Portugal is gearing up their preparations for Festival da Canção 2024. As artists look ahead to the national final, which begins on February 24th, Rory speaks to Mila Dores. She is vying to represent Portugal in Malmö with their song “Afia a Língua”.
Check out our interview with Mila Dores here!
Together, Mila and Rory talk about how she wrote the song “Afia a Língua”. She also explains the secret historic story behind the song, her work with Filipe Sambado and her memories of Eurovision. She also offers a message to her newfound international fans, and offers recommendations if you like her song.
About Mila Dores
Mila Dores is a 40-year-old singer-songwriter from the Portuguese city of Porto. At the age of six, she had already shown an interest in music and started her music studies in playing the piano and singing. Since then, she has developed her career and genres into folk and jazz. She also has previous experience in the competition, having competed in the 2019 edition of the show with “Debaixo de lua”. Her entry into Festival da Canção 2024 – “Afia a Língua” – was written by Mila herself, together with Filipe Sambado.
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 54 times – appearing the final 45 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 Mimicat with the song “Ai, coração”. Mimicat managed to qualify for the Grand Final and once there, she finished in 23rd place. She received a total of 59 points, of which 43 points came from the jury and 16 points came the televote.
What do you think of our interview with Mila Dores? Do you think “Afia a Língua” could represent Portugal in Malmö? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, Threads, Tumblr and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Joana Linda
That Eurovision Site