JESC 2018 | Meet Rita Laranjeira From Portugal

This year a record breaking 20 countries will be taking part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Minsk, Belarus on the 25th November 2018. With around two weeks to go until the competition, Eurovoxx will introduce you to each artist, and give a little insight to the country they will be representing. Today's installment comes from Portugal who will be represented by Rita Laranjeira.

Who is Rita Laranjeira?

Rita was born on the 3rd March 2005 in the beautiful, and historic village of Sintra, located west of Lisbon, and is thirteen years old. Rita has been prolific on YouTube in the last year, having well over thirty video's showing her talented voice that range from the stage to screen. Earlier this year the young singer, was a finalist in the Meo Kids Musix Fest. She is also part of the Junior Choir of Lisbon. Music is Rita's passion. Although young, she is very accomplished, and has many talents. These include singing, and even learning the Piano in the Academia Ateliar de Musica. To add to all of this, she now has the honour of representing Portugal in two weeks time with the very modern sounding song "Gosto de Tudo (Já Não Gosto de Nada)". The song is very contemporary, and is about how teenagers relate today with the world, through social media. It has already amassed over 52 thousand hits on YouTube. Check the song out below:

How Was Rita Chosen?

This year the broadcaster for Portugal, RTP had opted for an internal selection. João Só an established song writer was approached by the broadcaster to pen this years entry. 70 singers were shortlisted and performed at live auditions. The talented singer performed “Eu sei”, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, and “I Surrender”. Rita along with nine other singers were then selected to perform songs at a casting selection held by RTP. Ultimately, it was the voice, and talents of Rita that shone through, ensuring she is Portugal's next junior Eurovision entrant.

Eurovoxx Reacts To "Gosto de Tudo (Já Não Gosto de Nada)":

Portugal At The Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

This year will mark Portugal's fourth Junior Eurovision entry. They first participated back in 2006 with Pedro Madeira and the song, "Deixa-me sentir" that came 14th place. A year later Jorge Leiria sang "Só quero é cantar" which resulted in a 16th place finish. Due to these results, it would take Portugal ten years before they would send Mariana Venâncio in 2017, with the song "Youtuber", again resulting in a 14th place finish. Rita is the countries representative this year. Her voice, along with the great song should surely see her finish in the top ten with ease.

All the team at Eurovoxx would like to wish this young, and talented singer a "Boa Sorte"!!! in Minsk.

Do you like the song? Do you think it could win? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments below.