With Eurovision 2022 finishing, there’s no ‘saudade saudade’ in Portugal. In fact, Portugal’s entrant to the Contest in Turin – MARO – is celebrating as her song has received a gold certification in her home country.
A golden moment for ‘saudade saudade’
On their official Instagram account, Portugal’s national broadcaster RTP announced that MARO had gone gold with her track. The announcement was confirmed by the Portuguese Phonographic Association. In Portugal, a single can receive a gold certification if 5,000 copies of the song are sold, following a change in 2016.
Speaking after the announcement, MARO thanked those who bought and streamed the song on Instagram. She also thanked John Blanda, as well as Pedro and Gabriel Alteiro for helping and producing the track. In the post she said:
“saudade, saudade” is gold in Portugal 🙈💛 Thanks to all who have received it so well!!
MARO, Portuguese Eurovision entrant, 2022. Quote is translated to English
And a big thank you to [John Blanda], [Pedro Alterio] and [Gabriel Alterio] – without you guys, it wouldn’t be what it is. Thank you!!
Portugal’s Eurovision journey
Portugal debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest with António Calvário’s “Oração” in 1964. Since then, Portugal has participated in the competition 53 times – appearing the final 44 times. Their only win in the competition came in 2017 with Salvador Sobral, performing his heart-wrenching song “Amar Pelos Dois”.
Portugal’s most recent participation was with MARO with the song “saudade, saudade”. MARO managed to qualify for the Grand Final and once there, she finished 9th, after receiving 207 points from the jury and the televote.
What do you make of MARO’s success in Portugal? Should ‘saudade, saudade’ have done better in Turin? Would you like to see MARO return to Eurovision? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things Eurovision as we gear up for 2023!
News Source: RTP
Photo Credit: EBU / Corinne Cumming
