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JOY Eurovision

19 May 2012

Eurovision History Chat: Portugal

Eurovision History Chats

Eurovision History Chat: Portugal

Flag of Portugal in the Eurovision heart. Self...

Eurovision has many hidden stories, and one of the most surprising ones is that of Portugal.

Hikaru had previously talked about the 1960s & 1970s entries of Portugal in a special report, but for this Eurovision History Chat, both Andy & Hikaru discuss and discover more of the Portuguese story at Eurovision.

InPart One: 1964 to 1988

Andy & Hikaru talk about how Portuguese entries were both used by the Salazar regime and also critiqued it. This period also sees Portugal undergo a revolution and the birth of a new and highly politically influenced style of entries. Even when politics disappear from the lyrics, Portuguese entries still retain a very sharp critique of modern life and popular culture.

In Part Two 1989 to 2011

Portugal explores its soul, and Europe takes notice a couple of times. Still, was the real message behind a lot of these entries lost on the juries? The birth of televoting sees Portugal become somewhat successful when they reject the classic Eurovision template.

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