Conan Osíris will represent Portugal at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv with his song “Telemóveis”. It’s a daring mix of genres that draws from the Iberian nation’s rich traditional music, but with its eyes set on the future. We dare you to define it.

To reach Eurovision, Conan had to win Portugal’s national selection Festival da Canção. Sixteen songs competed for the honour and Osíris emerged victorious, winning first place with both the juries and the televote — an accomplishment that not even Eurovision 2017 winner Salvador Sobral was able to achieve. Could it signal that great things are to come?

From his golden arrows to the body glitter to that death-dropping dancer, Conan’s outré performance is weirdly gripping and has left plenty of Eurofans asking some big questions.

To help you get to the bottom of the man behind that stage show, we’re pleased to present 10 facts about Conan Osíris. Let’s do this!

1. He has a phobia of balloons

Conan is quite a dark and other-worldly performer. So you’d think that he is as fearless off stage as he is on. Yet while Conan is happy to dial in on the dead with his song, he’s less keen about balloons. That’s right. When he comes across inflatable rubbers he loses his mind. Thank god he ain’t performing at Melodifestivalen! Luckily, they prefer to drop confetti at Eurovision.

2. He draws inspiration while washing the dishes

Being iconic is not for everyone and if you try to be iconic you’ll fail. You either are or you’re not. Some artists need silence and concentration to dive into their emotions. Others, like Conan, need to wash the dishes to kickstart the creative process. Crazy? Yes. Relatable? Totally. How many times have people used these dull moments to unleash fierce feelings?

3. He has a collection of stuffed animals

It’s commonplace to say that the child in you never dies — no matter what your age. People like Tiago Miranda (Conan’s real name) take that very seriously. His new obsession? Creating a collection of stuffed toys. Because why not? As you can see below, even young Tiago knew how to cook up a good idea.

4. He stated a degree in graphic design but never finished it

This one might explain why visuals and an appreciation for art come through so clearly in his work. Image and design were always a part of Tiago’s life. Even as a youngster he experimented with fashion and crafting “a look”. And that’s still true, even if he doesn’t have a fancy piece of paper to prove it. Here’s a snap of him turning out.

5. He gets mad when it’s raining or when he’s hungry

Been there, done that. Rain makes most people moody and hunger can “destroy” friendships. Fair warning to everyone working with catering in Tel Aviv — get Conan Osíris his meal at proper times or you’ll feel his wrath.

6. His first job was working in Lisbon’s oldest sex shop

It may seem like an irrelevant curiosity about Conan’s profile and personality, but it’s one of the most interesting. Working in a sex shop allowed the Portuguese star to study and understand humanity’s deepest and most private desires. It also taught Osíris how to eradicate judgement from his life. Because, let’s be honest, the last thing you want in a sex shop is a judgy salesperson.

7. He is a Pokémon lover

Tiago Miranda is part of the first generation which experienced the gaming revolution that was Pokémon. While for most of his life he was part of the minority, we’re sure he is part of the majority on this topic. He even knows the level in which the Pokémon Bulbasaur evolves. That’s devotion!

8. Milk is his drink of choice

When you go out with friends you might order coffee, maybe an alcoholic beverage or even a free alcohol cocktail. But it’s rather strange if you ask for milk. Well, Conan Osíris is all about being strange in this regard. He doesn’t drink alcohol and he doesn’t smoke. His fixation for ordering milk at bars is the perfect excuse for his friends to make fun of him — in all the right ways.

9. His stage name is inspired by a Japanese anime series

This one most of you probably already know. His stage name, Conan Osíris, is inspired by the Japanese Miyazaky anime series Future Boy Conan. Most interestingly, the premise of said series is connected with the supposed end of the world. In a weird way, you can make a connection between this and the song “Telemóveis”.

10. He thought Matay, NBC or Calema would win Festival da Canção

He wasn’t alone in this. While international Eurovision fans were sure Conan would win Festival da Canção, Portuguese fans reserved their celebrations until the very last minute. Like them, Conan thought the jury and televote would go for a more mainstream or traditional song. We’re glad they did not.

