On Saturday Portugal will begin the search for its act for Eurovision 2019, when the first semi-final of Festival da Canção begins. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — have been listening to the 16 acts who will be competing in the national semis. Who was the jury’s big favourite? Read on to find out!
Florian
1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
There might not be a specific recipe to create a great song for Eurovision, but this comes as close as one can get. “Telemóveis” perfectly combines contemporary music with what could be considered typical Portuguese music in the best way possible. There is something really mysterious about this entry so I am really looking forward to seeing the live performance. This not only has the potential to stand out but also represent Portugal in an extraordinary way in Tel Aviv this May.
2. Mariana Bragada – “Mar Doce”
3. Calema – “A Dois”
4. NBC – “Igual a Ti”
5. Matay – “Perfeito”
Oliver
1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
At first I did not know whether I was a fan of this song or not as it took me a while to process the song as a whole. But after a few listens I began to enjoy the intricate flares and qualities this song possesses. It is a subtle entry with nothing explosive or flashy which definitely complements the song well. I loved the delicate yet powerful string plucking in the backing track and if the staging is tailored to the song, I think it could definitely climb the leaderboard.
2. NBC – “Igual a ti”
3. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
4. Lara Laquiz – “O lugar”
5. Surma – “Pugna”
Barnabas
1. Mila Dores – “Debaixo do lugar”
Did anyone expect Festival da Canção to transform from a retro-dominated marathon to a competition full of quirky yet quality gems? And the best of the bunch now has been pretty clear, as “Debaixo do lugar” slowly unfolds from a soul-touched smooth jazz tune into a nostalgic indie rock ballad. Mila’s voice fits perfectly with the song, giving me the chills I need to enjoy the show. Gurl, you’ve won me over. Hopefully, you’ll do the same with the Portuguese public.
2. NBC – “Igual a ti”
3. Ela Limão – “Mais brilhante que mil sóis”
4. Matay – “Perfeito”
5. Madrepaz – “Mundo a mudar”
Robyn
1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
Last year Portugal sent a pleasant song to Eurovision that didn’t have enough to stand out. This year, Festival da Canção has many other songs in that style, that would be at risk of fading into the shadows in Tel Aviv. But not Conan Osíris. “Telemóveis” is unusual, with layers of sounds that at first sound jarring but reveal themselves to all complement each other. The lyrics, using the cellphone as a metaphor for the complexities of modern life, come across like a haunting mantra. Portugal didn’t win Eurovision 2017 by playing it safe. They should continue to take risks in 2019.
2. NBC – “Igual a ti”
3. Madrepaz – “Mundo a mudar”
4. Ela Limão – “Mais brilhante que mil sóis”
5. João Couto – “O jantar”
Bernardo
1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
In a year where the Festival da Canção song production quality rose to a whole new level, Conan Osíris sits in a different league. “Telemóveis” is different and refreshing, paying homage to Portugal’s traditional elements but setting his experimental approach in the future with an over-the-top mixture of genres that simply works in its complexity. Portugal may not be ready to take a risk like this but Eurovision isn’t made so countries can play it safe. It’s time.
2. NBC – “Igual a Ti”
3. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
4. Matay – “Perfeito”
5. Calema – “A Dois”
Charlotte
1. Matay – “Perfeito
This year’s Festival da Canção has a good amount of ballads and slow songs. The one that really stands out to me is Matay’s “Perfeito”. The lyrics itself are actually pretty lightweight, almost easy, but at the same time so pure and honest. I love Matay’s deep, warm voice, especially combined with that tingly sound in his voice, at the end every sentence he sings. Love songs usually make me realise how single I am, but right now I feel loved. Let’s see if Matay can make the rest of Europe – or for now just Portugal – fall in love with his “Perfeito” as well.
2. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
3. Lara Laquiz – “O Lugar”
4. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
5. Calema – “A Dois”
Antranig
1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
I’m surprised at Portugal having multiple good songs in their selection this year. However, Conan Osíris is light years ahead of the competition, with an experimental yet calculated entry. This pushes the envelope without breaking it and the musical composition is exquisite. Conan’s vocals suit the song perfectly and “Telemóveis” is an absolute gem. This is going to deliver Portugal another excellent result.
2. Calema – “A Dois”
3. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
4. NBC – “Igual a ti”
5. Ana Cláudia – “Inércia”
Jordi
1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
Conan Osiris’ “Telemoveis” is the traditional meeting the contemporary in such a very distinctive way. This is very eye-catching yet spirited, blending gently electronic beats with his vocals and the emotional feeling behind his chants. There’s a dreamlike quality behind Telemoveis, being an overall composition that serves variety by sticking to the roots. This perfect mix merged with his emotion, turns his offering in a strong contender.
