RTP has unveiled the rules and structure for the 60th Festival da Canção, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. With a smaller lineup, a brand-new entry route, and the addition of online voting, Portugal is reimagining its iconic selection show.
16 Songs in Competition
Unlike recent years, which featured 20 acts, Festival da Canção 2026 will see 16 entries battling for the trophy. RTP has outlined four distinct paths to secure a place:
8 songs by invitation – RTP invites established authors and producers. 6 songs from open submissions – continuing the tradition of giving unknown talent a chance. 1 song chosen by last year’s winners – NAPA, who won Festival da Canção 2025, get to directly invite one artist. 1 song via Prova de Acesso (Access Test) – a brand-new feature involving music school students, chosen by public vote.
The Prova de Acesso: A New Gateway
For the first time, Festival da Canção opens its doors to emerging artists from partner music schools. Students and groups from ETIC (Lisbon) and ESMAE (Porto) submitted their proposals, and five finalists have now been shortlisted:
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Fans can vote for their favorite until 30 September 2025, and the winner will earn a place in the Festival. Importantly, they must then prepare a brand-new, original song that meets contest rules.
Two Semi-Finals and a Final
The format remains familiar, but with subtle adjustments:
Two semi-finals with 8 songs each. 5 qualifiers per semi-final, making a 10-song final. 4 qualifiers chosen by a jury + public split (50/50). 1 qualifier decided by the public alone.
The final will once again use the traditional regional jury + public vote system, this time with the addition of online voting alongside televote.
Online Voting Joins the Mix
For the first time, Portuguese fans can cast their votes online, alongside the televote. This ensures broader participation, particularly from younger audiences.
Festival da Canção has always balanced tradition with innovation, and the 2026 edition looks set to highlight both Portugal’s established talent and its next generation of songwriters. With online voting, the Prova de Acesso, and a tighter 16-act lineup, all eyes will be on Lisbon when the contest kicks off.
Sources
RTP official announcement: Festival da Canção 2026 – todas as novidades RTP Festival da Canção 2026 Regulations (PDF)
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