Are you excited to see Conan Osíris bring “Telemóveis” to life in Tel Aviv? Did you LOL at some of his curiosities? Tell us in the comments. 

Read more Eurovision 2019 artist facts here.

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Luis
Luis
4 years ago

Who wins the Eurostory Best Lyrics Award 2019? [poll!]
Italy – Soldi (Mahmood, lyricists: Dardust, Mahmood)
Tsjechië – Friend of a friend (Lake Malawi, lyricists: Jan Steinsdoerfer, Maciej Mikolaj Trybulec, Albert ?erný)
Portugal – Telemóveis (Conan Osíris, lyricist: Conan Osíris)

https://www.eurostory.nl/en/who-wins-the-eurostory-best-lyrics-award-2019-poll/

Elsa
Elsa
4 years ago
Reply to  Luis

Conan, of course

Yana
Yana
4 years ago
Reply to  Luis

If we talk about the lyric it’s definitely Conan & Mahmood- deep personal story !!

MrBrightside
MrBrightside
4 years ago

Pls. Everybody knows that Bulbasaur evolves at lv 16 and then again at lv 32.

Sophie
Sophie
4 years ago

I really want to see this guy delivering in the Final and I´m pretty sure he will. This song is so different from all other entries…Wishing you the best of luck!

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago

Pokemon lover and ESC STAR!
I am crazy about Osiris!

Héctor
Héctor
4 years ago

“He is a Pokémon lover”

Now I undestand why some instrumental parts sounds like Lavender village song in Pokemon 1st generation.

Minerva
Minerva
4 years ago

He and the dancer are great performers – they’ll definitely get lots of attention. I always laugh when the dancer comes down the steps and falls flat on his face…like a dead chicken! Ha ha !!

beccaboo1212
4 years ago

When is the music video for “Telemoveis” coming out?!?!?

pooky1001
pooky1001
4 years ago

Every interview i see with him here in Portugal makes me like him even more, I loved the song when i first heard it and since watching Conan in different interviews i love him as a person, such a stunningly beautiful human being with a humble and kind soul. I truly hope the people get behind him and he qualifies for the final, the song and the person so deserve it.

Lacrymea
Lacrymea
4 years ago

I’m obsessed with him and his song. Plus, he’s lovely.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago

Who knows what will happen to him in Eurovision, but one of my joys during this season is to watch Conan’s interviews. He’s funny, endearing and insightful. What he says is as unexpected as his music.

Bruce
Bruce
4 years ago

Hands up to Portugal for taking such a risk sending this amazing piece. Good Luck to Conan! Can´t wait for the staging.

Denis
Denis
4 years ago

This feels more like a hipster art performance than a song. Like someone just decided to go all the way with it. But forgot to include a song..
I applaud Portugal for risking it but it might not pay off

Herman
Herman
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Let´s hope it will! But the song is definitely here!

Kev'
Kev'
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

I agree a risky choice not like the pop songs we always have…

Elsa
Elsa
4 years ago

You are a breath of fresh air, dear Conan. Love and all my votes from Denmark.

Kev'
Kev'
4 years ago
Reply to  Elsa

So true so fresh

Maria
Maria
4 years ago

Portugal despite taking a different music and with various ethnic styles, this year does not lead me to vote for it. But good Luck for Portugal to stay at least in the Top 10.

Sophie
Sophie
4 years ago

I really think his personality will seduce. He seems such a nice and simple person. Always talk with this incredible humility that makes him so cute. A real open minded artist who’s always passing the message to accept the diference! Conan is a diamond and unique. I will definitely vote for him, can’t wait to see his staging!

Yana
Yana
4 years ago

He just adorable man, an artist with a special deep voice that can be recognized from a thousand others. And his personality is all about freedom, and I can feel it in his lyric & music! Just thanks Portugal for this unique artist !!! P.S. and thank you Mr. Bernardo )

Evend
Evend
4 years ago

Real, true artist! I will vote for him for sure. Beautiful, open minded person and his song in one of the best this year, my top 3. How different from Sergey….