2. Matay – “Perfeito”
3. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
4. Calema – “A Dois”
5. João Couto – “O jantar”
Izhar
1. NBC – “Igual a ti”
There is so much quality in this year’s Festival Da Canção that it was quite hard for me to rank my top five. The same goes when it comes to the best song — I was actually debating myself whether Conan’s fabulous “Telemóveis” or “Igual a ti” will get my number one but finally I decided that “Igual a ti” should win the ticket to Tel Aviv. This song is pure magic and when I listen to it, I feel so much contradicting emotions at the same time – joy versus sadness, mystery versus honesty. It also showcases what Portugal does best – ballads in Portuguese sung by a passionate vocalist.
2. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
3. Matay – “Perfeito”
4. Surma – “Pugna”
5. Calema – “A dois”
Luis
1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
It’s still hard to believe that a geniality like “Telemóveis” may be about to grace the stage of Eurovision. The three minutes speed by while listening to this fabulous souk of sounds Conan is presenting to us. The anthemic quality of the first notes mixed with Conan’s deeply Iberian vocal style, plus the dirtiness of some of the subsequent beats… There are just so many great things packed in just three minutes. Portugal should not, by any means, leave this gem behind. “Telemóveis” is a song that will linger in the Eurovision world for many years.
2. Mariana Bragada – “Mar doce”
3. Mila Dores – “Debaixo do luar”
4. NBC – “Igual a ti”
5. João Couto – “O Jantar”
Pablo
1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
I’m joining the party that I’m sure is overcrowded, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t for a good reason: this is how you do futuristic. “Telemoveis” is unlike anything I’ve ever heard or that has been in the contest, and I couldn’t be happier. An artsy, deep, insightful song wrapped in a modern millennial package, spiced with a hint of Middle Eastern undertone brought to us by a highly artistic individual. If Portugal selects this, no doubt they will be on the right track to keep their Eurovision gears going.
2. NBC – “Igual a ti”
3. Calema – “A Dois”
4. Matay – “Perfeito”
5. Surma – “Pugna”
What do you think? Which songs are your favourite in Festival da Canção 2019? Who should represent Portugal in Tel Aviv? Share your thoughts below!
I was a little concerned how Conan would deliver this live but wow he did a great job, his vocals were on point and i loved the backing dancing but i have to say Matay delivered tonight, that was such a beautiful perfomance, i have no idea who is gonna win for Portugal.
ps. i dont know if you guys from wiwi bloggs read these comments but William you were on RTP tv here in Portugal last night, they did a documentary about back stage at last years eurovision and you were on there a couple of times.
Oh no! 🙁
It works perfectly for me, but the singing is nearly over.
So far this year, Portugal stands a very good chance of winning the whole contest. There is so much depth of music here. But I agree on Conan Osiris – an exceptional talent and a striking song that I literally never thought I would hear the like of at Eurovision. Honestly, it will be harder for Conan to win Festival da Canção than it will be for him to win Eurovision, at this point. The depth of music at the festival is awesome. Good luck to all participants.
Such good comments from the wiwi team, it’s so odd for us! Thanks for your words, y’all deserve a pastel de nata! 😉
King Conan take your throne!
I was searching on your youtube channel for the Festival da canção 2019 songs reaction video to see william and deban opinion and nothing?… What? Why?
Is there any particular reason why y’all are just ignoring this national selection??? it comes across as something personal but i can’t understand why!
At least u should have respect for your followers and explain why u didn’t react to the songs before the shows (Sf1/2 and final)
Thank you wiwi team, and i hope that someone will enlight me about this subject.
I also noticed that. Perhaps they are waiting to react only to the songs in the final…
Maybe, but still would have been nice to have some kind explanation
A minha canção favorita é a canção dos Calema – a dois.
a minha tb
I love A dois, Hoje, Telemovies and Perfeito for different reasons. A dois is a great example of how to do mainstream music right. It’s quite melodic, easy to absorb and sing along to, but at the same time it’s really well produced and remains on a high level of quality. Hoje is a very cute song. It could pull off a high spot on a pure likability and good lyrics. Telemovies is truly different from anything else on ESC and those who would appreciate it could really passionately vote for it. It brings us something mystical and unique and… Read more »
https://youtu.be/m–K4w9M7uU
Just look at his live. The best right? LOL
My top 5:
1. Conan Osíris – “Telemóveis”
2. Calema – “A Dois”
3. Filipe Keil – “Hoje”
4. Lara Laquiz – “O Lugar”
5. Surma – “Pugna”
I hope the staging doesn’t kill “Telemóveis”. I’ve seen weirds things from him…
NBC – “Igual a ti”, doesn’t make it into my top 5, but I still wanted to name it. Would be my 6th (3rd in SF2).
