2017 welcomes Portugal back to the contest, after the nation decided to skip last year’s event. And the country is returning with a song that’s a throwback to Eurovision of old. One of the few entries to be performed in local language, the simplicity of “Amar Pelos Dois” (which translates to “For the Both of Us”), combined with the hypnotic delivery of performer Salvador Sobral, has Portugal riding high in the betting odds.
Regardless of whether you take notice of the pundits, there’s something refreshing and reflective in the Portuguese entry. The song is written by Sobral’s sister, Luisa, and the connection this creates is undeniably beautiful.
Crack open a bottle of Fiano, marvel at the singing man-bun, and cross your fingers the bookies have got it right and we see Portugal back in the grand final after a long, long absence.
