This weekend, Portugal continues its search for its next Eurovision entry. Festival da Canção 2020 continues on 29 February with the second 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.
Robyn
1. Dubio feat. +351 – “Cegueira”
In a semi-final with a lot of pleasant but forgettable songs, along comes “Cegueira”. It starts off pleasant, then gets weird, throwing in some crunchy, obnoxious guitar just to throw things off balance. It’s the sonic equivalent of your drunk uncle coming along to disrupt a peaceful family lunch. But by the end, the weird and the pleasant have combined, making for an even more enjoyable mess.
2. Judas – “Cubismo enviesado”
3. Jimmy P – “Abensonhado”
4. Luiz Caracol & Gus Liberdade – “Dói-me o país”
Sebastian
1. Dubio feat. +351 – “Cegueira”
The literal definition of a musical journey, “Cegueira” feels like a slightly uneasy stroll, with an almost stalker-like quality. The rock element is a nice touch (although slightly dated), giving the song an overall high-school feel to it. That’s not to discredit its production, but rather congratulate its authenticity.
2. Elisa Rodrigues – “Não voltes mais”
3. Jimmy P – “Abensonhado”
4. Tomás Luzia – “Mais real que o amor”
Antranig
1. Dubio feat. +351 – “Cegueira”
This semi-final does very little for me. However, “Cegueira” certainly captures my attention enough to warrant multiple listens. The genre transitions throughout the song work well and keep the entry unpredictable and dynamic. I don’t think it would be the most accessible song at Eurovision for your average viewer tuning in, but it certainly has enough sting to be memorable in Festival da Canção.
2. Jimmy P – “Abensonhado”
3. Kady – “Diz só”
4. Tomás Luzia – “Mais real que o amor”
Pablo
1. Dubio feat. +351 – “Cegueira”
It’s real clear all the bigshots have been slotted into the first semi-final, in my opinion, as there is not much here to hold a candle against the big favourites. However, “Cegeuira” is the best of this bunch. It does feel like it’s all of Festivali i Këngës condensed in three minutes — sweet, melancholy female voice, speakeasy pop and a big guitar solo in the middle just because. It has something of Muse into it, as well. Should sail to the final easily, but that would be its ceiling.
2. Jimmy P – “Abensonhado”
3. Kady – “Diz só”
4. Cláudio Frank – “Quero-te abraçar”
Florian
1. Jimmy P – “Abensonhado”
Jimmy P’s song “Abensonhado” is a really contemporary piece of music that could open new doors for the nation at Eurovision. It’s the perfect mixture of traditional Portuguese music combined with modern rap and hip-hop sounds. Besides, this also allows it to really distinguish itself from its competition in this semi-final and thus would also be a worthy entry Portugal could be proud of at Eurovision.
2. Dubio feat. +351 – “Cegueira”
3. Elisa Rodrigues – “Não voltes mais”
4. Kady – “Diz só”
Luis
1. Dubio feat. +351 – “Cegueira”
“Cegueira” is an interesting mix. At the beginning it feels like an ordinary moody pop song but then morphs into this raspy and dirty rock tune. When the guitars first come in, it’s quite off-putting, but then you get used to the blend and it actually becomes enjoyable. The contrast between the raw guitars and beats and the singer’s smooth voice is fantastic but not immediately noticeable. It grows on repeated listens.
2. Kady – “Diz só”
3. Judas – “Cubismo enviesado”
4. Tomás Luzia – “Mais real que o amor”
Åri
1. Dubio feat. +351 – “Cegueira”
FdC has 15 disappointing songs, but this one is F-I-R-E. This is the only possible winner of Festival da Canção for me. While this semi-final is the weaker one, “Cegueira” brings something outstanding to the table that puts it miles ahead for me. Portugal has quite some high expectations to live up to in my book. But only “Cegueira” can continue this great streak, so I’m hopeful they’ll make the right choice. The exaggeratedly distorted instrumental breaks are giving me life. It’s certainly one of the most diverse selections I’ve seen in years.
2. Judas – “Cubismo enviesado”
3. Kady – “Diz só”
4. Elisa Rodrigues – “Não voltes mais”
What do you think? Which four songs do you think should progress to the final? Let us know in the comments below.
SF1 was much stronger. The 3rd and 4th place of this SF are very lucky to not have to compete on SF1.
Well, it is always fun to watch FdC, but indeed as someone says, the songs are pleasant, but not strong enough for ESC. Dino Santiago’s song is for me the most disapointing one, but still very likeable. My favorite for this semi is also “Cegueira”, as it has a very contemporary feel, almost like Billie Eilish. The problem is that they were not brave (or resourceful) enough to take it to the next level. I am hoping, though, for a creative presentation, which would elevate the song. It has be said that also Dubio presented an underwelming piece as to… Read more »
“Cegueira” is so much fun and great potential for creating musical theatre on stage.
I would go with Dubio, Kady, Jimmy and Luiz & Gus. But “Cegueira” is clearly my priority here.
Yes, he was lazy…
Beautiful and inspiring lyrics by Jimmy P
Dúbio
Elisa
Gus
Kady
if cegueira wins id be happy but my personal winner is medo de sentir
Definitely Kady, Dubio and Jimmy P for me. Jimmy has the strongest lyrics. I really like Kady’s relaxing beat. Dubio has an interesting song. My fourth would probably be Luiz & Gus, but IDK. There is also an energy I like about Judas’ song, but then it gets *really* repetitive.
I’d probably just give the final spots allocated to this Semi Final to the songs that missed out in SF1 instead.
Kady and Jimmy P have the best songs here but neither would’ve qualified last week.