Back in August, it was revealed that 16 songs will be competing in Festival da Canção 2020. Now, Portugal’s broadcaster RTP have revealed the names of the sixteen composers taking part in Festival da Canção 2019. They have also announced the dates for the three shows, with the final taking place on 2nd March. In addition, the number of entries received by the broadcaster was revealed.
The 16 composers for the 2020 edition of the festival have been revealed by RTP. The composers were selected using three different methods. 14 composers were approached by RTP to take part. One was selected through the “Master Class” radio program of Antena 1, while the last spot was determined by a public submissions process.
Here is the list in alphabetical order, with the two non-approached composers highlighted:
- António Avelar Pinho
- Blasted Mechanism
- Cláudio Francisco António (Masterclass submission)
- Dino D’Santiago
- Dubio ft. +351 (Public submission)
- Eliza Rodrigues
- Filipe Sambado
- Hélio Morais
- Jimmy P
- João Cabrita
- Marta Carvalho
- MEERA
- Pedro Jóia
- Rui Pregal da Cunha
- Throes + The Shine
- Tiago Nacarato
320 submissions…one spot
As noted above, the song submitted by Dubio ft. +351 was chosen from a public submission process, separate to the other 15 entries. The broadcaster also revealed that a total of 320 songs were submitted for just this one spot in the selection. This is a 120 increase in submissions from last year’s edition. Notably, the number of public submissions peaked the edition following Portugal’s win in 2017. A total of 346 songs were submitted to select the host entry for 2018.
The line-up suggests an even more intriguing and eclectic mix of songs than what we were treated to in 2018. Although we don’t know the exact date on which these songs will be revealed, we do know the dates. Like last year, Festival da Canção 2020 will take place over three nights. The semi-finals will take place on February 22 and 29 at RTP Studios in Lisbon. The final will take place on March 7 in a location yet to be confirmed.
Portugal at the Eurovision Song Contest
Portugal was once seen as one of the most unlucky Eurovision countries, holding the record for the longest period of participation without a win (49 attempts). Of course, this ‘curse’ was broken in 2017 when Salvador Sobral won the contest with “Amar Pelos Dois”. Not only was this their first win, but it was also their first and only top 5 placing in the contest to date.
Unfortunately, since this victory, Portugal haven’t been able to replicate this success in the past two contests. In 2018, as the host nation, Portugal got its fourth last place finish with Cláudia Pascoal’s “O Jardim”. After performing 15th in semi final 1 in Tel Aviv this year, Conan controversially didn’t qualify for the Grand Final. He finished 15th with 51 points, but was the subject of a number of articles praising the song and performance after the semi.
Are you excited to see Festival da Canção return next year? Which of these composers are you most excited about? Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates!
