Portugal may be in its second national COVID-19 lockdown, but national broadcaster RTP is lifting the spirits of the nation. Today, all of the artists competing in Festival da Canção 2021 were revealed. The broadcaster also released the full versions of the songs competing for a ticket to Rotterdam.

A digital press conference was held in RTP’s Lisbon HQ to introduce the 20 acts competing in the traditional music festival. Among the confirmed acts are Carolina Deslandes, Neev and mema.

In December, the Portuguese broadcaster revealed the 20 composers who were invited to create an entry for Festival da Canção 2021. Some will perform their own songs, while others have written for another artist.

All acts were allocated to one of the semi-finals. The production team will later define the running order for the shows.

The show hosts were also confirmed. The first semi-final will be presented by Jorge Gabriel and Sónia Araújo. The following week, the second semi will be presented by Tânia Ribas de Oliveira and José Carlos Malato. The grand final will be hosted by Eurovision 2018 host Filomena Cautela as well as Vasco Palmeirim. Inês Lopes Gonçalves will be the green room host.

The semi-finals of Festival da Canção 2021 will take place on February 20 and 27. The final is set for March 6.

Festival da Canção 2021 – Competing entries

First Semi-Final

  • Nadine “Cheguei Aqui” (Anne Victorino d’Almeida)
  • Fábia Maia “Dia Lindo”
  • Sara Afonso “Contramão” (Filipe Melo)
  • Valéria “Na mais profunda saudade” (Hélder Moutinho)
  • IAN “Mundo”
  • Irma “Livros
  • Karetus, Romeu Bairos “Saudade”
  • Miguel Marôco “Girassol”
  • mema. “Claro como água” (Stereossauro)
  • The Black Mamba “Love is On My Side” (Tatanka)

Second Semi-Final

  • Carolina Deslandes “Por Um Triz”
  • Da Chick “I Got Music”
  • Joana Alegre “Joana do Mar”
  • Graciela “A vida sem acontecer” (João Vieira)
  • Neev “Dancing in the Stars”
  • EU.CLIDES “Volte-Face” (Pedro da Linha)
  • Pedro Gonçalves “Não vou ficar”
  • Tainá “Jasmim”
  • Ariana “Mundo Melhor” (Virgul)
  • Ana Tereza “Com Um Abraço” (Viviane)

Festival da Canção 2021 – Rules

The 50/50 voting system is back, but with different forms for the semi-finals and the grand final. A single jury and the public televote will decide which songs will advance to the final. In case of a tie, the professional jury will decide which ones advance.

In the grand final, the decision will be split by televote and seven regional juries. This time around, if we have a tie, the televote will prevail.

What do you think? Which song do you think can win the national final? Who should Portugal send to Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!

Read more Portugal Eurovision 2021 news here

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Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago

I am not particularly excited about any of the songs. All the songs have a similar style that i dont appreciate. Here is my top 3:

NEEV – Dancing in the Stars
Carolina Deslandes – Por um Triz
Karetus & Romeu Bairos – Saudade

Last edited 3 years ago by Miguel
Milan
Milan
3 years ago

Respect to FdC – best quality and least care for success at ESC, the combination I appreciate the most!

Pumpkin
Pumpkin
3 years ago

ok i’ve changed my mind. I want pedro to win, it’s a catchy tune

JeyDelRey
JeyDelRey
3 years ago

Seriously, some many awesome entries. Festival da canção is confirming its place as one of my favorite NS. I would be happy if any of the following entries ends up winning :

Valéria “Na mais profunda saudade”
Karetus, Romeu Bairos “Saudade”
mema. “Claro como água”
Joana Alegre “Joana do Mar”
Ana Tereza “Com Um Abraço”
Pedro Gonçalves “Não vou ficar”
EU.CLIDES “Volte-Face”

And special mention to Neev and Carolina who also have great songs.

