Through one of the last national finals of the season, Festival da Canção, Portugal selected Iolanda’s song “Grito.” Iolanda will perform 14th in the first semifinal.

“Grito” is in line with previous Portuguese entries in that Portugal seems to think they are competing in a completely different contest than many other countries. They are just out here doing their own thing, often sending slower, more atmospheric songs that continually shock the Eurovision fanbase with their high placements. The clearest example was 2017 with Portugal’s winning entry, Salvador Sobral’s “Amar Pelos Dois.”

There is raw emotion in this song that pairs with the very Eurovision elements like the backup dancers with lace-covered faces. And given Iolanda’s national final performance and acoustic version of this song, we know she has a beautiful voice that really showcases this song. 

However, “Grito” doesn’t stand out from the crowd as much as you might think. With several other female-ballads this year, it exists in the same space as the entries from Ukraine and Serbia – and all three of these countries are competing in the same semi-final. In our opinion, Portugal isn’t as memorable as the other two. However, it remains to be seen which ballad(s) will make it through.