Portuguese broadcaster RTP will organize another edition of the “Festival da Canção“.
And now, more details have been revealed.
“Festival da Canção 2026” – Known Details
- The submission window will close on October 31st, 2025.
- The submissions should be sent online via email: festivaldacancao@rtp.pt
- The number of shortlisted acts decreased to 16.
- The 16 acts will be selected as follows:
- 8 composers will get a direct invitation from RTP. Some of them might perform their songs as well, and some will select another performer (but will be the composers behind the song)
- 6 artists will be selected from the free submission path
- 1 artist will get an invitation from last year festival’ winner: NAPA
- The public will choose an additional artist via “Prova de Acesso” (Eng: Entrance Exam). 5 artists from 2 music schools in Portugal were selected by RTP (getting recommended by their schools first). The local public will choose one of them via online voting
- The festival will feature 2 semi-finals and a grand final.
- The results of each show will be based on a 50% public vote and a 50% jury vote. The voting system will be fixed points based (12, 10, 8, 1-6 points)
- In the semi-finals, 4 acts will be selected based on a 50% public vote and a 50% jury vote. Additional finalist will be selected among the remaining based on 100% public vote.
- For the first time, the public vote will feature online voting.
- The winner will have the first right to represent the country in Eurovision 2026, but isn’t obligated to.
- The full regulations can be found here
- The 5 artists competing in “Prova de Acesso” (not with their festival songs!) are: Dinis Mota, Diogo Catanho, Tilde, Polar Opposites, and 1poucodeso
