Portugal Launches The Search for Eurovision 2017!

Portugal has released more details for their 2017 Eurovision plans, which is a special on as it marks the 60^th anniversary of the launch of the broadcaster’s first channel, RTP1. The national final will also feature a celebration of those 60 years.

The national final, Festival da Canção will feature three shows, 2 semi-finals and the final. The dates are as follows:

• First semi-final – Sunday 19^th February, RTP1

• Second semi-final – Sunday 26^th February, RTP1

• Final – Sunday 5^th March, RTP1

The broadcaster RTP has invited 16 well known composers to compose, write and produce the songs that will be performed in the national final. It is also up to the composer to find a suitable artist.

Each semi-final will feature eight songs, and out of these eight, four will qualify for the final. The results of the shows will be decided with a mixture of jury and televote, with the split at 50/50.

Portugal is returning to the contest after a year break. Here is their last Eurovision entry, from 2015!