Yeah, I’m not sure there ever was a song like Telemoveis at the Eurovision. I really hope it makes it.
Pure art, I love Telemóveis. This year we have some options to have a different Eurovision. I hope to see Conan on ESC this May. Portugal it’s an extremely serious contender this year with him.
Different doesn’t mean automatically good, ”Telemóveis” is mess, don’t understand the hype.
Can I just say how much I agree with Robyn. At the first listen it just sounded like a bunch of moaning sounds on top of a heavy bass on top of a violin. But after a couple of listens the instrumental just seems so perfect that it almost hurts. 10/10 honestly.
Why Calema isn’t anyone’s 1st place? Hope at least Portuguese people like it. It’s the far best song from their NF, really want it to win.
Its a nice song but not strong enough for ESC.
The rest of the songs are even weaker…
I’ m really excited about Conan going to Eurovision. This is such a cool song! Beyong Eurovision’s styles and trends, this is something you can hear at an alternative music festival, it’s just too good. After Italy, Portugal can send another gem to the contest
Fingers crossed!
I’m really curious how Conan would translate his song live. I’ve seen a couple of videos of his past performances online and they were all great so I expect him to stand out in his semi in a good way. 🙂
Conan for the winning! ???
Ok, I’m going to be hated here but i find Conan’s song just a little too strange for my liking. Granted, i thought the same about Soldi from Italy but now I’m a firm convert but therein lies the problem. Most voters on the night will only hear the entries once and a too WTF moment will not aid its chances of success. My favourite in Portugal this year is the beautiful sounding retro song from Madrepaz. I find it greatly underrated by most people but as yet is the only song that I’m downloading. I have my fingers firmly… Read more »
Yeah, I understand what you mean. But I feel like often it’s for some reason easier for the regular European audience to find acces to songs, than it is for us. Take Non mi avete fatto niente for example: I’ve watched the performance on every single evening of Sanremo and everytime I was thinking “Meh, this doesn’t really convince me. I don’t get the appeal.”, butI listened to it again and again and it ended up being one of my favourite Eurovision songs ever. I thought that, if it took me so long to love it, the audience might not… Read more »
And I have to admit, that it took my two listens to get into Telemoveis. It might be a problem, but it might just not be.
I agree! Even further, it was the televoters who rewarded Italy last year, when the ones you might expect to appreciate them (the juries) actually ignored them.
I prefer Matay since I listened to it repeatedly, but if Conan wins I would be really, really happy!
Even if “Telemóveis” fails for some reason (I hope and trust it won’t!), Portugal still would have quality ballads with some of the best performers this Eurovision season showed us so far (NBC and Matay), a gorgeous throwback to the 70’s with Madrepaz, smartly written songs like Filipe’s, Ana Cláudia’s and Mariana’s and a polished and radiofriendly song by Calema that would fit like a glove in less alternative national finals. I’m team #telele, but I think many people deserve some love in this Festival da Canção.
Always love to read you, Sabrina. Agreed on everything, but mainly on #telele 😉
Thank you, Tiago. 🙂 Let’s hope “Telemóveis” do well tomorrow night.
I’ll do my part 🙂
Madrepaz brought such a good song too!
Maybe the most overlooked song of this selection. I hope more people will pay attention to it when they perform it on the semi.
Conan must win. I hate to see the previous year’s host not qualify, like Norway 2011 or Denmark 2015. Do the right thing, people and juries.
I am probably in the minority here….The first minute of Telemoveis is offputting. I thought the last two minutes was fine once the percussion started. But the rest of the song doesn’t make up for the beginning of it. This song takes more than a couple of listens to enjoy. At ESC, the song needs to grab people immediately and inspire them to vote. This song grabbed me but not in a good way. I wouldn’t vote for it. All I can here from the people I watch ESC with is “WTF was that”.
To be fair, you could say the same about 1944 and that won the whole damn thing.
Who’s to say Conan can’t do the same thing?
And the same thing about Toy, that beginning was very WTF material.
