Margarida Campelo Interview: “Eu sei que o amor” is “an ode to love in all of its forms and flavors.”

Margarida Campelo’s passion for jazz and soul comes through in her Festival da Canção entry “Eu sei que o amor.” Ahead of her performance in the first semi-final, she spoke to us about her family’s musical background, the music she loves, and why she’d like to represent Portugal at Eurovision 2025.

Why did you decide to participate in Festival da Canção this year? 

Festival da Canção has always been very dear to me, because my mother is a singer and part of the festival’s history. I was invited to sing many times but never considered participating because I’m not really a fan of the “contest” thing. However, once I was invited to write my own song, I thought it was a great opportunity to share my music with a bigger audience and honor my mother’s legacy (hopefully)!

How has your Festival da Canção experience been so far?

It’s been good! I’m very happy with the song I wrote, and the reception has been beautiful. For the performance, I surrounded myself with my closest people, who are also very talented, so it’s a blessing.

Your song “Eu sei que o amor” is very jazz inspired. Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and influences? Who and what are you listening to at the moment?

I studied jazz for years and I’m very passionate about it. I also love R&B and soul, and all of these big references flow naturally when I write music for myself. For this song, I also wanted to bring the soul diva’s ballad, unplugged vibe – classy with a modern touch and background vocal features. I’m not listening to music at the moment, but the last records I heard were Joe Zawinul’s self-titled album, “Pastoral” by Emmy Curl, and some Poulenc songs and piano pieces. I’m a fan! 

Can you tell us a bit about the meaning behind “Eu sei que o amor?”

“Eu sei que o amor” is an ode to love in all of its forms and flavors. It explores how love moves with time and the seasons, whether it stays or disappears. “Love is never in vain” is what I say in the end, meaning it’s always worth it.

What is your personal history with Eurovision, and why do you want to represent Portugal?

Eurovision was never really present for me, but I would be honored to represent my country, and I would love to sing my song on that amazing stage!

What are some of your favorite Eurovision songs from the contest’s history?

“Amar Pelos Dois.”

Which artists are you most inspired by, both musically and personally? What’s on your playlist at the moment?

Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Michael McDonald, Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock, Carla Bley, Quincy Jones, and António Carlos Jobim, to name a few.

Besides Festival da Canção – and possibly Eurovision – what are your plans for 2025? 

Writing more music and continuing to do what I love the most! 

Any announcements and/or final messages for our readers?

Stay tuned please – it means a lot!

Margarida Campelo is performing in the first semi-final of Festival da Canção 2025 today, February 22 at 22:05 CET.

Are #YOU excited for Festival da Canção 2025? Let us know what #YOU think of “Eu sei que o amor” and all of the entries on social media (@escunited), Discord, or at our forum.