Portugal: RTP receives more than 200 entries for Festival da Canção 2019.
Portuguese national broadcaster , RTP, has received more than 200 entries for the country’s national selection , Festival da Canção 2019.
Previsously RTP has invited 14 composers to present an original and unreleased songs. The composers themselves will select the act who will performs their songs.
In addition, the national broadcaster will accept 2 more entries coming from the public submissions. Acts will be able to go after one of the two spots in the final in two ways: First spot will be determined through the “Master Class” radio program of Antena 1. Composers and authors with no published works could have applied to take part in the competition until October 31. The composer selected must present a new song for Festival da Canção 2019.
The 2nd spot in the competition will be taken by a song which will come from an open selection. All citizens of Portuguese nationality or residents in Portugal had the right to apply no matter if they have any published works. These applications were submitted through the RTP website. In this case too the deadline has expired on October 31.
The Portuguese national selection will consist of two semi finals and a grand final. A total of 16 acts will battle for the golden tickets which leads to Tel Aviv next May.
The Eurovision Story so Far
Portugal joined the Eurovision family in 1964 when it was represented by António Calvário, who finished last without any points. Since their debut in 1964 Portugal has missed five times the contest, the latest being in 2016. Before 2016, the best result of Portugal in the contest was a 6th placing in 1996 with Lúcia Moniz performing “O meu coração não tem cor” in Oslo. In 2017 the country got out of the list of the remaining countries without victory, as Salvador Sorbal was crowned winner in Kyiv with his song Amar Pelos Dois . Following Salvador’s win the country hosted the 63rd edition of the contest in Lisbon.
In the last Eurovision winners of Festival da Canção 2018, Cláudia and Isaura , represented Portugal with the song “O Jardim”. They finished last in the Grand Final with a total of 39 points.
