Portugal’s entry for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, Claudia Pascoal & Isaura, got some time out of her busy schedule to have a chat with ESCplus’ Jamie Davies.
Pascoal and Isaura will have the pleasure of welcoming their fellow 42 participants when they all arrive into Lisbon for Portugal’s first ever crack at hosting Eurovision.
Portugal won the rights to host the 63rd edition of the song contest when Salvador Sobral won last year in Ukraine with his song ‘Amar Pelos Dois’.
Pascoal will be performing ‘O Jardim’ in the grand final on May 12. Isaura is the songwriter.
CLAUDIA PASCOAL
Representing your country on home soil, in front of an audience of over 200 million people… how does that sound?
CP: AMAZING! I’m so excited about this opportunity. I am very proud to be part of the Eurovision and to represent Portugal in the year wich takes place in our country. I love music, and this contest is all about that! The union of amazing countries of Europe! What not to love!
Winning a national selection must feel fantastic to know that there is a nation supporting you all the way…
CP: I feel a giant hug given by all the Portuguese. I feel like I’m not going to Eurovision, I’m going with a whole country.
Has Salvador Sobral given you any tips ahead of the song contest?
CP: Not really. he is like me in that sense, what matters is the music, everything else is conditioning of it. I am prepared for everything in May.
For those who are new to your song, can you tell them a bit more about the meaning of the song?
CP: The song speaks of “saudade”, a word that only exists in Portugal and means: to miss someone. In this sense, “O Jardim” speaks of a person who is no longer in this world, but who is always present because of the emotional value that will remain forever.
As music performers, you are probably used to performing a number of songs at one gig. Does it feel a bit weird to be only performing one song on the Lisbon stage?
CP: I guess anyone never asked me that … GOOD question! It really is a bit strange, but since I recently came from The Voice program, I’m a bit used to it.
Any clues on what we should expect from the stage performance on the night of the grand final?
CP: I can only say that I will bring the same feeling with “O Jardim”, and despite the music being in Portuguese I will try to pass the message to the whole world. A message so beautiful and so universal.
What do you ladies like to do when not performing on the stage? Would it be something like sightseeing or seeing other singers perform?
CP: At this moment my life is only: music, music and music! I enjoy composing, and playing with other musicians and not musicians. I love this “sharing thing” that music brings us.
Do you have a favourite Eurovision song from the past?
CP: I liked Salvador… obviously and also like Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” and Lena – “Satellite”.
Do you have a favourite Eurovision entry for this year’s contest? Apart from yours of course.
CP: I do not have a favorite, I have several … but of course Spain is among them.
First time in Lisbon for both of you? And if not, what holiday tips would you give to the fans who will be travelling to the Portuguese capital to witness the Eurovision Song Contest?
CP: Isaura lives in Lisbon and I have lived in Lisbon for 1 year. You have to try the Pasteis de Belém!
Do you have a message for your fans out there who have been right behind you…
CP: First of all thanks for all the suport!! For all the love! And please vote for the music that you relate the most, because Eurovision is: everything for music. See you in May!
Finally, one word from each of you to describe your feelings ahead of an exciting event?
CP: “AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”
ISAURA
Representing your country on home soil, in front of an audience of over 200 million people… how does that sound?
Isaura: It’s an honor! This has been an incredible experience and i’m mostly grateful for the opportunity of representing Portugal. I’m a lucky girl to listen to “O Jardim” from Claudia’s voice and step right by her side on stage.
Winning a national selection must feel fantastic to know that there is a nation supporting you all the way…
Isaura: Yes! This year’s edition of Festival da Canção was particularly exciting! So many good songs and amazing singers. It was a tough choice and I hope we can conquer a good result also as a tribute to them.
Has Salvador Sobral given you any tips ahead of the song contest?
Isaura: No, I haven’t got a chance to hear his thoughts.
For those who are new to your song, can you tell them a bit more about the meaning of the song?
Isaura: I wrote the song for my grandmother who passed way a year ago. She was my best friend and I was dealing with all that. I was missing her so much, I still do.
As music performers, you are probably used to performing a number of songs at one gig. Does it feel a bit weird to be only performing one song on the Lisbon stage?
Isaura: Ahah! That is a really good question! I think it can be frustrating because there’s so much depending on a single performance. But we all know the game and the rules!
Any clues on what we should expect from the stage performance on the night of the grand final?
Isaura: We are still working with the Eurovision team on the possibilities. But we will keep the performance very emotional and focused on Claudia. This song is all about her and what she says.
What do you ladies like to do when not performing on the stage? Would it be something like sightseeing or seeing other singers perform?
Isaura: I love to watch others perform. There are very good performers and it’s an incredible opportunity to learn. I think this year’s edition will be a great show.
Do you have a favourite Eurovision song from the past?
Isaura: Euphoria (Loreen) was weird to me, at first. But I got used to it and now it’s recurrent on my mind!
Do you have a favourite Eurovision entry for this year’s contest? Apart from yours of course.
Isaura: I love Mikola’s song (czech republic)!
First time in Lisbon for both of you? And if not, what holiday tips would you give to the fans who will be travelling to the Portuguese capital to witness the Eurovision Song Contest?
Isaura: I actually live in Lisbon for 6 years now. I’d recommend to walk in the traditional neighbourhoods like Graça, Alfama, Mouraria or Bairro Alto! You need to go to Belém eat “Pasteis de Belém” and gain 10 pounds because of it!
Do you have a message for your fans out there who have been right behind you…
Isaura: Sure. I wan’t to thank everybody for being so kind to Cláudia and to me. Music only has meaning when someone is relating to what we do; without you this would not only be impossible but wouldn’t also make sense.
Finally, one word from each of you to describe your feelings ahead of an exciting event?
Isaura: Grateful.