Stunning songs. Spain has the edge for me but they’re both in my top 10.

Stevan
Stevan
5 years ago

My last and my 3rd to last ?

Portugal is my last

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

It’s a tough one. Both beautiful songs. I voted for Spain because it has grown on me lately.

friedenau
friedenau
5 years ago

Both are great, very tender and emotional <3

María
María
5 years ago

Getting ready for the Israel Calling action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eabT4FT9mk4

Goldie
Goldie
5 years ago
Reply to  María

HAHAAA Amaia at 1:54 waving for a second at those who were clapping and going right back at the stage director

Like, “don’t even fu**ing applaud me now”

This girl is funny tho

Otto Kuntze
Otto Kuntze
5 years ago

Not even close: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEUTSpCOIE

Winning contender.

Portugal had his time last year.

Eve
Eve
5 years ago
Reply to  Otto Kuntze

Omg, beautiful, thanks for sharing!

Den Hoog
Den Hoog
5 years ago
Reply to  Otto Kuntze

Absolutely masterful revamp

Best revamp ever?

If this goes all the way, I won’t be surprised

Kaplan
Kaplan
5 years ago
Reply to  Otto Kuntze

Interesting, Otto.

The portuguese one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2j5Dx7ovbk

Madrileño
Madrileño
5 years ago

THIS POLL IS NO SENSE.
BOWTH ARE GREAT.
I WHAT TO SAY THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE CONCERN ABOUT THE LEDS FROM THE STAGE.
GUYS LETS RESPECT PORTUGALS CHOICE IM SURE THEY WILL SURPRISE US WITH A GREAT SHOW.
VIVA PORTUGAL.

From Catalonia
From Catalonia
5 years ago

From Catalonia here…. And I adore both! They send this year what a music contest at a European level should be: personal songs, charisma, own languages, beautiful voices… Good quality options to vote in the 12th of May.
A pity that many think of ESC as radio friendly commercial music. I hope in the show they both manage to transmit their emotions through the screen and arrive to everybody’s heart.

Emily Freeman
Emily Freeman
5 years ago

I much Prefer Portugal i find Spain too much cheese for me were as o Jardim is just beautiful and makes me want to look up the lyrics

JBNL
JBNL
5 years ago

I voted for Portugal as i think the voice of the Spanish guy reminds me too much of the Portugese one from last year. But neither of them are in my top 10.

Susanne
Susanne
5 years ago
Reply to  JBNL

I voted for Spain, because I really like the simplicity. This song is so beautiful. I really can’t choose my winner yet. I need to see the show, but right now Spain is one of the contenders to win the hole thing IMO. I am from Estonia.

Donald Duck
Donald Duck
5 years ago

I LOVE SPAIN THIS YEAR, AND IS MY NUMBER ONE , PORTUGAL I LIKE MUCH TOO , GOOD LUCK BOTH IN MAY, SPAIN DESERVE TO WIN AND PORTUGAL TOP 5,

Eve
Eve
5 years ago

Spain for me, I don’t care what others think, I just love this <3

Blueberry
Blueberry
5 years ago

SPAIN ALL THE WAY. Theyre also my number one on my list of all the songs

Jestem
Jestem
5 years ago

Both are good

Sofía
Sofía
5 years ago

Me gustan las dos por igual.
Viva la música ibérica que huye de sonidos europop recurrentes y sigue apostando por un toque clásico y atemporal.

I like both of them just as much.
Long live to the Iberian music that gets away from recurrent europop sounds and keeps bidding on some timeless, classy music.

Life is a drag
Life is a drag
5 years ago

I was about to say that! Stop ruining my good lines… ;P

bebe
bebe
5 years ago

Portugal song is about a tradition of burying the dead in your backyard. Is good to not say anything about that if you want to sell the house.

Carla
Carla
5 years ago
Reply to  bebe

Lol! I was rearranging my garden and I found three sets os bones! Maybe Bulgarians got inspired on the Portuguese gardens.
Portuguese entry is about missing someone that it’s not around anymore and keeping memories alive. The garden is a metaphor.

bebe
bebe
5 years ago
Reply to  Carla

Police should check that garden. She buried her grandmother there to take her money and house.

Scullaaay
Scullaaay
5 years ago
Reply to  bebe

@bebe your comment is just really insensitive, inappropriate and tasteless.

DavidF6
DavidF6
5 years ago

¿Por qué algunos ingleses nos tenéis tanto resentimiento, sea por la razón que sea?

¿Aún enseñan la leyenda negra en algunos pueblos perdidos del Reino Unido?

Use google translator, majos.

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  DavidF6

No solo los ingleses, gente de toda Eunopa, vuestro cancion os gusta tanto que ne da asco! Ni siquiera es bueno! Y Wiiwi no para de hablar de esta cancion, y de A&A, no podemos mas, basta! Apuesto que no va a ser mas de 20 lugar!

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago

Although I actually like both of them, but O Jardim triggered my emotions, so yeah, Portugal then.