Following their first qualification since 2017, Portugal confirmed their participation for Eurovision 2022 last month. Broadcaster RTP announced the news by opening submissions for Festival da Canção 2022, with double the slots for public submissions as this year’s edition. Over 600 entries were submitted for these four slots.
Portuguese broadcaster RTP have revealed via Facebook that over 600 submissions have been received for the 56th edition of Festival da Canção. The broadcaster had previously doubled the number of slots in the lineup for public submissions, from two in 2021 to four in 2022.
In the post, those who applied have been asked to “stay alert to your email inbox in the near future” as the broadcaster begins to shortlist these submissions.
There will be 20 entries in total, 16 of which will be from composers personally invited by RTP. There will be two semi-finals, with five songs qualifying from each semi. The Grand Final will be held with ten competing entries, with the winner being determined by 50% televote and 50% jury voting.
Portugal at Eurovision 2021
Last year, Elisa won Festival da Canção 2020 with “Medo de Sentir”. Unfortunately, however, she didn’t get a chance to represent her country at Eurovision due to the pandemic. Following the cancellation of Eurovision 2021, RTP confirmed that Festival da Canção 2021 would go ahead.
Despite not being internally-selected, Elisa went on to perform as a guest at the festival, and was Portugal’s spokesperson for the Grand Final. The Black Mamba ended up winning the 2021 edition of Festival da Canção with “Love Is On My Side”, marking Portugal’s first English-language entry at the contest in 52 years. In Rotterdam, the band broke Portugal’s non-qualification streak, ultimately placing 12th with 153 points.
Are you looking forward to Festival da Canção 2022? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!