Last edited 3 years ago by JeyDelRey
Mr X
Mr X
3 years ago

Saudade for Rotterdam please !

eurana
eurana
3 years ago

Neev – Dancing in the stars. Complete interview in English.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm0IVBIdMRU

Chromium
Chromium
3 years ago

Livros and Volte-Face are my kind of sound outside of Eurovision so I enjoyed these a lot. Girassol is just so joyous (the sound at least, not sure if it’s a happy-sound-sad-lyrics type of song :D). If Portugal wants to send a classic ballad again, Por Um Triz would be a great choice. Saudade and Claro Como Água have the best and most interesting production out of these lot, and the most staging potential. I think this is a strong year for FdC. 🙂

Pumpkin
Pumpkin
3 years ago

My faves: Da chick, neev and carolinas.

...
...
3 years ago

I really, really like “Claro Como Água”, it’s one of my favorite, “Saudade” is the other one.

PS: I bet Tainá is Brazilian, her accent is very familiar to me.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  ...

According to her FdC bio, she is. 🙂

Anip
Anip
3 years ago

It’s actually amazing how Festival da cancao is able to be authentic and not another prefabricated pop festival or a product. It’s faithful to its concept and essence. It’s not doing what everyone else is doing. That’s what bothers some people.

Anip
Anip
3 years ago

It’s so bad that you only chose to comment in an article talking about Portugal,not others. Envy? Also funny, taking into account your countrys history in eurovision and its results. Music wise, Portugal is doing a way better job than spain, that’s for sure. I like how Portugal will stick with its formula and concept instead of trying to please the eurofandom, no matter the result. Otros desearian.

Last edited 3 years ago by Anip
P bea
P bea
3 years ago

Lol no leds = weak staging. Doesn’t make much sense. If it wasnt for Portugal, your countrymen would have never been able to see eurovision live. Good luck to you too.

Filipe
Filipe
3 years ago

For me Dancing in the stars is the best choice. But Portuguese Juri is not the best friend of non Portuguese entries

P bea
P bea
3 years ago
Reply to  Filipe

Nah, the juries actually gave good points to english music before

Monika
Monika
3 years ago

All of them are horrible and dated, no final again….

Ivo
Ivo
3 years ago
Reply to  Monika

Dated? Listem to the instrumentals

Héctor
Héctor
3 years ago

Very Portuguese selection but I’m afraid the Portuguese style was never my thing. Everything sounds so classy and oldfashioned. I do like all type of tunes and I don’t like generic pop but this is way too specific for Eurovision or even the general public. Well, FdC is for themselves so I guess that’s good for their interests. Anyway I’ve still found 5 songs in each SF that I kind of enjoy: SF1 1.     mema. – Claro Como Água 2.     Karetus & Romeu Bairos – Saudade 3.     The Black Mamba – Love is on My Side 4.     IAN – Mundo 5.     Sara Afonso – Contramão… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Héctor
Dani
3 years ago

Carolina Deslandes “Por Um Triz” – absolutely beautiful!

Lebanese esc fan
Lebanese esc fan
3 years ago
Reply to  Dani

Yesss stunning song!

Grunho
Grunho
3 years ago
Reply to  Dani

Salvador Sobral’s worthy successor. Expected to win.

Ricky Gervais
3 years ago

I like the production of ‘Livros’. Like a mixture between Craig Brockman, Harvey Mason Jr and Babyface.

PlaviSafir
PlaviSafir
3 years ago

Very good selection. Girassol is my favourite but there’s so many good ones in here

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  PlaviSafir

Glad to see some love for “Girassol” in the comments! I wouldn’t say is the best song of the selection, but it’s probably the most energetic one and I hope it does well in FdC.

Last edited 3 years ago by Sabrina
Pomerani
Pomerani
3 years ago
Reply to  PlaviSafir

My favourite too!

