While it’s true that Portugal has never won the contest before Salvador Sobral’s victory in 2017, it’s important to note that the contest is highly competitive and winning it is no easy feat. Many countries have participated for decades without winning, and Portugal’s victory is a testament to the country’s strong musical tradition and the quality of its artists.

It’s also worth noting that the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004 has made it more difficult for countries to qualify for the Grand Final, as the competition has become even more intense. Despite this, Portugal has managed to qualify for the Grand Final on a consistent basis, which is a great achievement in itself.

Ultimately, while statistics can be informative, the Eurovision Song Contest is ultimately a celebration of music and culture, and each country’s performance is unique and deserving of recognition in its own right.

There have certainly been many great and memorable songs in the Eurovision Song Contest over the years, and it’s true that the 80s were a particularly colourful and eclectic era for the competition.

Portugal’s entries have often been characterized by their strong connection to the country’s rich cultural heritage, with many songs featuring elements of traditional folk music, Fado, and Portuguese language lyrics. While this approach may not always resonate with the juries or audiences as much as more contemporary and commercial styles, it is an important part of Portugal’s cultural identity and an important contribution to the diversity of the competition.

However, as you note, Portugal has also shown a willingness to experiment with more modern and eclectic styles in recent years, and Salvador Sobral’s victory in 2017 with the stripped-down and emotional “Amar Pelos Dois” is a great example of the power of a well-crafted and heartfelt song to connect with audiences and win over the judges.

The Eurovision Song Contest is a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, and it’s great to see countries like Portugal embracing the opportunity to showcase their unique musical traditions while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the contest.

The Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon in 2018 was a wonderful experience for both Portugal and the rest of Europe. The country did a fantastic job hosting the event and showcasing its culture and hospitality to the world.

It’s great to see that Portugal has maintained its enthusiasm for the contest since its victory in 2017, and the Festival da Canção is an important part of the country’s national music scene and a key step in selecting its Eurovision entry.

Hosting the contest in Lisbon was a major milestone for Portugal and a great opportunity for the country to show the world what it has to offer. The Eurovision Village and other events held in the city helped to create a festive and inclusive atmosphere, bringing together people from all over Europe to celebrate music and culture.

Overall, Portugal’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is an important part of the country’s cultural identity and a great opportunity for its artists to showcase their talent on an international stage. Let’s hope that Portugal will continue to participate in the contest and bring its unique flavour and spirit to the competition for many years to come.