Not yet 30 years old, iolanda made a strong impression on Monday during dress rehearsals with her song Grito and its pop mixed with fado. After 2017, could Portugal win again?
She has nails as big as claws, but there is nothing carnivorous about her smile. Moreover, after her first successful rehearsal on Monday in Malmö, a whole crowd gathered around her to take photos and exchange a few words. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Iolanda remains calm, winking and little jokes to set the mood.
Born in 1994 by the ocean in a village near Figueira da Foz, she left for Lisbon then the United Kingdom to study music and writing, she first came to prominence with her EP (Cura2023) then with his victory at the da Canção festival last February, opening the doors to Eurovision.
His song Grito, written and composed by him, has strong pop accents but does not forget where it comes from with its melancholic roots specific to fado. After Salvador Sobral’s success in kyiv seven years ago, Portugal has a new chance to win. But for Iolanda, the main thing is elsewhere: firstly to reach the final, and above all, to give pleasure to people.
How do you feel ?
iolanda: I feel great, and enthusiastic. It’s true, I’m a little anxious, but in a good way. Who wouldn’t be at Eurovision? This is all very positive.
What are your predictions for Tuesday’s semi-final?
I don’t really have one. Above all, I am grateful to be here on stage, and singing my song as best as possible. Yes, that’s the most important thing: touching people’s hearts by being as honest as possible, before thinking about any result.
Can you tell us more about your song, Grito ?
She talks about self-confidence, about telling yourself that you are capable of doing things without paying attention to what others say, to what they expect of you. There are a lot of people with bad intentions, but you shouldn’t pay attention to them. You have to get over it and live your life the way you want. With ardor and desire as much as possible!
Since your success this year at the Canção festival, has your status changed in your country?
(She laughedt) Yes, I became famous! More seriously, it’s crazy and quite surprising to see all the love we receive from people, not only from Portugal but from all over the world. That’s the Eurovision effect!
Was it important to bring elements specific to Portuguese culture, such as fado, into your song?
Yes, it is important, but it should not be a forced gesture. I have always done it in my music, whether in my EP or in my next compositions. There’s nothing calculated about it. If we do it, it is first of all because it is natural, authentic. Personally, it speaks to me.
In 2017 in kyiv, Salvador Sobral won the first Eurovision for Portugal. Since this success, has your country become more interested in this competition?
I think yes. People probably pay more attention to it even if the main point isn’t there. Eurovision is above all a way of connecting people together. I am happy that Portugal is participating in this. There are so many cultures mixing here that it’s unimaginable. Besides, since I’ve been in Malmö, I’ve learned a ton of words in lots of languages… which I quickly forgot. I know, it’s not great (she laughs).
In French too?
I know a few things like “thank you” or “I don’t speak French”. It’s the first expression I learned. It’s useful !
Do you have any feedback from Portugal regarding you?
I think people like the song, but it has something much more universal about it. I remain amazed and happy that she can speak to people who do not understand Portuguese. That’s the beauty of Eurovision. I have no words to express how much this moves me.
There is Luxembourg which, this year, marks its return after more than thirty years of absence. Does that make you happy?
Yes, clearly. I have a cousin who lives there. I lost contact with her a bit because of the career I have and all that management entails. But it’s true, I’m happy that this country is coming back to Eurovision. There is a large Portuguese community in Luxembourg, and this rapprochement warms my heart. Plus, I love Tali! I wish him maximum luck.
(AFP photo)
You play just before her for the semi-final. There is an interesting contrast between your song and Tali’s. What do you think ?
Yes, his is more “up-tempo” than mine. I hope we find them both in the final on Saturday.
You write your own songs. What pushed you to do it?
Not always being very confident, writing allows me to bring out things deep within me. Let’s say it comes from the body and the heart.
We feel very close to your dancers…
I knew the choreographer before Eurovision because he works for a friend and within the same agency as me. But yes, this rapprochement is important, because this experience is shared. This is a first for all of us. We live it to the fullest, against each other!
