🇵🇹 Simão Oliveira releases “O Rapaz” for Junior Eurovision 2021

As we edge ever closer to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Paris in December, Portugal has released its entry to the Contest – “O Rapaz”.

Listen to “O Rapaz” here!

Translated to English “The Boy”, Simão’s song is passionate Portuguese ballad in the traditional “fado” musical style. The lyrics of “O Rapaz” depict the singer as the boy who writes love songs. The songs he writes are played on the radio and touching anyone who listens to them.

The song has been written by Fernando Daniel and Diogo Clemente, both of which having successful music careers. The song is a stark departure from Portugal’s previous entries in recent years and moves away from the child-like nature of their entries in 2017 and 2018.

Who is Simão Oliveira?

Simão was announced as the first participant of the Junior Contest of 2021. His participation came with his winning of the kids’ version of The Voice Portugal. Since then, Simão has been hard at work to prepare for his participation in Paris.

A talented player of the clarinet, the 14-year-old is a keen lover of the “fado” genre, with artists such as Tony de Matos and Amália Rodrigues being of particular influence.

Portugal at Junior Eurovision

Portugal has had a checkered history at Junior Eurovision, with little success at the Contest. The nation debuted in the Contest in 2006, with Pedro Madeira and “Deixa-me sentir”. Their first entry has since delivered Portugal’s best result at the Contest – finishing in 14th place.

The last time Portugal took part in Junior Eurovision was in 2019, withdrawing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Joana Almeida represented Portugal in Gliwice with the song “Vem conmigo (Come with Me)”. At the close of voting, Almeida finished in 16th position in a field of 19.

What do you think of Portugal’s entry to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021? Do you think Portugal will get its best result? Will you vote for Portugal this year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Don’t forget to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ over at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

News Source: EBU

Photo Credit: RTP / Filipe Faleiro