“The way Portugal ‘talked’ about this needs to be studied in schools”: fans’ reactions to Iolanda’s performance at Eurovision

The Eurovision community has already reacted, on social media, to iolanda’s performance in the first Eurovision semi-final, which ensured ‘Grito’ progress to next Saturday’s final. Praise from outside Portugal continues, with people talking about a “powerful performance”, others saying that the Portuguese song is their “new favorite” and anyone who thinks it could be the surprise of this year’s edition of the contest.

“The simple way in which Portugal ‘talked’ this needs to be studied in schools” and “Portugal 2024 will be a case study” are some of the most complimentary comments that can be read in the publication of iolanda’s performance on YouTube, “betting on minimalism monochrome and dimensional geometry so that all the story and emotion comes out without noise around it… it’s a brave and brilliant stage design”, writes a fan called K. Petrovic.

Praise comes from countries such as Serbia (“What a masterpiece! Serbia will vote for you! Brilliant. 12 points!”), Armenia (“Oh, my God. I love you for your authenticity, Portugal! 12 points from Armenia”), Greece (“My winner! Love from Greece”) or Ukraine (“You don’t need much to tell a deep story… Portugal’s ability to bring art every year is incredible. Love from Ukraine”).

“Portugal. How can a ballad be the most dynamic song among these 15?”, asks yet another admirer, “what an astounding performance. When iolanda gave that final scream, we all screamed with her. Many of us know that internal struggle. She is my favorite now”.

There are those among fans of iolanda’s performance who also highlight her qualification without countries that could give Portugal more votes having the chance to vote in this first semi-final – only the countries that participate in each of the semi-finals vote: “Portugal passes to the final even without Spain, France and Switzerland voting… bravo.” Remember the video for ‘Grito’ at Eurovision below.