Julian
Julian
4 years ago

Love the fact that he worked in a sex shop, that says a lot about him. I’ve seen some interviews and he always seems super nice and humble. He should be rewarded for thinking out the box. Him and Hatari are my favorites.

Leo Valdez
Leo Valdez
4 years ago

He recently said in an interview that his performance will be different from the one is the national final and it’s going to include lots of symbolism and architecture and some explicit contexts

Jigglypuff
Jigglypuff
4 years ago
Reply to  Leo Valdez

Where can I find it?

Luis
Luis
4 years ago

Go Conan! He is just great!

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
4 years ago

Being a Pokémon fan is always a plus for me.
People who don’t drink alcohol usually order some soda pop or ask for a glass of water at a bar. Asking for milk is adorable.

Miguel Lupi
Miguel Lupi
4 years ago

Great article Bernardo. Thanks for the spotlight on our star.

Kev'
Kev'
4 years ago

Wow love this man!

Lola
Lola
4 years ago

In Eurovision you have singers and artists, Conan is an amazing Artist!

Ola
Ola
4 years ago

I’m seriously starting to worry about his qualification
He is dropping in odds and others’ tops
And his draw is not good either

Hugo
Hugo
4 years ago
Reply to  Ola

The odds, the odds, always the odds. Let the contest be about music and performance!

Rita
Rita
4 years ago
Reply to  Hugo

Not only the odds but there are a lot of typical viewers who didn’t get this and mocked his song
+ juries will not vote for him bc there are better songs like greece

FlowerPuff
FlowerPuff
4 years ago
Reply to  Rita

We’ll only know what the juries voted for after the grand final, anything else is speculation.

Sophie
Sophie
4 years ago
Reply to  Rita

As there are some viewers who didn’t get you said there are also so many ones who actually really get it… and you truly said “didn’t” that doesn’t mean there won’t 😉
It alreay touched the heart of so many people already… that’s what music is supposed to do not judging by odds or anything else 😉

James
James
4 years ago
Reply to  Ola

Odds are stupid to begin with.

Corwin Bates
Corwin Bates
4 years ago

Tbh, if you know pokemon, it’s easy to know when the starters evolve. It’s more a skill when you know when dragon type poke.on evolve ^.^

ZAY
ZAY
4 years ago

I can see him and Mahmood netfix n chilling in a Tel Aviv hotel if Mahmood don’t bring his BF to Eurovision

FlowerPuff
FlowerPuff
4 years ago
Reply to  ZAY

Why are you obsessed with sex?

Nicolas
Nicolas
4 years ago

Wow I just listened the Karaoke version. This music is a masterpiece.

Raoul
Raoul
4 years ago

Where is the incredible gif after #1 from?

BlackKava
BlackKava
4 years ago

Fact #11 Conan is LGBTQ+

Chloe
Chloe
4 years ago
Reply to  BlackKava

When did he came out?

Fatima
Fatima
4 years ago
Reply to  Chloe

As i remember In one of his local interview he said he is pansexual and has a boyfriend

Chibiusa
Chibiusa
4 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

In another interview he said he is not taken .

Maria
Maria
4 years ago
Reply to  Chloe

It’s pretty obvious he’s queer

Elsa
Elsa
4 years ago
Reply to  BlackKava

He clearly said in a recent interview that he is single and in another that – paraphrasing – did not believe in love. About being pan/queer did not know but he is definitely lgbt+

Nvm
Nvm
4 years ago

11. His outfits are mind-blowing.

P!nk Forever
P!nk Forever
4 years ago

He better not stan Grass type Pokémon because Mahmood‘s Rayquaza is most likely going to destroy him. Still adore his love for Pokémon, first generation because I grew up with it too.

Nikki
Nikki
4 years ago

I have a stuffed animals collection too (apart of the ones I made, I love build-a-bear and I took get one plushie of whatever I visit) and my hubby loves Pokemo. We could be friends with him.

Still not sold into the song tho.