Special - Sabrina speaks to esctoday! | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2009 Moscow, Russia 

Sabrina, the Portuguese ambassadress in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contests speaks to esctoday about her plans for Helsinki!

Sabrina, when and how did you start your musical career? Tell us a little about yourself.

I started singing in karaoke bars. My parents had a bar where Nucha (Portuguese entrant in 1990) was in charge of the karaoke sessions. Then there was an audition for the formation of a girl band called “Teenagers”. I made it through and I was in the band for three years. This was when I got a break and the opportunity to start singing professionally.

Last February, about three weeks before the Portuguese national final, I was contacted by a producer in order to audition for the song that Emanuel was making for the Festival da Canção. I was sent me the song on a Sunday night, thus only having 1 night to learn it as I had an audition the next morning, ie. Monday. On Tuesday I received a call saying I had been chosen.

What expectations did you have for the Festival da Canção?

I knew that this song that was suitable for Festival da Canção and that it would please the audience watching the show on a Saturday night. I felt it was the right song for the contest, but I didn’t have many expectations.
When I knew who the other singers were, just before the national final, I started having some doubts. There were some artists who were already known in the music industry. Even so, when I heard the songs I thought I could stand a chance and I was very confident about my song.

You had a landslide victory, achieving double the amount of votes than the runner up . How do you feel representing Portugal in the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest?

I was very happy knowing that I had won with such a difference. Of course I am extremely happy and proud to represent my country at the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest. I never thought I would be participating at the Festival da Canção, let alone participating at the Eurovision Song Contest.

What are your memories from the Eurovision Song Contest and the former Portuguese representantatives and entries?

I remember Dulce Pontes and almost all the songs that competed in 1991. I got the chance to record the show and I was able to listen to all the songs, as if I was listening to a cd. I do remember that it was the same year when Sweden won with a very catchy song sung by a girl with dancers in the back. I also remember Gigliola Cinqueti singing the song “No no l’eta”, which I really liked. As you can see I really liked the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest . From other years I recall Sara Tavares and Lucia Moniz.




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Tell us how will you stage your entry and about your performance in Helsinki?

We want our performance to be colourful and vibrant with a good choreography. We are taking in ideas to create something that can stand out among the other songs.

What preparations have you been doing so far?

I can’t reveal everything. So far I have been having singing and dancing lessons so that I can be at my best on stage. This week more preparations are underway. The final arrangements of the song are getting their finishing touches. I am going to record the final version of the song and some surprises can be expected. I am also going to choose the dress I will wear on stage.

Do you know if you’re going abroad to promote your song?

That I don’t know yet. What I know is that Emanuel, the producer, is putting a lot of effort and work in order to achieve both a good result and a performance we can be proud of. Everyone who is involved with the song, are doing an excellent job.

Have you heard the other songs? What do you think about the competition?

I heard snippets of the songs and there are various music styles. It’s going to be tough.

Have you read reactions to the Portuguese song?

Some are good, some are bad but I think it’s always like that. I will do my best and I hope people like it.

What are your plans for after ESC?

Right now I am fully focused on my performance and all the work around the Eurovision Song Contest. Then after Eurovision I will record an album and will work closely with Emanuel. Taking into account that the Portuguese public like the musical style of “Dança Comigo”, the songs on the album will have the same rhythm and sonority.

Esctoday.com would like to thank Sabrina and wish her the best!