This weekend, Portugal commences its search for its next Eurovision entry. Festival da Canção 2020 gets underway on 22 February with the first semi-final. Eight songs will compete for four spots in the final, which will take place on 7 March. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has had their say. This time, the Wiwi Jury have ranked their top four songs in this semi-final, indicating who they think should progress to the grand final.

Pablo

1. Blasted Mechanism – “Rebellion”

This is the entry I’m both expecting and dreading the most out of every other in the national final season because, in my mind, “Rebellion” could either be a disaster or an iconic Eurovision moment and there’s no in-between. It sounds like two separate songs, but two songs I enjoy. It also sounds both too retro and almost impossibly futuristic. If Blasted Mechanism can pull all of these conflicting forces in the same direction with a solid live performance, then we could be in the presence of something majestic in the making.

2. Throes + The Shine – “Movimento”
3. Bárbara Tinoco – “Passe-Partout”
4. MEERA – “Copo de gin”

Antranig

1. Blasted Mechanism – “Rebellion”

Most of my favourites are in this semi-final and “Rebellion” couldn’t be any more different than “Telemóveis” if it tried. High art this is not. However, this is a rock song which is accessible enough for those who aren’t fans of the genre. It is a far cry from anything Portugal would normally send which is precisely the best reason to send it. If I’m being frank, it’s also the only song in this selection capable of delivering a good result for Portugal.

2. Elisa – “Medo de sentir”
3. Throes + The Shine – “Movimento”
4. Bárbara Tinoco – “Passe-Partout”

Åri

1. Blasted Mechanism – “Rebellion”

I hoped I wouldn’t love this so much because I’m such an avid supporter of the Portuguese language’s usage in Eurovision. But here we are. It started off as my fourth place, but I had to let this track’s sheer strength seep in over the past few days. This semi is the stronger one, I believe, but “Rebellion” still probably won’t get my vote in the grand final (for which it will definitely qualify). Portugal has been in my top three in their last four participations, but they’ll have a hard time maintaining this streak.

2. MEERA – “Copo de gin”
3. Elisa – “Medo de sentir”
4. JJaZZ – “Agora”

Luis

1. Bárbara Tinoco – “Passe-Partout”

Standing ovation. “Passe-Partout” may sound like a cute simple song of French inspiration, but there’s much more to unveil here. The lyrics are so hipster they hurt, but Bárbara delivers them with the perfect mix of gusto and sass. The song falls so easily on the ears, and sounds apparently simple, but it actually changes direction more than ten times, and it’s constantly adding new sounds to the melody. This is not just enjoyable, it’s excellent.

2. Blasted Mechanism – “Rebellion”
3. Throes + The Shine – “Movimento”
4. Elisa – “Medo de sentir”

Robyn

1. Blasted Mechanism – “Rebellion”

“Rebellion” isn’t the best song in FdC 2020 but it’s the best in this semi-final. However, the studio version alone feels a little flat. The song doesn’t get going until a minute in and once it gets going, then it’s ok, we gotta go, three minutes, bye-bye. But there is the sense that once these guys take to the stage, they’ll bring something big and the song will take on extra life, new dimensions. Then the rebellion will really begin.

2. Throes + The Shine – “Movimento”
3. JJaZZ – “Agora”
4. Elisa – “Medo de sentir”

Florian

1. Bárbara Tinoco – “Passe-Partout”

“Passe-Partout” is a track that falls out of any register. It’s so different and unique that it would easily come across as a very remarkable and defining performance. If Bárbara is able to transport the same feeling that the studio version of the song creates, her target audience will be far bigger than just those enjoying French sounds, which really enrich this song.

2. Elisa – “Medo de sentir”
3. Blasted Mechanism – “Rebellion”
4. MEERA – “Copo de gin”

Sebastian

1. Blasted Mechanism – “Rebellion”

“Rebellion” does just that — it’s so anti-FdC that it stands out from the pack. “Rebellion” goes to show that rock does have its place at Eurovision, despite the last win being in 2006. “Rebellion” does have a way to go with a revamp to the studio track, but their strength will lie in an over the top, commanding stage performance. To think that Portugal can send such a track is a mind boggle I’m all for.