Leendert Jan
Leendert Jan
3 years ago

I applaud Portugal for keeping away from the usual Eurovision clichés, and there’s plenty of quality shining through here. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t mind RTP going for a good result in Rotterdam too, and I really don’t see that happening with any of these songs…

That being said, my favourites from this field are, in no particular order:

“Girassol”
“Dancing with the stars”
“Volte-face”
“Não vou ficar”

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago

after multiple listens, it just HAS to be Volte-Face or Saudade, and I’d give the slight edge to Saudade since I feel it would do very well in eurovision, unlike Volte-Face which I feel would go, sadly, unnoticed.

Female Lotus
Female Lotus
3 years ago

I love every song in this year Festival da Cancao.. I wish there is album I can buy

Teddy
Teddy
3 years ago
Reply to  Female Lotus

They release an album every year it’ll be out on streaming services in a couple of weeks 🙂

Last edited 3 years ago by Teddy
Mexican Eurofan
Mexican Eurofan
3 years ago

1.- Neev “Dancing in the Stars”
2.- Karetus, Romeu Bairos “Saudade”
3.-mema. “Claro como água” (Stereossauro)

Honnorable mentions to Valeria, Joana and Ariana.

Jake
Jake
3 years ago

Well a leopard doesn’t lose its spots and the Portuguese national selection continues with an over abundance of indie-style softly song introspective music. Even their “fast” songs are quite slow. I simply don’t understand why they continue with wanting a show with 20 songs that seem all from the same family. I wonder how much this is a function of RTP and who they invite or a function of Salvador’s win and these composers feeling they have to follow his style. I think even the best slow emotional songs would benefit to stand out if there were not so many… Read more »

Mish
Mish
3 years ago
Reply to  Jake

agree 100% and people voting messages like yours down are seriously pressed af

P bea
P bea
3 years ago
Reply to  Jake

very true. Porrtugal is the european country that consumes more hip hop music.

P bea
P bea
3 years ago
Reply to  Jake

Plus, i dont think the selection really shows what portuguese music industry is like. Of course we like a few ballads, but it’s really diverse…hip hop and trap music are insanely popular. So is pop or funk brazillian music.

L'oiseau
3 years ago
Reply to  Jake

Although I don’t agree that they are all from the same, (which is not true), the end-result does sound too much converging to the same spot. The authors come from very different backgrounds, but for some strange reason they do much more slower and ultimately less interesting music than what they usually do, as if the authors are afraid to be bold. (The exception for me was Conan).
I also agree that the fact that the selection of the authors is being done by one person (two?) indeed homogeneizes the selection too much. More real variety would indeed be appreciated.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Jake

The don’t sound the same.

GeoffrO
GeoffrO
3 years ago

Hmm there is a LOT of ambient music in this selection. Its like Portugal has an allergic reaction to anything with a heavy beat.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  GeoffrO

what about saudade, volte-face, mundo melhor, i got music, a vida sem acontecer, mundo, claro como agua, and não vou ficar?

Jago
Jago
3 years ago
Reply to  GeoffrO

It might not be obvious Eurovision music, but it represents a huge fraction of the music scene in Portugal. It is pure and natural, not forced to be Euro-comercial.
I don’t think therr is a winner here, but at least good songs. Carolina Deslandes is ny favorite at the moment.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jago
Grunho
Grunho
3 years ago
Reply to  Jago

Por Um Triz is a real masterpiece of composition, arrangements and interpretation. The best bet for Portugal.

Portuguese bea
Portuguese bea
3 years ago
Reply to  GeoffrO

not portugal, the people who pick the songs do…

Jo.
Jo.
3 years ago

Dia Lindo a.k.a. Beautiful Day

Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
3 years ago

Many great songs for Portugal, but I like Nadine – Cheguei Aqui most. and Neev – Dancing in the Stars is also beautiful.

