Portugal in Portugal: Cláudia Pascoal on stage for first rehearsal

04 May 2018 at 17:18 CEST

Portugal rehearsal Andres Putting

Portugal's own Cláudia Pascoal arrived at the Altice Arena for her first rehearsal earlier this afternoon. The 'O Jardim' singer uses simple staging and soft light to bring the song to life.

Host country delegate Cláudia Pascoal, born on the 12th of October, 1994, lives in Gondomar, Portugal. Starting out as a street artist, music has long been a big part of Cláudia's life. She has particpated in a handful of TV talent shows such as Ídolos (the Portuguese version of American Idol), Factor X and, most recently, The Voice of Portugal in 2017, where she was a semi-finalist.

Cláudia has released a popular single with second place The Voice of Portugal singer Pedro Gonçalves, and is the lead singer of her own band MORHUA. In March, Cláudia won the Portuguese national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, Festival da Canção.

READ MORE: Cláudia's profile

O Jardim was composed and produced by Isaura, who accompanies Cláudia on stage during her Eurovision performance.

Starting alone at centre stage, the song opens with Cláudia surrounded by softly lit lanterns. As the tempo of the song grows, so do the number of lanterns above her. Mid-way through the song, just as a heavier beat works its way in, an overhead spotlight illuminates to reveal Isaura standing beside her. Cláudia's bright pink hair stands out on stage, accentuated by her long, white dress. The simple staging of the performance serves to let the warm song shine.

When Eurovision.tv caught up with Cláudia after her first rehearsal, she was buzzing from excitement about being on stage in Lisbon: "Representing our country in our country is such an honour. We are very happy about it, and we think that Portugal is happy about it. I have never seen Portugal so excited about Eurovision. And we like to host people, so for us this is a huge party!"

Portugal will perform 8th in the Grand Final on the 12th of May.