Extraordinary though it may seem, Portugal is one of the finalists with a good chance at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev.
In a competition “dominated by songs in English”, Salvador Sobral’s rendition of ‘Amar pelos dois’ (Love for Two), written by his sister Luísa has stolen people’s hearts.
Hugely sentimental, it is performed by the eloquent young man who reached the finals of Portuguese talent contest Idolos in 2009 – and who has used his projection to popularity this year to appeal for humanity over the reception and treatment of refugees (click here).
How Sobral makes out on Saturday remains to be seen. UK tabloids are giving his song the best odds behind Italy – tipped to win the contest.
As national television reports have explained, Portugal has never come higher than 6th place before and hasn’t fielded a song since 2010.
‘Amar pelos dois’ is up against entries from Belgium, Azerbaijan, Greece, Sweden, Poland, Armenia, Australia, Cyprus and Moldovia.
For a listen (click here), and for an interview with the 27-year-old on the background to his entry, (click here).
