Young Filipa Sousa wowed many with her first rehearsal delivering a performance of a very high calibre indeed. Could she manage to maintain the same wow factor with this, her second rehearsal.
And top it she did. Portugal are wisely sticking to a tried and tested formula, and this epic slice of fado should be enough to convert even the biggest sceptic. It all just seems to fit so effortlessly. The whole number reeks quality, from the staging, choreography to the main feature, the stunning vocal performance. Portugal has sent a long line of songstresses who pour their hearts out, bleeding lusitanian passion and Miss Sousa is no exception.
From the moment the first few bars of the accordion signal the onmarch of a heady mix of emotion, drama, sensuality, longing, Filipa takes to the stage with such command and presence, that many an artist can be envious of. The backing singers, 2 ladies and 3 men remain discreetly in the background, letting Filipa’s full vocal force reach out to the public. All 5 were dressed once again in casual attire, Filipa less so, wearing a breezy, flowing brown knee high dress,
accentuating her sensuality.
She delivers every line with such gusto and conviction that you end up believing every word she says, even if you don’t speak Portuguese. Translation isn’t needed here, as she pours herself into her presentation. The whole package manages to transport the viewer, with a grace perhaps not yet seen at this year’s contest.
RTP have made the wise choice of keeping the stunning basckdrop, which is equally as mesmerising the second time you watch it. The images of old Lisbon with images of what look like fireflies or shooting stars flying across the screen make for an unbeatable combination and Portugal are definitely on to a winner here.
There were a few minutes delay during the first and second run through of today’s rehearsal, which apparently were used to establish the artists positions on stage.
Some may argue that Portugal should dare to stick their necks out and dare to try a new concept for a change, but when giving us treasures like this, the majority of us are really glad they don’t and that they keep on sending such sublime songs for the foreseeable future.
