Photos: Pedro Pina

The time has come for Portugal to choose their entry for Eurovision. Excitement is building ahead of the grand final of Festival da Canção 2022, which takes place on Saturday.

The ten finalists have been decided and the running order is set.

Now we want to ask you the question – who should win and wave the Portuguese flag in Turin?

Refresh yourself on all the grand finalists below. Then be sure to vote for your favourites in our poll.

Scroll down to vote in our poll.

Festival da Canção 2022 grand finalists

Click on the song titles to watch the semi-final performances.

Poll: Who should win the grand final of Portugal’s Festival da Canção 2022?

As always, you can vote for as many of the acts as you would like. But you can only vote once!

Grand final show details

The grand final of Festival da Canção 2022 is set for 12 March. Taking us through proceedings will be Eurovision 2018 host Filomena Cautela as well as Vasco Palmeirim. Inês Lopes Gonçalves will be the green room host.

In the grand final, the result will be split 50/50 between the televote and seven regional juries. If we have a tie, the televote will prevail.

The ultimate winner will represent Portugal at Eurovision 2022 in Turin, Italy. Portugal are scheduled to perform in the second half of the first semi-final on 10 May.

Who did you vote for? Which act do you think will win Festival da Canção 2022? Let us know in the comments below.

76 Comments
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Ivor
2 years ago

Can Portugal by pass the semi finals this year and go straight to the grand final. There are at least 4 songs that deserve it!

Manel
Manel
2 years ago

I believe Portugal this year have 4 wonderful songs in final. But I have two preferences, peperonni because they bring something fresh and modern, wonderful performance stage and Syro great voice. Of course I like as, well Why from áurea, the 4 e Meia. Very construt songs. Nice voices. Maura song it’s not my type but ok, the irreverent dégradé have a nice message. So this is my opinion about and i wish all my bests. See you soon. ?

Nadia
Nadia
2 years ago

Can’t decide properly because Saudade would have been my fave in any other year but this year’s choices from other countries makes me want Pongo & Tristany to win and bring their energy and modernity to the contest

Gwendal
Gwendal
2 years ago

I’m also torn between Maro and P&T, even if their respective performances left me a little cold (even P&T, yep! I was expecting more… madness? or better camera angles probably). They are both clear standouts and both clear… Portuguese songs.

Fun fact: if Maro wins, it would be the first time the word “saudade” appears in the title of a Portuguese representative! Seems rather weird to discover this

Daniel
Daniel
2 years ago
Reply to  Gwendal

Neither of them sound like portuguese music. Saudade has a cape verde sound and de.grade Angola sound.

Tiago S
Tiago S
2 years ago

I voted both for Maro and P&T. Both performances disappointed me a bit but they still have the most interesting songs for me. It’s so hard to choose. I was more of a P&T enthusiast in the beginning but the cruel invasion of the Ukraine has exhausted my spirit recently and I’m listening more to Maro now. If only one of them would get everything right in the final to make my decision easier.

Michael Green
Michael Green
2 years ago
Reply to  Tiago S

Same spirit here.

Tiago S
Tiago S
2 years ago
Reply to  Michael Green

This level of unjustice is difficult to cope with. May Eurovision inspire and unite Europe even more through all this.

Jake
Jake
2 years ago

lots of Festival songs in the Portuguese Viral 50 on Spotify–but MARO is #1 and she is not even an established artist in Portugal–thats pretty impressive…does anyone know if they have started playing her song (or any other) on the radio stations in Portugal? interesting Aurea and Syro that are popular artists and neither their songs are in the Viral 50

ete sech
ete sech
2 years ago

Either Pongo e Tristany or Maro ftw.
Pongo e Tristany have an “edgy” entry that might be revolutionary and need some time to be appreciated, but they have a terrific chemistry on stage!
Maro has a cute entry and voice, but staging needs some reworking.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

I’m still rooting for Maro and Pongo & Tristany. If Maro gets the staging right (just bringing the chorus and changing camerawork would make a lot of difference), I believe she still can do it. “DÉGRÁ.DÊ” would be a revolutionary choice, but I guess it needed the same wave of appreciation “Telemóveis” got back then and “Saudade, Saudade” was actually the one gathering growing viral support on the last few weeks. In any case, both of these would be in my personal top 10 for sure and fighting for the top 5. If Maro’s team fail on their homework, Áurea… Read more »

Leendert Jan
Leendert Jan
2 years ago

Portugal is again staging an interesting national final. I like several songs, and I must say it’s hard to pick a winner that clearly stands out above the rest. I voted for Degra.de, Ainda nos temos, Amanhã and Saudade, saudade, because I enjoy these the most and believe they could all do well in Turin. I have the feeling that Áurea might win; she delivers but I just don’t really vibe with the song. Mostly, it’s totally refreshing to see this kind of national final among all the standard “Eurovision” fare that many countries serve in their NFs.

WeAreWhitChanel
WeAreWhitChanel
2 years ago

The running orden is designed for give the victory to Maro

Dahe
2 years ago

I love Saudade Saudade so baadd.. but Degrade performance just mind blowing

ete sech
ete sech
2 years ago
Reply to  Dahe

Pongo and Tristany do have a chemistry that elevates the song!

