Since its renaissance back in 2017, Festival da Canção — Portugal’s national selection for Eurovision — has been serving musical quality and a proper representation of the Portuguese music scene. Today, broadcaster RTP makes another bold statement revealing all the artists and songs in contention to represent the Iberian nation at Eurovision 2022. 

Digital press conference no more! While the pandemic is still roaming through every corner of Europe, the press gathered in LAV – Lisboa ao Vivo to introduce the 20 acts competing in the one of Europe’s oldest musical festivals. Of course all COVID-19 regulations were adhered to. Among the confirmed acts are Aurea, SYRO and Fado Bicha. 

 
 
 
 
 
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Uma publicação partilhada por Festival da Canção (@festivaldacancao.rtp)

Back in November, the list of 20 composers in this year’s competition was announced. Sixteen were invited by RTP to create an entry and four were selected through an open submissions call. Some will perform their own songs, others have written for a different 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 Sónia Araújo and Jorge Gabriel. 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 The Voice Portugal host Vasco Palmeirim. Eurovision 2018 blue carpet host Inês Lopes Gonçalves will be in charge of the Green Room.

The semi-finals of Festival da Canção 2022 will take place on March 5 and 7. The final is set for March 12. All shows will be done in RTP headquarters in Lisbon. 

Festival da Canção 2021 – Competing entries

First Semi-Final

Aurea “Why”

Fado Bicha “Povo pequenino”

FF “Como É Bom Esperar Alguém”

Diana Castro “Ginger Ale”

Kumpania Algazarra “A Minha Praia” 

Maro “saudade, saudade”

Norton “Hope”

The Mister Driver “Cali Sun”

Os Quatro e Meia “Amanhã”

Valas & Os Astronautas “Odisseias”

Second Semi-Final

Milhanas “Corpo de Mulher” 

Blacci “Mar No Fim”

Cubita “Uma Mensagem Tua”

Pongo & Tristany “Dégra.Dê” 

Jonas “Pontas Soltas”

Os Azeitonas “Solta a Voz e Canta” 

Inês Homem de Melo “Fome de Viagem” 

Pepperoni Passion “Código 30” 

O Vampiro Submarino “Ao Lado de Mim”

SYRO “Ainda nos Temos”

Festival da Canção 2022 – 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 Italy? Tell us your thoughts below!

Read more Portugal Eurovision 2022 news here

104 Comments
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Flemeth
Flemeth
2 years ago

So many great songs this year! My favorite so far is Fado Bicha – “Povo Pequenino”.

Marina
Marina
2 years ago

Pongo e Tristany – DÉGRÁ.DÊ – That is it!

Bruno
2 years ago

Maro – Saudade is just another level. Potential ESC winner there.

Elsa
Elsa
2 years ago

Maro has the best song and could win Eurovision altogether. Let’s see how’s the performance on stage.

Hector
Hector
2 years ago

Milhanas “Corpo de Mulher” is just lovely!

Last edited 2 years ago by Hector
Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
2 years ago

Many great songs in Portugal but my 3 favorites are:

  1. Fado Bicha “Povo pequenino”
  2. SYRO “Ainda nos Temos”
  3. Jonas “Pontas Soltas”

?
Good luck to all of them may the best song win

Michael Greenvalley
Michael Greenvalley
2 years ago

Jonas, from “Pontas Soltas” sang in Senhora do Mar, by Vânia Fernandes at Eurovision 2008

Joao
Joao
2 years ago

Povo Pequenino (Little Nation) Little was the nation, barefoot in the frost Little was the nation, taught by the beating Little was the nation, already carrying the hoe Little was the nation, crying over the times table Biting their teeth, licking their lips Dipping old bread in the stew Oh, little nation Your feet in the mud of fate Oh, little nation Your feet in the mud of fate Doesn’t your heart weigh you down With the burden of the lesson? Doesn’t it weigh you down? Oh, little nation So humble and so pretensious Oh, little nation So humble, such… Read more »

LaVoixCZ
2 years ago

saudade, saudade.

Roro31
Roro31
2 years ago

My favorites from semi-final 1 :

  • Aurea
  • Fado Bicha
  • Maro
  • Os Quatro & Meia
  • TheMisterDriver

My favorites from semi-final 2 :

  • Blacci
  • Pongo e Tristany
  • Syro
  • Cubita
  • Jonas

My top 5 in order, waiting for lives :

1st : Syro
2nd : Aurea
3rd : Blacci
4th : Maro
5th : Fado Bicha

Now, I like the special song of Pongo and Tristany but I hope they won’t win because not my cup of tea!