Rui Diogo
3 years ago

Wuau here it comes .
Portuguese people talking again badly about some songs to make tribute to others.
Well I have no idols here .
But the songs I like is Neev and black mamba .
2 english good songs made in Portugal .
Love it

Fionn
Fionn
3 years ago

Unpopular opinion– “saudade” is really boring and bad. I like the song from eu.clides, pedro gonçalves and miguel marôco tho…

Linus
Linus
3 years ago

my top 3
1.Pedro Gonçalves “Não vou ficar”
2.Nadine – Cheguei Aqui
3.Neev – Dancing in the Stars. I remember when i said Portugals selection was DOOMED in 2017 and then they won;). So i will not say that again haha. Portugal usually have songs you have to hear more then once to like.

Leo
Leo
3 years ago
Reply to  Linus

I think that was their problem so obviously in 2019 and 2020. Amar Pelos Dois got me instantly, but Telemovis was not catchy, and Medo De Sentir took too many listens to like (I think it would have gone closer than Telemovis with France, Spain and Switzerland voting and a likely better jury score)

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago

I haven’t listened to them all yet, but Saudade is definitely my favourite so far. I hope the best song represents Portugal, not the one with best qualification chances – maybe they’re the same, but I doubt it.

Ohi
Ohi
3 years ago

I want to start by saying I don’t think any of these songs can win and most will struggle to make the final not due to a lack of musical talent but rather because the melodies are quite complex and therefore won’t stick in the mind of the average televiewer or they are funeral march slow. I don’t want to say boring but…not rousing party anthems. In addition to this, the songs in English constitute for want of a better term ‘word salad’ thus limiting any chance of an emotional connection. All of this said my favourites are: 1) Volte-face.… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Ohi
Jago
Jago
3 years ago

Carolina <3

Last edited 3 years ago by Jago
Grunho
Grunho
3 years ago
Reply to  Jago

Carolina <1, for the sake of portuguese music.

Amesc
Amesc
3 years ago

First of all congratulations once again to Portugal for giving us such a good competition. It is really different from the usual esc selection but they are doing it well. About the songs Saudade is very good since it compines elements from Telemoveis and Rebellion. Another favourite is the song from eu.clides.Some dont mention it but i find it very relaxing and cool

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Amesc

those two are my two favs right now haha

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago

For the fourth year in a row Portugal just continues to impress me. Not a single song here is bad – some are weak, but none are just outright bad. And the production on every single song is just outstanding. On first listen, Saudade and Volte-Face are incredibly strong and both are worthy contenders to represent Portugal and most likely qualify (though I was certain Telemoveis would qualify, so at this point who knows). FdC is quickly becoming a national selection I look forward to every year.

Miss Uncongeniality
Miss Uncongeniality
3 years ago

Sorry but i can’t believe this is the best Portugal can showcase to europe about its musical industry… they are all bad songs

James
James
3 years ago

Because they’re not Melfest rejects?

Portuguese bea
Portuguese bea
3 years ago

dont worry, we agree

Polliu
Polliu
3 years ago

Don’t like any of the songs. Next!

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Polliu

girl go and find some taste and come back

Mish
Mish
3 years ago

ok so it’s Saudade or nothing

MaelleForFra
MaelleForFra
3 years ago
Reply to  Mish

Get some taste bro.

Jamie
Jamie
3 years ago

Most of them sound the same. But when I heard Karetus, Romeu Bairos “Saudade”, I woke up. Such a great modern twist on folk motives.

Haute Galore
Haute Galore
3 years ago

Kudos to Portugal for having another tasteful selection. For me, this will be a VERY hard choice between Saudade and Nao Vou Ficar. I can’t wait for the semi finals!

Portuguese bea
Portuguese bea
3 years ago
Reply to  Haute Galore

we are terrible this year :/

Last edited 3 years ago by Portuguese bea
Mr X
Mr X
3 years ago
Reply to  Haute Galore

I agree with you and I think that Portugal doesn´t send a song in English for ESC.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

One thing that crossed my mind now: considering how emblematic the word “Saudade” is for Portuguese native speakers, it’s kinda surprising that Portugal never had a song with this name in Eurovision.

By the way, if anybody needs any translation on the lyrics of these songs, I may take a while to answer, but I would gladly help.