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago

Syro or Pongo & Tristany. I like Maro too but the english part sounds a litte bit strange..

sri jayawardenapura kotte

MARO ftw! She will also have her choir in the final.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

Please tell me it’s official.

Ttorres
Ttorres
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

100% Official.

Last edited 2 years ago by Ttorres
sri jayawardenapura kotte
Reply to  Sabrina

She had said on interviews, and also see festivaldacancao’s insta story with her!

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
2 years ago

Aurea’s and SYRO’s sound like sleeping pills to me. MARO is infinitely more engaging and would be a pretty safe qualifier in Torino, at least.

Last edited 2 years ago by Midnight Gold
Maldric
Maldric
2 years ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

yeah. Both have amazing voices! But theres something missing in their songs…

Rafs
Rafs
2 years ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

Aurea’s song is a pill that gives you nightmares. This is the most pretentious performance I’ve watched among the Eurovision entries so far.
Those lyrics, the creepy woody horse… I can’t stand it.
Maro’s anda P e T’s songs are really captivating and authentic.

Last edited 2 years ago by Rafs
Anita
Anita
2 years ago

I don’t know if it’s an indicator that parts of the song “saude saude” with Melo’s voice keep popping up in my head every day without my being able to help it. Somehow the tone sequences have something magical – says my subconscious and plays it to me again and again. But most of the voters will hear it only once.. And maybe the mood of Europe needs somthing different??? I would recommend then African energy. If only Europe was ready for some African vibes, last year Portugal went for the safe choice, so why not try a Conan year… Read more »

Anita
Anita
2 years ago
Reply to  Anita

Maro uploaded “live in studio” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbgirbhhD0Q

okanial
okanial
2 years ago

I really want Pepperoni Passion to win, otherwise I can see a continuation of overrating the porteguese act this year as well. Ainda Nos Temos is the only song I can tolerate and its only meh.

#synthsareawesome
#synthsareawesome
2 years ago

“Degra.de” seems the most daring one, which is a good thing, so I want it in Turin. It might not qualify, but also might get high positions or even win. You never know with bold entries.

Roelof M
Roelof M
2 years ago

Pongo e Tristany would shoot right up to my top 3 for now, but Portugal has quite a nice selection of songs that could make the final. I just think Degra.De would stand out so much in Turin and it’s absolutely a risk worth taking. If they include dancers and if Tristany’s vocals improve, they have a clear shot at the top 10 in May.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
2 years ago

All in all I am a bit disappointed this year. There were very good composers in the mix, but underperformed and good songs that failed life. Having said that my preferred song and entry by far is Dégrá.de because it is the best song, has an incredible energy and reflects best the modern Portuguese music scene. BUT, it is a sure non-qualifier and would be a very divisive entry, generating all sorts of weird comments… So, if we want to keep it prim and proper, then the two other choices have to be Áurea and Syro. Although, I preferer Syro’s… Read more »

Daniel
Daniel
2 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

I wonder where you guys come up with this stuff, de.grade has nothing to do with past or present portuguese music scene.

zsó
zsó
2 years ago

Off topic: Andromachi will represent Cyprus with the song ELA!. The song is not public yet.

Last edited 2 years ago by zsó
Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
2 years ago
Reply to  zsó

Did you really have to say that? Some of us wanted to wait until the official reveal.

Nicolas
Nicolas
2 years ago

Justice for Fado Bicha. And yet we have some horrible songs like ‘Código 30’ in the final. Where(s the logic. Instead of endlessly semi-finals with more than 1 hour of blah blah blah there should be only 1 semi-final with all the 20 songs and 10 qualifiers.

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Since it’s RTP’s 64th anniversary, they’ll surely will use the FDC final as the network’s anniversary special = A longer running time than usual. 🙂

Lucas
Lucas
2 years ago
Reply to  James

65th birthday and it was this monday, thats why they put semi 2 on monday, to celebrate with the anniversary

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Lucas

Weekends is usually where broadcast would slot-in important TV event specials. On a programming perspective, it wouldn’t make sense to have an anniversary special be placed on a semi-final aired on a weekday.

With the grand final happening on Saturday, that’s certainly where a lot of eyeballs will be tuning in, and more a reason to make it an expanded RTP special.

Last edited 2 years ago by James
Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  James

Monday was the actual anniversary, though.

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

It would still be weird to have an anniversary-themed special be placed there in the middle of an ongoing FDC and not at in the grand final regardless.

Anoni
Anoni
2 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

But why do you have to put down a song you don’t like just because something you liked didn’t go to the finals?

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

I would go with Pongo & Tristany or Maro. Either will be Top 5 for me.

Rui Diogo
2 years ago

Áurea, FF please

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
2 years ago

Didn’t think Tristany was that bad…it’s just the staging they need to fix.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
2 years ago

The other day I was sitting in my room, crying because I was thinking of one of these songs…

This song is the only that is justified to bear the same banner of that of Salvador Sobral. Which one was it? Which one had the spirit of Sobral?