#synthsareawesome
#synthsareawesome
2 years ago

That’s why Portugal is my favourite ESC country.

Karim
Karim
2 years ago

Flop country, none of these will get into the final in any way! Bye bye!

Catherine
Catherine
2 years ago
Reply to  Karim

A flop message from a flop ESC fan. Let me guess, you said the same last year LOL. Bye bye!

ete sech
ete sech
2 years ago
Reply to  Karim

The Portuguese don’t care about “flopping,” they’ll always back their representatives up because they chose them and liked their entry. And I think more fandoms should be as unapologetic.

Elfi
Elfi
2 years ago
Reply to  Karim

Sad…xD
U got the need to come to this forum and say ONLY this…. Sad XD

Last edited 2 years ago by Elfi
Polegend Godgarina
2 years ago

degrade should definitely win… unique song i can’t wait to see live

Tiago S
Tiago S
2 years ago

Pongo & Tristany for me, or Fado Bicha, or Maro. I’ll be happy with any of the three. But Pongo first and foremost. What a surprise to have her. She’s a superstar here in Portugal!

Nils
Nils
2 years ago
Reply to  Tiago S

She even got some minor airplay on BBC Radio 6 and can pull off a madly energetic live show. Unfortunately, this is the worst song I’ve ever heard from her, so I’m pretty disappointed. Something like ‘Tambulaya’ or ‘Kuzola’ would have been a lot better.

Tiago S
Tiago S
2 years ago
Reply to  Nils

This is a bit more old school (a bit back to her roots). I personally love its raw quality very much, even if I totally understand your point.

Ukraine stan
Ukraine stan
2 years ago

Is it just me or is Ginger Ale really good? Like it’s so chill but really catchy.

Addie
Addie
2 years ago
Reply to  Ukraine stan

Finally, someone else who likes Ginger Ale. I agree, the song is catchy and different!

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
2 years ago
Reply to  Ukraine stan

Oh I love it. If only there weren’t songs I liked even more here.

baili Atha gloo
baili Atha gloo
2 years ago

Saudadde is incredible and has to win

Addie
Addie
2 years ago

Oh my god, yes! Maro is my winner too!

Boum bada boum
Boum bada boum
2 years ago

Milhanas is my favourite.

ete sech
ete sech
2 years ago

I expected Portugal to come up with a varied selection full of great entries, which is what we’ve got! 😀
I haven’t heard anything yet, but it looks like Portugal has improved vastly since their win, and I’m happy for them 🙂

Roro31
Roro31
2 years ago

I would have to listen to the title of Pongo e Tristany several times because for the moment on first listening, it’s average! maybe I’ll get a taste for it!
I love this selection, very varied and very strong!

I love Syro, Aurea, Cubita, MisterDriver, Fado Bicha, Blacci, Maro!!

Addie
Addie
2 years ago

Oh my goodness, Norton’s song is amazing!!

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
2 years ago
Reply to  Addie

It’s like Portuguese Hall And Oates. With some elements of Lake Malawi. I kinda like it. :3

Addie
Addie
2 years ago

Hmmm.. Interesting. These songs are totally different from other national finals, dare I say, different from Eurovision songs. I never expected this, all the songs are so artistic and original. I guess my favorites for now are Kumpania Algazarra, Diana Castro and Maro. But I have to listen to the others too. Freaking out!

Julian
Julian
2 years ago

PONGO PONGO PONGO

Leendert Jan
Leendert Jan
2 years ago

I think it’s safe to say that Portugal is once again producing a totally non-standard Eurovision NF, with loads of quality songs that would probably not be appreciated on the big Eurovision stage but all are absolutely original and inspired. Kudos to RTP once again. Dégra.Dé immediately springs to mind if I’m thinking of a favourite, this was literally jaw-dropping and it could be such a moment at Eurovision! Like Colin says, it would be unlike anything we’ve ever had at Eurovision, it’s totally WOW! Such energy, guts and creativity! Other ones that I really like: Why, Povo pequenino, Saudade… Read more »

Kosey
Kosey
2 years ago

SYRO and Maro on first listen for me but unfortunately there is nothing that I loved. I generally really struggle to vibe with Portugal’s selections. I often find that there is an undercurrent of self-indulgent quirkiness that it is hard to get over. But maybe something will grow on me on future listens.

