Four artists have qualified from the first semi-final of Portugal’s Eurovision selection show.
This evening the first semi-final of Festival da Canção took place at the RTP Studios in Lisbon. Hosted by Tânia Ribas de Oliveira and Jorge Gabriel, eight artists took to the stage in the hopes of qualifying to the final. Four artists were chosen by an in-studio jury (50%) and the public televote (50%) to qualify. The results were announced in a random order and the full semi-final results will not be revealed until after the final.
Competing tonight was (qualifiers in bold):
- MEERA – “Copo De Gin”
- Filipe Sambado – “Gerebera Amarela Do Sul”
- Ian Mucznick – “O Dia De Amanhã”
- Bárbara Tinoco – “Passe-Partout”
- Blasted – “Rebellion”
- Elisa – “Medo De Sentir”
- J.Jazz – “Agora”
- Throes + The Shine – “Movimento”
The members of the jury panel are as follows:
- Anabela – represented Portugal in Eurovision 1993
- Capicua – singer and songwriter
- Conan Osiris – represented Portugal in Eurovision 2019
- Héber Marques – singer and composer
- Isilda Sanches – radio host
- Miguel Ângelo – singer and composer
- Rui Miguel Abreu – journalist
The second semi-final will take place on February 29th, hosted by Sónia Araújo and José Carlos Malato, and featuring another eight artists.
The final will take place in Elvas in eastern Portugal, 8 kilometres from the Spanish border, on March 7. The final will be presented by Filomena Cautela and Vasco Palmeirim.
Portugal was represented by Conan Osíris last year in Israel with his song “Telemóveis”. He failed to qualify to the Final, placing 15th in the first semi-final with 51 points.
Source: Eurovision / Image: Eurovoix.com
Portugal debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964 represented by Antonio Calvario, the country finished last scoring nul points. Prior to 2016, the best result of Portugal was 6th place which came in 1996 when Lucia Moniz performed in Oslo. She scored 92 points, receiving the 12 points from both Norway and Cyprus. Since their debut, Portugal have missed a total of five contests. In 2017, Portugal produced a spectacular win when Salvador Sobral took home the crystal microphone with his song “Amar Pelos Dois.” The 2018 contest was held in Lisbon, Portugal for the first time.