Anita
Anita
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Where are you going to publish the lyrics, just let me know please!

Last edited 3 years ago by Anita
Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Anita

Oh, Anita, but I’m not necessarily planning to translate all of them, I was just saying I could help if anybody has a request, like for example an Albanian fan helped us during FiK. Are there some songs you’re curious about?

Anita
Anita
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Ah Sabrina this was a misunderstanding (I din’t read your message properly). I thought your plans are to translate ths song “Saudade” from Karetus & Romeu Bairos. I also like the traditional Fado song and am curious what this “saudade” in Na Mais Profunda Saudade is about. I don’t expect anything, whatever you have fun to intruduce us to, I embrace with gratitude.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Anita

I’m glad to help. 🙂 “Saudade” is what someone feels when they miss someone or something in an endeering way. There’s a myth that it’s a word that exists only in Portuguese, but some scholars say other languages have similar words. What it makes it so special is that, differently from nostalgia for example, saudade tends to be considered a positive feeling. Sure, you may be suffering from it, but at the same time remembering how that person, place or thing used to or still makes you happy. The lyrics are actually quite simple, in a melancholic fado lamenting way.… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

And now, “Na Mais Profunda Saudade”, which I realized it was the one you were actually asking for! 😛 This one sounds very traditional. “In the Deepest Saudade” I bring in the soul this chant This silence, broken In a constant anxiety I bring in the voice the chimera from the most tender spring In the deepest saudade I bring the time of the cherries (I guess “time” here means the season where cherries are harvested) each time that you kisses me in a perfect illusion And always that I see the sea I see the color of your eyes… Read more »

Anita
Anita
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I guess my English was not good enough to express what I mean.
I really love the soul of Portugal expressed in Fado and Saudade and think because we really miss so much since the pendemic, this song could convey some of our Saudade.

Anita
Anita
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Thanks Sabrina for both translations. I actually wanted to get to know the lyrics of both “saudade” songs. You introduced me to Saudade and I think given the times we live in and the things that have disappeared due to the pandemic, this is a very good combination: Portuguese lamenting – and missing things (like handshake, Hugging, open faces to look at etc.) and despite the nostalgia about the reasonable loss, have the positive undertone … I hope that Karetus, Romeu Bairos, can do a very good live performance and can convey the feeling and state of Saudade. We will… Read more »

Anita
Anita
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

P.S.: Which song/text combination touched you emotionally the most in the selection?

Last edited 3 years ago by Anita
Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Anita

In terms of lyrics, I would say Delandes’ “Por um Triz” is the one that have made more initial impact. Though it loses a bit of power when translated to English, because there are some words and expressions that lose melody and strenght. It may sound even “butthurt”! 😀 “By Inches” (I could translated as “Almost”, but it’s like an expression with the same meaning) You search me everywhere Only to see that you don’t find me To see that you were wrong In the end, after all You look me in other faces You look me in other arms… Read more »

Anita
Anita
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

A sweet/bittersweet song about longing for the right one and miss it only by an inch?!

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I’ll offer you mema’s lyrics (I think you’ll like it, they’re surprisingly intense) and later I’ll tell you if there are some particular clever lyrics I missed (I’ve noticed some have a lot of wordplay), because I plan to give all of them another listen tonight. “Clear Like Water” There is something inside me that craves to go out That talks to me about the horizon and takes me further That was born from the storm Where does it go? Everything is clear like water Let it flow, even if it falls As (very) bad it is, I lack nothing… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Just read all of them and, in terms of lyrics, unfortunately we don’t have anything thought-provoking as “Telemóveis” or provocative as “Gerbera Amarela do Sul”. The good news is that there’s nothing embarassing either.

