Each week we feature an Australian and International Eurovision fan of the week. This week from Portugal is Joao aka @joao_diogo from twitter.
What is your name and where are you from? Hi! My name is João Diogo and I'm from Portugal. I live in a small city close to Porto.
What do you do or tell us something interesting about you? Right now I have a part-time job (but I'm looking for a full time) and I have a masters degree in International Relations. I love to do all the things that people my age enjoy, specially listen to music and spend time with friends, but my favorite thing in the world is traveling.
When did you first get into Eurovision?
My family sees Eurovision since ever so I guess I always watched it but the first memory that I have is from the Portuguese song in 2006, which is a very tragic memory. I remember watching 2007 but dived deep into this world in 2009.
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why? My favorite Eurovision year gotta be 2012. There’s so many great songs.
So Portugal won for the first time last year, how did you feel about winning and now hosting this year? I was one of those that thought that Portugal would never win Eurovision. I mean, we take part for over 50 years and never finished top5. And on may 13th I was convinced we were gonna be 2nd or 3rd so when Salvador won I was ecstatic, I couldn’t believe that was happening. To this day I still tear up when I rewatch the voting *embarassing*. I believe we are gonna do a great job hosting and that everyone who visits Lisbon is gonna love the experience.
Don't be embarrassed, we would be sobbing if Australia won (actually there were a couple of tears when Dami lost!) - Aussievision
How would you feel if a Portuguese act sang in english only?
I’m perfectly fine with Portugal sending a song entirely in English. Always stood up for that and finally our broadcaster opened its mind.
Which Eurovision song...
Is the best?
That’s a very hard question. It keeps changing but right now I would say 'We Could Be The Same' by maNga or 'Oro' by Jelena Tomasevic
Is overrated?
I have so many answers for this one but the two that come to mind most are 'Grande Amore' and 'You Are The Only One'. I really dislike them.
Was robbed?
I have a lot of answers for this one too but I’m gonna say 'Same Heart', 'Heartbeat', 'Rak Bishvilo' and 'Na Inat'. Sorry I can’t say only one.
Had the best live performance?
I’m gonna be very patriotic and say Portugal 2017 because it’s so magical. But also Dami Im and Iveta Mukuchyan.
Excellent answer! :)
Did you last play?
The last Eurovision Song I listened to was 'There Must Be Another Way'
Is your guilty pleasure?
I have a lot of guilty pleasures. The most recent ones are 'Verona' and 'Colour Of Your Life'.
'Verona' is a masterpiece and we must admit we loved 'Color of Your Life' as well!
Do you support any other countries other than your own?
Not really. I only support countries whose songs I like that year.
What do you think of Australia being in Eurovision?
I’m 100% for Australia in Eurovision. This is supposed to be a party and a way to unite Europe through music. Australia shares so much of our culture and watches Eurovision for over 30 years now. Why should we not accept you? Besides, you always deliver it. Three years three amazing songs, two of them my winners in their years.
What do you think of our act Jessica Mauboy?
I think Jessica has the experience which is always a plus. She already has a career in music so she knows how to do things. I’m not her biggest fan but I still like some of her songs.
Sea of Flags, Tonight Again, Sound of Silence or Don’t Come Easy?
Sound of Silence
And finally can you tell us a Portuguese phrase we must learn before going to Lisbon? Besides the basic thing like Hello, Olá, and thank you, Obrigado, I would recommend “um café e um pastel de nata por favor” which means “one expresso and one pastel de nata please”. You will not regret it believe me!
We look forward to it!!
Obrigado for your time Joao!