Saudade, saudade. Nothing more that WE can say, says it in a better way!

Last edited 2 years ago by The Voice of Reason
Ttorres
Ttorres
2 years ago

Oh my… I loved your comment. Exactly what I feel about Saudade saudade.

Julian
Julian
2 years ago

Safe bet? Aurea. She would definitely make to the Final and most probably get a decent result.

Illi
Illi
2 years ago

Go big or go home Portugal and send Pongo and Tristany. Maybe it translates on a bad result maybeeee, but it’ll be memorable, which is better than meh.

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

I mean, I really love “Degradé”, which for me is like a song M.I.A would sent to the contest. Not everyone would appreciate it, but some people like me really like innovative and the cultural mix that Pongo offers.

The question is who do I think they should send, and that’s my answer.

Which choice is safer? Maro for sure.

Jenny
Jenny
2 years ago

I know I’m in the minority but my favourite is by far Diana Castro with Ginger Ale

Michael Green
Michael Green
2 years ago

Having so much male singers in good positions in the odds (Poland, Australia, Italy, Belgium and probably UK), perhaps Maro would work better (i’m totally confident now in RTP for the staging after last year). I really like Pongo and Tristany and they are doing not strange dance steps, as some are saying but really dance steps from this kind of music: kuduro! And this is really awsome but still not so well known.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
2 years ago

FF, Maro or P&T.
After those three, I’d start to get a little concerned.

Polegend Godnova
2 years ago

degrade would be such a collapse

Nicomro
Nicomro
2 years ago

I would be over the Moon with Mauro or Pongo (or Inès but it wont happen) 😀 i feel nothing listening to Aurea si i Hope it wont be her even though she has strong vocal abilities !

Kamil
Kamil
2 years ago

Maro is wonderful

daledale
daledale
2 years ago

none cause they boring as always

Nicomro
Nicomro
2 years ago
Reply to  daledale

If we needed a proof you didnt listen nor watch the performances, there we have it hahaha

Brko
Brko
2 years ago
Reply to  daledale

It is your taste, so I will not judge that. But let me tell you about my taste. I loved this national final. I literally can’t decide which song is my favorite. I can see 5 songs winning and I would not even be angry is none of those 5 songs win as all other songs are great too. And Portugal has interesting NF every year and it is one of the countries whose songs I cannot wait to hear!!

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

I am also not completely set on whom I wish to see in Turin. I think that Degra.De and Fome de Viagem would provide the biggest level of diversity, which might work in their favor (considering the staging and performance are done right in the semi). These are ”sink or fly” entries, but I can see them having a really high ceiling. There are a few good ballads too. Perhaps having a vintage or elegant slower ballad is more usual in FdC, and each would stand out more outside of it in an ESC line-up? Maro, Syro, Aurea, and FF… Read more »

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

I think you are right in that aspect. It is more contemporary. I only meant ”slower songs with a main goal to create an atmosphere”. But I do prefer Maro to other slower songs in the selection. I think it would be in my top 3 in the finals, and in top 5 overall (FdC and Melfest are the only ones I haven’t finished my ranking in, and it’s both fun and tough to sort them out). Personally, I’d rank P&T, Maro, and Ines quite high in my overall ranking. Perhaps Syro and Aurea too, but they feel like growers.

Kaija
Kaija
2 years ago

There are 4-5 equally good options.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago

Off Topic: Jeremie Makise’s entry is called Miss You and the entry of Circus Mircus is called Lock Me.

Kobe
Kobe
2 years ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

I just heard a snippet of Miss You. Let’s say it sounds interesting 😉

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
2 years ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

Where did you hear this?

Kobe
Kobe
2 years ago

Just Google it. I don’t know if i may share any links on here.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
2 years ago
Reply to  Kobe

I did google it. Can’t find anything.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago

Google “genius eurovision 2022 tracklist” and it is the first website.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago

Genius.com has a tracklist of the entries.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

Confirmed: Andromachi goes to Eurovision for Cyprus with the entry “ELA!”.

Brko
Brko
2 years ago

It’s either Syro or Maro for me. Pongo & Tristany do sound original but again the song sounds too experimental for my taste (and they look a bit cocky during the performance which is another no for me). I would rather have a surprise winner instead of P&T.

Illi
Illi
2 years ago
Reply to  Brko

I think the fav is Maro in Portugal.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago

Idk whether SYRO will win, but I’d like him to represent Portugal at Eurovision.

Stan
Stan
2 years ago

SYRO

Alo
Alo
2 years ago

Saudade saudade or de.grade but they both need MUCH better staging for Torino.

Illi
Illi
2 years ago
Reply to  Alo

They’ll have for sure.

Roro31
Roro31
2 years ago

Maro, Syro, Aurea, Pongo/Tristany, Os Quatro e Meia are the best for me and for Portugal, this is a good choice !

Olaaaf
Olaaaf
2 years ago

Maro, but she definitely needs to update her staging for Turin to suit the song a bit more 🙂