Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008
Portugal participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with the song "Senhora do mar " written by Andrej Babić and Carlos Coelho. The song was performed by Vânia Fernandes. The Portuguese broadcaster Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP) organised the national final Festival da Canção 2008 in order to select the Portuguese entry for the 2008 contest in Belgrade, Serbia. The competition took place on 9 March 2008 where the winner was selected exclusively by public televoting. "Senhora do mar " performed by Vânia Fernandes emerged as the winner with 17,650 votes.
"Senhora do mar" was released as a CD single as part of Vânia's promotional activities ahead of the contest.
Vânia Fernandes during a rehearsal before the second semi-final
Eurovision Song Contest 2008
The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was the 53rd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in Belgrade, Serbia, following the country's victory at the 2007 contest with the song "Molitva" by Marija Šerifović. Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), the contest was held at the Belgrade Arena, and consisted of two semi-finals on 20 and 22 May, and a final on 24 May 2008. The three live shows were presented by Serbian television presenter Jovana Janković and musician Željko Joksimović.
Belgrade Arena, Belgrade – host venue of the 2008 contest
Presenters Željko Joksimović and Jovana Janković during the first semi-final
The first logo, called "Mama 2008", was announced in October 2007. It was subsequently replaced in January 2008, after negative responses
Stage of the contest during the First Semi-final
