Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest 1996


Portugal selected their entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 1996 through the annual Festival da Canção.

Before Eurovision

Festival da Canção 1996

Festival da Canção 1996 was held on 7 March 1996 and was hosted by Carlos Cruz and Isabel Angelino. The winner was selected through the votes of 10 regional juries of Portugal. The winner was Lúcia Moniz with the song "O meu coração não tem cor".

At Eurovision

Due to news rules implemented in this year, Moniz's was required to pass through a preliminary round of voting, to bring down the 30 countries that applied to participate to 23 for the contest. Portugal passed through this preliminary round.
On the night of the contest, Moniz performed 4th, following Spain and preceding Cyprus. Although the song was in second place in the voting at best, Moniz finished 6th with 92 points. This was Portugal's best placing at the contest in its history until Salvador Sobral's victory 21 years later.
12 points10 points8 points7 points6 points

5 points4 points3 points2 points1 point
  • 12 points10 points8 points7 points6 points

  • 5 points4 points3 points2 points1 point

  • Points awarded by Portugal (Pre-qualifying round)

    Points awarded by Portugal (Final)