Nikki
Nikki
2 years ago

I liked Pepperoni Passion

Jason
Jason
2 years ago

I know this is going to be a really obscure comment but sections of “A Minha Praia” sound like the song “We Are Number One” from the TV “Lazy Town.”

And when I say sections I mean like really small sections. I am not trying to insinuate anything here.

You can look up the song on youtube. I mean no shade with my comment just couldn’t get this thought out of my head. I don’t know what this says about me. 😛

Last edited 2 years ago by Jason
Rúben
Rúben
2 years ago
Reply to  Jason

I kinda agree with you. Shooked

Max
Max
2 years ago

It’s totally Fado Bicha for me – phenomenal!!!

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

Wow, Spotify, iTunes, AND You Tube (on a playlist at that). Someone should send this memo to the Irish delegation. 😉

And yes, Degra.De is a really strong and interesting choice! If staged well, this could score well, and I mean REALLY well.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I was watching this video and started imagining the impact Pongo could have on an Eurovision stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b32Qh9NbNZY&ab_channel=Rastaseb

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

I found some time to listen to FdC songs and as usual, they bring authenticity and creativity to the table. Degra.De stands out, even in this selection, as it would be unlike anything we had on ESC, and I’m here for it! I also like Pontas Soltas a lot. It’s a belting ballad done very right. Another one that I immediately liked is Fome de viagem (a bit of Passe partout vibes). As a rule of thumb, I usually don’t think it’s bueno to shift languages within the same sentence (unless there’s only one international sounding word in it), but… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
NickC
NickC
2 years ago

I am like a kid in a candy shop. I do not know who I am rooting for, honestly. I would be surprised if any other national selection beats that. Wow, wow, wow. Porto 2023 is a very strong possibility.

Gurl
Gurl
2 years ago

Wow I’m impressed. Great level overall, but send “Dégra.Dê” to Torino and see you in Lisbon again next year

Last edited 2 years ago by Gurl
ESC Commentator
ESC Commentator
2 years ago

I have been following Portuguese musicians for years and I had high expectations seeing big names in Festival de Canção like Aurea, os Azeitonas and Syro. Honestly I am dissapointed as all their proposals are much below the level of their previous songs… Aurea has amazing voice but the song is so boring and unfolds itself so slowly that even good ending doesnt rescue it:( os Azeitonas have positive song from the 80. but Completely unmemorable… only Syro has potential but also nothing spectacular…:( i guess judges will vote for one of these and in the end one of them… Read more »

Tom
Tom
2 years ago

Wow Portugal impress every Year and this Year is no different. Each of these songs is special but Syro or Fado Bicha are my picks. Bravo Portugal!

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago
Reply to  Tom

These two are also my favourites !

James
James
2 years ago

Yes for FDC doing its own thing since 2017. This line-up is just something I really like in terms of musical styles and diversity. UMK’s is a close second.

Johan
Johan
2 years ago

Interestingly enough, Portugal rushes up to No. 1 in the bettings after having released their entries. Any specific song that pushes them there, I wonder?

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago
Reply to  Johan

Probably Ainda nos Temos.

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

It´s a fantastic song. Muito obrigado !

Elfi
Elfi
2 years ago
Reply to  Johan

Degradê baby!!! Pongo is in the house!!!
Wegue!!!

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

Nobody can complain about an excess of slow songs this time! For now, I would go with one of these: – “DÉGRÁ.DÊ”, Pongo e Tristaby: A BOLD musical statement. The sort of ahead of time entry we normally just find in FdC or Vibdir. It would be a seriously risky choice, but one I would gladly support. – “saudade, saudade”, MARO: I fear this will fly under the radar (and sounds difficult to pull off live), but the instrumental is wonderful and her voice is so soothing. – “Povo Pequenino”, Fado Bicha: A song only Portugal could send to Eurovision.… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Sabrina
Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

There are a bunch of indie bands doing this vintage 80’s sound then. I just fear this kind of music can sound too low-key for a competition, but I like their sound. By the way, how would you describe Valas & Os Astronautas? I forgot to mention them in the unexpected field, but the truth is that I wouldn’t be able to define what they’re doing anyway. And yes, we agreed a lot on this one. 🙂 And we’re also on the same page about Isaac Sene. What’s your take on Fado Bicha, by the way? And who would be… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

