Salvador Sobral recently graced the stage at the Philharmonie to present his new album, offering an exclusive interview to our colleagues at RTL.lu.
It has been three decades since Luxembourg participated in the Eurovision Song Contest. To understand the unique experience of representing a country at this event, the Grand Duchy therefore has to turn to artists from other nations, such as Portuguese singer Salvador Sobral. In 2017, Sobral made history by participating on behalf of Portugal and emerging as the winner.
Sobral's journey into music began during his primary school years when he performed at a Christmas celebration. Since then, music and singing have been fundamental aspects of his life.
He reflects on his musical path, saying, "I've been a singer ever since. Sometimes, I'd go through phases in my life where I'd question if this was my choice or life's gift to me, pushing me towards something else. I attempted to study psychology, ventured into translation, and more, but life consistently led me back to music – a fortunate turn of events. Being on stage is what brings me complete happiness."
Participating in the Eurovision Song Contest presented a unique experience for Sobral. He elaborates, "Eurovision stands out because it involves extensive rehearsals, which is not my usual approach. I thrive on improvisation and taking creative risks. To achieve that, a performance shouldn't be overly rehearsed. Eurovision, on the other hand, is a grand-scale production with minimal room for improvisation."
His winning song, "Amar pelos dois," was penned by his sister and led him to first place at the 2017 ESC, amassing an unprecedented 758 points. Portugal had waited 53 years for such a victory. Reflecting on this moment, Sobral acknowledges that his health was not at its best during that time, and a few months later, he underwent a life-changing heart transplant. He believes that winning the Eurovision Song Contest opened doors to many stages worldwide.
For the future Luxembourg Eurovision representative, Sobral offers some advice, stating, "The person chosen to represent Luxembourg should perform something they truly believe in because authenticity shines through. People can tell when you sing or perform something that doesn't resonate with you. People can tell when you perform something that you are proud of and that really embodies you. You just have to stay true to yourself. It's a bit of a cliché, but it's the truth."
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish and French)