Welcome to Porto
"Looking behind and ahead"
Welcome to Porto, a city of charm and authenticity nestled along the scenic Douro River in Portugal! Prepare to be captivated by a destination that seamlessly blends historic treasures, world-renowned port wine, and a vibrant cultural scene, offering an enchanting experience that will leave you wanting more. As you arrive in Porto, be greeted by a city that exudes old-world charm with its narrow, winding streets, colorful tiled buildings, and graceful bridges. Marvel at the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, an architectural marvel that connects the vibrant Ribeira district with the charming Vila Nova de Gaia, where port wine cellars line the riverbanks. Immerse yourself in Porto's rich history and culture as you explore its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, Ribeira. Lose yourself in its medieval alleyways, where every corner reveals hidden gems, lively cafes, and traditional taverns serving up mouthwatering Portuguese cuisine. Discover ornate churches, such as the awe-inspiring Sé Cathedral, and be transported back in time as you step into São Bento Station, adorned with magnificent azulejo tilework. Indulge your senses in the flavors of Porto, renowned for its port wine production. Embark on a tour of the historic cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can sample the rich and aromatic fortified wine. Savor the intricate flavors of aged tawnies, robust vintage ports, and exquisite ruby reserves, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Porto's skyline. Porto's cultural scene is a tapestry of artistic expression and vibrant traditions. Explore the contemporary architecture of the Casa da Música, a stunning concert hall renowned for its acoustics and innovative design. Wander through the vibrant arts district of Miguel Bombarda, where galleries showcase the works of local and international artists, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city's street festivals, such as the São João Festival, where lively music, fireworks, and traditional dances fill the streets with joy. For nature lovers, Porto offers idyllic escapes just a short distance away. Take a leisurely boat trip along the Douro River, surrounded by terraced vineyards and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the nearby Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where picturesque villages, rolling hills, and vineyard-covered slopes await, offering a taste of Portugal's renowned wine country. With its captivating beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, Porto beckons you to embrace the magic of Portugal. Let the city's unique character and genuine charm envelop you as you explore its treasures, indulge in its flavors, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, come and experience the allure of Porto, where tradition meets innovation, and where the spirit of Portugal welcomes you with open arms.
Host City / Porto, Portugal
Venue / Pavilhão Rosa Mota
Hosts / Sara Matos & Ruben Rua
Participating countries / 44
Debuting countries / Bhutan
Returning countries / Egypt, Ghana, Ireland and Slovakia
Countries taking a break / Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and Uganda
Debuting players / None
Venue / Pavilhão Rosa Mota
Hosts / Sara Matos & Ruben Rua
Participating countries / 44
Debuting countries / Bhutan
Returning countries / Egypt, Ghana, Ireland and Slovakia
Countries taking a break / Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and Uganda
Debuting players / None
Returning Artists
Elisa Toffoli / 3 times for Italy and once for San Marino / Global Music Champion
Giorgos Papadopoulos / for Cyprus / his best result being 13th Mariza / for Portugal / her best result being 15th Pegasus / for Switzerland / their best result being 6th Zedd / twice for Russia and once for Germany and United States / his best result being 13th |
Bebe Rexha / once for Albania and Norway / her best result being 7th
Dana International / for Israel / her best result being 21st Edyta Górniak / for Poland / her best result being 21st Kodaline / for Ireland / their best result being 4th Loreen / for Sweden / Silver Medallist Mária Círová / for Slovakia / not qualifying for the final Mastiksoul / for Portugal / his best result being 23rd Nell / for South Korea / their best result being 18th |
Aimer / for Japan / not qualifying for the final
Alessia Cara / for Canada / placing 25th Bruno Martini / for Brazil / not qualifying for the final Fuse ODG / for Ghana / not qualifying for the final Louis Tomlinson / for United States / not qualifying for the final SanLuis / for Venezuela / placing 11th Shawn Hook / for Canada / placing 13th Vanesa Martín / for Andorra / placing 17th Vanessa Hudgens / for United States / placing 23rd |
The Result
Countries receiving most 12 points / South Africa and Sweden, 5
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Morocco, Colombia, Portugal, United States and Norway
Countries receiving points from most juries / South Africa, 22
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Liechtenstein in 5th with 10 points from United Kingdom as highest mark
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / United Kingdom in 24th getting 12 points from Germany
For most of the voting France seemed like a sure thing for victory. However, with the last 7 juries not awarding France a single point but in stead putting their support behind South Africa, the African country strolled past their European opponent and claimed their second victory in Global Music. France settled for the silver, with United States taking the bronze and Mexico and Liechtenstein rounding out the top 5.
South Africa made their debut in GM32, but did not reach the final until GM38 and the top 10 until GM48. Following 3 consecutive non-qualifications, South Africa quit the contest after GM57 and didn't return until GM73, when they finished towards the bottom of the scoreboard in the final. However, in the following edition, they rised from the ashes and took home their first medal, when Nádine won the bronze. Interestingly, they then decided to stay home for a few editions, before making a triumphant comeback with their first victory in GM78, as Velile and Safri Duo soared to the top of the scoreboard. More top 10 results followed and South Africa came close to more gold, settling for the silver in GM125 and 136 with Connell Cruise and Troye Sivan respectively, and now BlackByrd and Craig Hinds brings the contest back to South Africa! The southernmost African nation has now participated 76 times, reaching 34 finals, finishing in the top 10 on 12 occasions, taking home 5 medals including 2 of gold. José Mora took over the South African delegation in GM115 and can now finally call himself a champion! Well done South Africa, BlackByrd, Craig Hinds and José Mora!
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Morocco, Colombia, Portugal, United States and Norway
Countries receiving points from most juries / South Africa, 22
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Liechtenstein in 5th with 10 points from United Kingdom as highest mark
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / United Kingdom in 24th getting 12 points from Germany
For most of the voting France seemed like a sure thing for victory. However, with the last 7 juries not awarding France a single point but in stead putting their support behind South Africa, the African country strolled past their European opponent and claimed their second victory in Global Music. France settled for the silver, with United States taking the bronze and Mexico and Liechtenstein rounding out the top 5.
South Africa made their debut in GM32, but did not reach the final until GM38 and the top 10 until GM48. Following 3 consecutive non-qualifications, South Africa quit the contest after GM57 and didn't return until GM73, when they finished towards the bottom of the scoreboard in the final. However, in the following edition, they rised from the ashes and took home their first medal, when Nádine won the bronze. Interestingly, they then decided to stay home for a few editions, before making a triumphant comeback with their first victory in GM78, as Velile and Safri Duo soared to the top of the scoreboard. More top 10 results followed and South Africa came close to more gold, settling for the silver in GM125 and 136 with Connell Cruise and Troye Sivan respectively, and now BlackByrd and Craig Hinds brings the contest back to South Africa! The southernmost African nation has now participated 76 times, reaching 34 finals, finishing in the top 10 on 12 occasions, taking home 5 medals including 2 of gold. José Mora took over the South African delegation in GM115 and can now finally call himself a champion! Well done South Africa, BlackByrd, Craig Hinds and José Mora!
The Winner
Scoreboards and Live Voting
Calendar
December 5th - 12th / Vote in the semi finals
December 13th - 20th / Vote in the final
Until January 2nd / Submit song for Global Music / 144 - The sooner the better!
December 13th - 20th / Vote in the final
Until January 2nd / Submit song for Global Music / 144 - The sooner the better!
Voting
12, 10, 8...1 point for your top 10
In the final you also have to choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
In the final you also have to choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
Watching the Videos
All the videos are in the YouTube playlist at TVGlobalMusic