Ahead of his participation in Festival da Canção 2025, Rory chats with Xico Gaiato about his potential Eurovision song “Ai Senhor!”. Xico Gaiato will perform in the first semi-final of Festival da Canção on February 22nd.
Check out our interview with Xico Gaiato here!
In the interview, Rory and Xico discuss his childhood inspirations, growing up in an artistic household and how these informed his potential Eurovision song. They also discuss their love for Bambie Thug and iolanda, and how their experience in The Voice of Portugal will help in his Festival da Canção stint.
Who is Xico Gaiato?
Xico Gaiato is a Portuguese singer-songwriter, born in the town of Fundão in Beiro Interior, on the Spanish border. Growing up in an artistic household, Xico was raised on a variety of different genres, including MPB and protest music, which informed his music. As a result, these themes infiltrated his music and songwriting, where he focuses on themes of existentialism and the impact of climate change.
“Ai Senhor” is Xico’s first commercial release, following his stints on TV shows including The Voice of Portugal. The song was written by Xico himself, together with Tiago Matos and Constantino.
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 55 times – appearing the final 46 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 iolanda with the song “Grito”. iolanda managed to qualify for the Grand Final and once there, she finished in 10th place. She received a total of 152 points, of which 139 points came from the jury and 13 points came the televote.
What do you make of our interview with Xico Gaiato? Do you think he could represent Portugal at Eurovision? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2025!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Raquel Almeida
Giwrgos Oiko