See? I wouldn’t be able to describe Valas & Os Astraonautas. Fado Bicha’s song indeed seems like something that need a few more listens. It’s more one of those songs I like to watch being performed than one I would add to playlists and listen to regularly. I’ve listened to the 7 Finnish hopefuls back to back yesterday in a random order and my opinions are very close to yours. The only difference is that I would put Cyan Kicks in the group with the other 4. But I must say they lose a lot when the initial energy don’t… Read more »

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I haven’t made my UMK list yet, but I did listen to all of the songs at least once, and I think it is, just like FdC, an outstanding NF. My only concern might be that Finland might choose The Rasmus or Cyan Kicks *because* they feel like they will only get into top ten with a rock song. Of course, they might win just because they like these specific songs the best, which is understandable, but I have to ask. I do believe that Finland will qualify with any of these songs, and I am fine if it’s another… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

One I thing that I wish for Finland, Portugal and Spain is that voters keep their minds open until the live shows. Because the beauty of having different good options is being able to test them before making a decision. But Finland’s case seems more comfortable, I can see most of their entries qualifying without a problem and having the same ceiling.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Let’ see. I don’t feel capable of explaining the lyrics on “DÉ.GRÁ.DÊ”, because especially its chorus feels colloquial and I imagine related to the experience of being an African immigrant or a Portuguese citizen connected to their African roots. As a white Brazilian, I would risk sounding silly. My take is that it’s a song with a message of integration, but from an empowerment of afro-portuguese culture angle. Some of the lyrics say sort of: It isn’t dégradé Never give up of your essence Life goes round, but always gets right We’re on the fight, it isn’t from today The… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I’m not sure what’s “Odisseia” is about. Remember EU.CLIDES? The lyrics are on that style, meaning that there’s some wordplay involved, which improves the sonority but leaves the meaning more cryptic. This one is a more clear because it mentions an astronaut, a spaceship, clouds, etc.

Joao just commented with a great translation for Fado Bicha’s lyrics. They feel to me as a calling to fight opression and inequality in Portugal. Quite powerful stuff.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

The others: FF – A very sweet and devoted love song. Old school, quite beautiful, on the “Amar Pelos Dois” vibe. Diana Castro – Sounds like the vent of a woman that had to leave some dreams and fairytales behind because of the responsabilities of adult life. But it’s lighter than my definiton may make it sound. Kumpania Algazarra – Uplifting song, of course. Some social critic (the lyrics complain about the high gas prices :D), but a positive message of keep thriving no matter the difficulties of life. Os Quatro e Meia – A simple love song about a… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

The others: FF – A very sweet and devoted love song. Old school, quite beautiful, on the “Amar Pelos Dois” vibe. Diana Castro – Sounds like the vent of a woman that had to leave some dreams and fairytales behind because of the responsabilities of adult life. But it’s lighter than my definiton may make it sound. Kumpania Algazarra – Uplifting song, of course. Some social critic (the lyrics complain about the high gas prices :D), but a positive message of keep thriving no matter the difficulties of life. Os Quatro e Meia – A simple love song about a… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Sabrina
Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

You’re welcome. 🙂 Hope to see EU.CLIDES back soon. His song wasn’t my favorite, but he made a great impression on me.

“Odisseia” is not my thing, but I think it’s great FdC this year has a little bit of everything. I hope if a ballad wins (which is a very possible outcome, since Aurea and SYRO are the supposed frontrunners) Portuguese songwriters don’t feel obligated to send slow songs to the next editions, how it happened after Salvador.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Sorry but I just never thought I’d ever see a Rah Band reference on Wiwibloggs and need to draw attention to the fact that it has actually happened.

Thank You.

Sincerely,
An owner of too much Rah Band music.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

Nobody can complain about an excess of slow songs this time! For now, I would go with one of these: – “DÉGRÁ.DÊ”, Pongo e Tristaby: A BOLD musical statement. The sort of ahead of time entry we normally just find in FdC or Vibdir. It would be a seriously risky choice, but one I would gladly support. – “saudade, saudade”, MARO: I fear this will fly under the radar (and sounds difficult to pull off live), but the instrumental is wonderful and her voice is so soothing. – “Povo Pequenino”, Fado Bicha: A song only Portugal could send to Eurovision.… Read more »

Nice
Nice
2 years ago

Portugal first place (ESC 2022 odds).

Joe
Joe
2 years ago

I’ll admit, I’ve been historically bad at following FdC in spite of it churning out songs I like pretty regularly, so this year I’ll listen to everything…after I listen to Norway, Romania, Malta, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Spain.

