A press release from RTP earlier today detailed Maro’s plans for her performance of saudade, saudade, the song that won her Festival da Canção 2022 just over two weeks ago, at the PalaOlimpico in Turin.

Yesterday’s running order reveal had Maro down to perform 10th in the first semi-final, opening the second half after Moldova and before Croatia.

The setup will be similar to the final of Festival da Canção, with Maro on stage with five backing singers, one more than at FDC. As well as Beatriz Fonseca, Beatriz Pessoa and Carolina Leite, who accompanied Maro at RTP Studios, Diana Castro, who finished 4th with the Joana Espadinha-penned Ginger Ale, and Milhanas, who finished 7th with the Agir-penned Corpo de mulher, will complete the five-strong backing singer contingent in Turin.

Portugal’s Press Officer Maria Ferreira explained that: “These 5 powerful women will join Maro to create a unique performance at the Eurovision stage.” The creative team and staging designs are yet to be revealed.

saudade, saudade is a self-written song by Maro that pays tribute to her grandfather, who died of Covid in March 2021. The word “saudade” refers to a feeling of longing and melancholy nostalgia that characterises not only Portuguese vanguard music like Fado, but also many Brazilian and Caboverdiano genres.

Do you feel the “saudade” from Maro? Let us know on social media, and remember to vote in our Public Reacts polls, running every day to the end of April!