Portugal secures berth in Eurovision grand finale
Portugal's entry, "Deslocado" by Napa, surprisingly advanced to the Eurovision Song Contest final on Saturday. Along with Portugal, Norway, Albania, Sweden, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, and Ukraine also managed to secure a coveted spot.
Not making it to the final were Slovenia, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Croatia, and Cyprus. The first semi-final showcased entries from Spain, Italy, and Switzerland—countries automatically eligible due to being part of the 'Big5' or hosting the event.
In addition to competing nations, other performers took the stage, including Portugal’s Iolanda. Last year, Iolanda achieved 10th place with her song "Grito." During the show, she participated in a tribute to Celine Dion, performing "Ne partez pas sans moi," the winning song Dion sang for Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest of 1988.
The second semi-final will take place on Thursday, with 16 more countries vying for another ten places in the final. Contenders include Australia, Montenegro, Ireland, Latvia, Armenia, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Georgia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Israel, Serbia, and Finland.
On that day, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—the three remaining members of the ‘Big5’—will present their entries for the final. The 'Big 5' nations automatically qualify for the Grand Final due to their significant contributions to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Portugal's Iolanda, a notable entertainer from Portugal, paid a tribute to Celine Dion during the Eurovision Song Contest, performing the song "Ne partez pas sans moi", the winning song Dion sang for Switzerland in 1988. Additionally, Portugal's "Deslocado" by Napa made it to the final, joining the music of other contesting nations like Australia and Malta in the Grand Final.
