The regional juries across Norte, Centro, Lisboa and Tagus Valley, Algarve, Alentejo, Azores and Madeira awarded top honors to Rosa by Bandidos do Cante, while Canção do Querer by João Ribeiro won the Canção do Querer prize in several regions.

The final lineup included 10 finalists from seven regional juries, with a running order announced ahead of the show.

João Ribeiro earned the jury’s Canção do Querer in the festival’s final, and Rosa by Bandidos do Cante led in the public vote with a 12-point share.

The final ceremony was hosted by Filomena Cautela and Vasco Palmeirim, and the winning band Bandidos do Cante will represent Portugal at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.

A notable context: 13 of 16 original acts issued a joint statement opposing Portugal’s Eurovision participation if Israel were allowed, signaling protest within the industry.

The final featured performances by Throes + The Shine with guests and NAPA performing a new version of Deslocado, the 2025 winning song.

Bandidos do Cante is a Beja-based quintet blending cante alentejano with contemporary pop, formed in 2022, with members Miguel Costa, Duarte Farias, Francisco Raposo, Luís Aleixo, and Francisco Pestana.

Festival da Canção 2026 showcased a 10-act final, with the running order released prior to the grand final.

Portugal’s Eurovision history includes a first win in 2017 and, since 2004, only ten Grand Final qualifications out of nineteen appearances.

Rosa weaves cante alentejano with violin and references the Alentejo, performed as the opening number in the televised finale with backstage segments in a green room.

Bandidos do Cante won Festival da Canção 2026 with Rosa, earning Portugal’s Eurovision spot after a 50/50 regional juries and televote decision.

Festival da Canção 2026 format used two semi-finals leading to a final on March 7, 2026, with a 50/50 jury-public vote.