Most lyrics are pretty straightforward and intimate. The big exception is “Volta-Face”. Maybe I’m sleeping on it and there’s a deep explanation behind it or maybe the songwriters just went with the flow by picking rhymes they thought were interesting. I’m not a fan of this style of lyrics, but EU.CLIDES is awesome and I want his voice in the final.

raspadinha
raspadinha
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I think Pedro’s lyrics are quite cringe, but maybe that’s just me.. :p

Ricky
Ricky
3 years ago

In a quick listening:
Valeria
Ana tereza
Da chick
Ian
Joana alegra
I need more listening.
But i think a fado song is the right choice

Aisoc
Aisoc
3 years ago

1. Karetus & Romeu Bairos
2. The black mamba
3. Neev
4. Joana Alegre
… Don’t care…

Last edited 3 years ago by Aisoc
Yes
Yes
3 years ago

I like Valéria, Joana Alegre, Karetus (even if it can flop live like Blasted),

Btw IAN, Carolina Deslandes, Ariana and Pedro Gonçalves are also just fine

ItalianGuy90
ItalianGuy90
3 years ago

A great selection, these are my favorites:
1) Karetus, Romeu Bairos “Saudade”
2) Neev “Dancing in the Stars”
3) Pedro Gonçalves “Não vou ficar”
Ariana “Mundo Melhor” (Virgul)
mema. “Claro como água” (Stereossauro)
Miguel Marôco “Girassol”
The Black Mamba “Love is On My Side” (Tatanka)
Carolina Deslandes “Por Um Triz”

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

“Saudade” stands out to me. The same way people wants Spain to send flamenco-inspired urban sounds, maybe there’s an audience for this “electrofado” ellegantly done. As a form of comparison, check Valéria’s traditional fado (very well performed, by the way). As usual, most songs in FdC go for the low-key singer-songwriter vibe. From those, I believe Deslandes has the edge here. Not just because she’s the most famous of the group, but also because the lyrics and the arrangement are beautiful. And I always loved her singing style. Other songs in the same lane that I liked are Tainá’s (it… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

It sounds like indie-rock done by someone who listened a lot to Fleetwood Mac when a kid. Since we seem to agree on this one, “Saudade” and “Claro Como Água”, I have to ask it: no love for Deslandes? Too conventional for your taste? I guess these 4 and Tainá (this one I really don’t see you liking) are my provisional top 5.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Still love “Passe-partout”, sorry. 😀 I fear voters may not pay enough attention to Tainá or EU.CLIDES in the 2nd semi, cause it seems Deslandes, Neev and Pedro will have all the spolights over them.

Anita
Anita
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I really like EU.CLIDES and Taina. Pedro is not for me. Neev, so lala. Deslandes I really like too but maybe I prefer EU.CLIDES and Taina. Which lyrics are the best of those songs in your opinion?

Last edited 3 years ago by Anita
Yes
Yes
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Talking about brasilian accent, i would kill to see Mariana Froes at FdC if possible.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Yes

I would love that too, but does she has a connection with Portugal? Tainá lives there if I’m not mistaken. By the way, she was the second Brazilian singer-songwriter invited to do FdC lately, there was also Mallu Magalhães, but she gave her song to a local performer. Considering how things are bad here, I guess more and more artists will cross the Atlantic and maybe others will get to FdC.

Aplk
Aplk
3 years ago

Joana do Mar is so beautiful

OpenUpToKazakhstan
OpenUpToKazakhstan
3 years ago

Valeria and Karetus & Romeu Bairos have the two best songs by a long shot.

Elfi
Elfi
3 years ago

Karetus all the way!

But…i have to see it Live!

Gurl
Gurl
3 years ago

Saudade! Such a cool song with roots

MaelleForFra
MaelleForFra
3 years ago

Good national selection! I think these are the five songs that could win:
Taina-Jasmin
Pedro Goncalves-Nao Vou Ficar
Neev-Dancing in the stars
Sara Afonso-Contramao
Fabia Maia-Dia Lindo
These are based on my opinions, quality of songs and what Portugal has previously sent.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  MaelleForFra

Carolina Deslandes can also win – she is massive in Portugal + the song is very much what juries love at FdC

MaelleForFra
MaelleForFra
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Agreed.