Portugal's Bandidos do Cante fine-tune Eurovision staging ahead of Vienna debut
Bandidos do Cante are preparing for their Eurovision debut in Vienna. The Portuguese band, currently in 32nd place in the betting odds, will perform in the first semifinal this week. Their rehearsals include adjustments to staging and lighting ahead of the live show. The group has been refining their performance since arriving in Austria. Their second rehearsal focused on perfecting camera angles, stage positions, and lighting effects. A giant screen now displays animated roses as part of their updated scenography.
The band’s outfits have also changed from those worn at Portugal’s Festival da Canção final. During rehearsals, they were joined on stage by D.A.M.A. members Kasha and Miguel Cristovinho. Bandidos do Cante will compete against 15 other acts in the first semifinal, including entries from Finland, Greece, Sweden, and Israel. Despite calls for a boycott over Israel’s inclusion, the band previously confirmed they would not withdraw if selected to represent Portugal. Their song *Rosa* remains a long shot in the betting, sitting at 32nd out of 35 entries.
The first semifinal takes place in Vienna on Tuesday. Bandidos do Cante will perform early in the running order, with only the top ten acts advancing to the grand final. Their final rehearsal and jury show are scheduled before the live broadcast.
