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 iolanda. She is vying to represent Portugal in Malmö with her song “Grito”.
Check out our interview with iolanda here!
Together, iolanda and Rory talk about how she wrote the song “Grito”. She also explains how therapy helped her write the song, her work with fellow contestant LEFT. and her memories of Eurovision. She also offers a message to her newfound international fans, and offers recommendations if you like her song.
About iolanda
iolanda is the stage name of Iolanda Costa, a 29-year-old singer songwriter from the town of Figueira da Foz. From a young age, she showed an eager interest in music and as a result, she studied music at Technimúsica in Pombal. Aged just 14, iolanda was discovered through the TV show Uma Canção Para Ti, and would also appear on the Portuguese verson of Idol aged 17. She released her first EP “Cura” in March of 2023. Her entry into Festival da Canção 2024 – “Grito” – was written by iolanda herself, together with Alberto Hernández.
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 iolanda? Do you think “Grito” 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: RTP
That Eurovision Site
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