2. Bárbara Tinoco – “Passe-Partout”
3. MEERA – “Copo de gin”
4. Elisa – “Medo de sentir”

What do you think? Which four songs do you think should progress to the final? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more Portugal news here

20 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
trackback

[…] The Wiwi Jury also has the song up on their lists. Luís Fuster writes:  “A song that falls so easily on the ears, and sounds apparently simple, but it actually changes direction more than ten times, and it’s constantly adding new sounds to the melody. This is not just enjoyable, it’s excellent.” […]

Arielle
Arielle
4 years ago

Rebellion for the win!

Epix Eurovision Guy
Epix Eurovision Guy
4 years ago

Passe-Partout without a doubt. My winner this year in Portugal by far. Just think about how cool it could be if Portugal sends a song that is infinately more French than the French song itself! ????? This song is what happens if Portugal and France have a baby ?

Serafina
Serafina
4 years ago

So, at first I really liked Rebellion, but I think it got too old, too fast, it aged like sweet MILK
It’s in the verge of being different and unique, but not quite there yet, it’s still pretty much an average rock song with a glimpse of uniqueness, but that’s not why I dislike it though, not all songs have to be unique, I’m just saying cause I see a lot of people praising its “”distincitveness””. The chorus Is just not really pleasant to my ears and been tired of them slowwww verses.

Valegendtina Monetta
Valegendtina Monetta
4 years ago

Glad I’m not the only one around who wants Rebellion to win SF1 of FdC.

If it actually makes it to the Eurovision, would we see Greta Thunberg as a guest vocalist there? The opening line is actually an excerpt from her speech (the pitch was turned down to match with the rest of the song’s vibe). It would be great to see Greta say the opening line live when the song gets performed at Eurovision.

This song could even win Eurovision for Portugal again, who knows?

Jeremy
Jeremy
4 years ago

That would be EPIC !!!

Zoli
Zoli
4 years ago

Only Rebellion!

Héctor
Héctor
4 years ago

I agree with you. Movimento and Rebellion are the best options here. I want to see how they work live though. Such a pity my top 5 in this SF is also my overall top 5. SF 2 far weaker.

1. Throes + The Shine – Movimento (6.75)
2. Blasted – Rebellion (6.75)
3. Elisa – Medo de Sentir (6.5)
4. JJaZZ – Agora (6.25)
5. Bárbara Tinoco – Passe-Partout (6)

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago

Only one I like in the whole FdC is Blasted mechanism Rebellion. Portugal send this or don’t bother. The only song that stand a chance of a decent placing

Tidge
Tidge
4 years ago

Passe-partout is the standout of these songs and will stand out the most once all the other counties songs are released.

Pablo Nava
Editor
4 years ago

Fun tidbit about Movemento: It is my second fav of all the selection, it is both very anti-FdC in that is a genre that people don’t think of when they think FdC, but also very FdC in a sense that it is very Portuguese and original to the artists. Fun, ethnic and party-friendly!

Mia
Mia
4 years ago
Reply to  Pablo Nava

That’s nicely put. I’ve just searched them, apparently rockin’ live 🙂 We’ll see..

Mia
Mia
4 years ago

How is “Rebellion” favorite, I don’t get it? Too long intro which becomes complete mess in the end, this song goes nowhere and does nothing for me. When you say “we’ll see the staging” that means only that song is bad, no alien costumes can’t change that.
“Movimento” all the way!

Miguel Lupi
Miguel Lupi
4 years ago
Reply to  Mia

Since 2017 we can have songs in other languages besides Portuguese in FdC so your comment makes no sense.

Film
Film
4 years ago

Movimento is so underrated. Im excited to see it live.

Mia
Mia
4 years ago
Reply to  Film

Agree

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

Meera is the act I like most in terms of song but Bárbara has the song I’d choose for Eurovision.
As with most of you guys, I have NO idea what to expect out of Blasted Mechanism. It could be brilliant. It could be something else…

James
James
4 years ago

The only thing that could hinder “Rebellion” would be the space limitations it will undoubtedly face in the humble RTP studios in Lisbon, assuming the layout of the semis will look no different from the previous 3 editions. If Blasted can maximize and utilize the space well to allow that visual impact their aiming the song for towards televiewers, I can see it doing well on that side of the vote.

Mr X
Mr X
4 years ago

Please no english song for Portugal – I would prefer Passe-partout.

Female
Female
4 years ago

Medo de Sentir for me!! Passe partout is so France song-vibe..haha and Rebellion is not my cup of tea although yes it is a good song