Salvador Sobral
Who was Salvador Sobral?
Portuguese singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Amar pelos dois."
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Salvador Sobral (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Salvador Vilar Braamcamp Sobral was born on December 28, 1989, in Lisbon, Portugal. He studied music at ISPA – University Institute and later at Taller de Músics, where he developed his unique vocal style and talent for songwriting. Sobral started his career in Portugal's music scene and gained international fame after winning Eurovision.
His big moment came in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 when he represented Portugal with "Amar pelos dois," a song written by his sister, Luísa Sobral. This performance was significant for Portugal, bringing the country its first Eurovision win since it began competing in 1964. The win ended a 53-year streak without victories for Portugal in Eurovision.
Sobral's win was not just historic but also set a new scoring record. His entry received 758 points, the highest for a winning entry at that time under the current Eurovision voting system. He impressed both the professional jury and the public televote, appealing to a wide range of voters. The song's personal and jazz-influenced style was a departure from typical Eurovision songs, signaling a change in the contest's musical trends.
After Eurovision, Sobral continued his music career and received significant recognition at home. He was honored with the Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal for his contributions to Portuguese culture and representing his country internationally. He married French actress Jenna Thiam, furthering his international ties beyond music. After his Eurovision win, Sobral kept true to his artistic roots while using the platform to advance his career.
Before Fame
Salvador Sobral grew up in Lisbon during the 1990s and 2000s when Portugal was finding its place in the European Union and going through cultural changes. He formally started his musical education at ISPA – University Institute, studying with other aspiring Portuguese musicians. Later, he continued his training at Taller de Músics, a school known for contemporary music.
Before his big break at Eurovision, Sobral worked in Portugal's music industry, honing his skills as both a performer and recording artist. His sister Luísa Sobral, who was already a well-known songwriter, played a key role in his artistic growth. During this time, the Portuguese music scene was more connected to wider European trends while keeping its unique cultural identity, which gave Sobral a chance to develop his own musical style.
Key Achievements
- Won Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with record-breaking score of 758 points
- Delivered Portugal's first Eurovision victory after 53 years of competition
- Awarded Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal
- Set Eurovision record for highest-scoring winner under current voting system
- Won both jury vote and televote at Eurovision 2017
Did You Know?
- 01.His Eurovision-winning song 'Amar pelos dois' was written by his sister Luísa Sobral, making it a family collaboration that brought Portugal its first Eurovision victory
- 02.He earned 758 points at Eurovision 2017, setting the record for the highest-scoring winner under the current voting system
- 03.Portugal had competed in Eurovision for 53 years before Sobral's victory, the longest winless streak in the contest's history
- 04.He is married to French actress Jenna Thiam, known for her roles in international television productions
- 05.He received the Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal, one of the country's highest civilian honors
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal | — | — |
| First prize of the Eurovision Song Contest | 2017 | — |