National final season: the gift that keeps on giving.

Addie
Addie
2 years ago
Reply to  Joe

You’re right! National final season is an amazing gift! I mean, there are so many songs that I love from so many national finals. I’m just so overwhelmed! Now Portugal’s giving even more! It’s gonna take me forever to listen to everything. 🙂

baili Atha gloo
baili Atha gloo
2 years ago
Reply to  Addie

I agree with you too
I’m excitedly excited about MGP’s semifinal today (I’m in Norway)

Elfi
Elfi
2 years ago

Oh Mano…. (…)
I won’t be able to sleep…
I can’t stop sing it…
Pongo for the win!

If not:
Áurea i guess…

Pablo in Germany
Pablo in Germany
2 years ago

I loooooove Fado Bicha, Pongo e Tristany and Syro!

Maró, Os Cuatro e Meia, Cubita, Milhanas and Blacci also have amazing songs (in that order).

There is not one song I dislike, the quality is very very high this year! Obrigado Portugal!

ESC 2018
ESC 2018
2 years ago

What!!?? From 26th to 1st….

Bookmakers have predicted Portugal as winner of ESC 2022! 🙂

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
2 years ago
Reply to  ESC 2018

But they haven’t. Bookmakers haven’t predicted anything yet. The only odds offered on Portugal are from betting exchange websites. These same websites had Latvia in first place briefly and now have them at 55/1 to win.
The only thing you can tell from Portugal’s placement on these websites is that yes, Portugal did release some songs today and people heard them.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
2 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Portugal now 15th and at 34/1 on the exchange websites without anything majorly happening…
Be prepared for Spain to jump up the exchanges tonight because, you know, people will be watching it.

mi7kel
mi7kel
2 years ago

I looooooove how it sounds portuguese; it´s like melancolical, sort of magical. I really liked Com e bom esperar alguem; Amanha; and Povo pequenino.

por no estar
por no estar
2 years ago

Only song remotely listenable is Saudade but i fear it will get tiring after a while

Mar
Mar
2 years ago

I’m really liking Maro, Fado Bicha, and Pongo & Tristany, hope one of them makes it but it will be hard competition against Aurea. SF1 is very strong, lots of well known artists.

Last edited 2 years ago by Mar
Sebastian
Sebastian
2 years ago

I have to admit one thing: I am usually so annoying with portuguese selection, because it looks like to John Cage’s 4’33” composition and they have this intelectual attitude in Eurovision. However, this year they bring a lot of good stuff: rhythm, modernity without hipster pseudo intelectual stuff and good compositions.Well done, Portugal! Parabéns

Now, whatever the song that they are gonna select, they MUST take care about staging, because Portugal always f***ed up on stage.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
2 years ago
Reply to  Sebastian

Last year’s staging was lit. Their hosting of eurovision has learned them a lot I think.

Frex
Frex
2 years ago

Cubita, Mensagem tua & TheMisterDriver, Calisun. FdC strong selection!

Jacob
Jacob
2 years ago

Calisun by TheMisterDriver sound so good. I think that’s my favorite out of all those songs. Well, it definitely stands out.

Filipe
Filipe
2 years ago

Just send Pongo already! She ate that!

Last edited 2 years ago by Filipe
Alexandre brito
Alexandre brito
2 years ago

Extremly competitive songs this year with many rithym and dancable vibes. Winners alert Aurea syro mister driver and norton. Finaly how portuguese that i’am i think Portugal arrive to the 21 century.

Last edited 2 years ago by Alexandre brito
voix
voix
2 years ago

For me, FDC is the only national final I can’t relate at all for years . I guess music trends are very different in Portugal but I still can’t understand why Salvador Sobral didn’t even win the televote of this festival but won by a landslide in Kyiv. People wanted viva la diva, a cruise-ship performance?!

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  voix

It was the first year of the show’s reboot and FDC that year also served as an extended anniversary special for the broadcaster so it probably had more than the usual set of casual viewers tuning in.

So yeah, it was a very unusual national final for sure.

Tiago S
Tiago S
2 years ago
Reply to  voix

FdC was crap until that year. We didn’t get the memo that it was going to be good all of a sudden, so no one was listening. Only the people that liked the crap that was being presented for the last 30 years. Now the festival is good and it has a much wider audience in this country. And a more informed audience at that.