“Telemóveis” and “Toy” are completely different songs, but they share something: it’s impossible to listen to them for the first time whithout feeling something about it. Some will love, some will hate, many will feel confused about how they’re feeling, but nobody will be indifferent.
I don’t think Telemoveis is similar to those songs. I liked Jamala from the first time, and sometimes it even made me cry. The first time I listened to Netta’s song I needed to listen to it again, because I didn’t understand what happened. With telele this was different. I felt a similar ‘wtf moment’ but I didn’t want to listen it again. Now I’m a fan of the song (I like Matay and Calema a little bit more), but it’s true that some people would hate this the first time. An average esc fan will listen to it at… Read more »
1944 was smashing from the beginning. Telemoveis is not.
Really…? I’ve played Telemoveis to several people and they all really liked it. You know, tastes vary. There are people for everything, I’m sure there are more than enough to get Telemoveis a good result.
Yes, I agree 1944 was smashing from the beginning, I liked it the very first time I heard it. I admit I don’t find Conan’s song appealing – neither from the first listen nor from the third.
Is Conan gay? Just curious
I know that he’s definitly part of the LGBTQ+ community, but I don’t know exactly what his orientation is.
I’m not gonnna lie that I‘m so happy that we have so many gay representations with high quality songs this year?it’s goona be a battle between gays?
Conan is queer /gay and has a boyfriend….damn! i was gonna to ship him with Mahmood….lol
Be careful to not ship him with Duncan either (who is bisexual btw), cause he has a girlfriend. 🙂
oh sh*t … Duncan was my next ship for Mahmood lol ….well there is still a hope we will have hot single gay/bi guy for Alessandro 😛
Lmao, you’re really out there looking for a husband for Mahmood.
i would keep Mahmood for myself but i guess my boyfriend wouldn’t approve 😉
mahmood already has a boyfriend, he confirmed it the other day, but won’t reveal any more
Who‘s the bf, just asking for a friend:)
Oh my…guys you’re crazy with shipping thing lol
this is a fun thread though 😀
hey! what about Bilal and Kobi?
They both queer and single as i know 🙂
Is Kobi gay?I thought he is straight
Just ship Mahmood to me by the way?I will pay for DHL express
Who cares though? The contest is about music…
music is created by humans
The contest is about music, sure, but the comments section can be about anything people choose to discuss.
Okay, so Polegend said Mahmood already has a boyfriend. Moral of the whole story: don’t ship any of these guys at all, cause they might just all have a boyfriend (or girlfriend) at home lol. Case closed.
i ship mahmood with 1st prize
Results of Wiwi Jury (points 1-5) 1. Conan Osiris – Telemoveis 48p. (what a surprise) 2. NBC – Igual a ti 31p. 3. Matay – Perfeito 19p. 4. Calema – A dois 15p. 5. Filipe Keil – Hoje 14p. 6. Mariana Bragada – Mar doce 8p. 6. Mila Dores – Debaixo do luar 8p. 8. Ela Limao – Mais brilhante que mil sois 5p. 8. Lara Laquiz – O lugar 5p. 10. Madrepaz – Mundo a mudar 4p. 10. Surma – Pugna 4p. 12. Joao Couto – O jantar 3p. 13. Ana Claudia – Inercia 1p. 14. Dan Riverman –… Read more »
1-Conan, I’m still not completely sold on the song, though I still like it a lot, and overall I enjoy NBC’s song a bit more, but I think this is the one to send, different, modern and the most likely to gather support from abroad, though I’m not as hopeful as some people are in saying this will get top 10 and something similar. I think it’s good, and the most likely to qualify, but it’s not a guarantee 2-NBC, I love it so much, it’s simple yet very beautiful, and the instrumental arrangement is gorgeous. It has a bit… Read more »
i mean conan is the clear public winner but will the juries sabotage him ? the idea alone makes me cringe….. he better pull thru
The jury this year is quite alternative. At least in the semi-finals.
Pienso lo mismo y estoy convencido de la eleccion de conan
I’m more concerned about the televote. In 2017, the televote put Salvador Sobral in 2nd place and Viva La Diva won the televote! I will never understand that! Thank God the jury vote pushed him through.
1.Conan Osiris
2.NBC
3.Filipe Keil
4.Matay
But we all know it’s #Telele. I’m surprised that the wiwi Jury seems to agree.
No surprises, there’s no real competition.
I like NBC too but it’s not Eurovision made.
1.Conan
2.Madrepaz
3.NBC
than Matay