Salvador Sobral speaks to the Italian press

ITALY – Eurovision is no longer considered a comic festival but rather a staple diet of TV and European Music excellence according to Italian media. A few nights ago, Italia One, the television channel held a programme where Eurovision was spoken about at length. This was immediately followed up with an interview in the Corriere della Sera with Salvador Sobral, who won Eurovision 2017 for Portugal. The interview focusses on the amazing talent of Salvador and how the character of the singer has made life a bit more challenging for him.

“I have many requests, I take part in a lot of concerts, a lot of people stop me in the street, I have many requests”, such were the statements made by Salvador Sobral, who in turn complains about “The invasion of privacy. Selfies are a manifestation of egocentrism, not altruism”. Expanding on this by further explaining that taking a picture with someone to add to social media makes the person feel like an animal in the zoo.

The interview does go on to praise Francesco Gabbani, saying that his song was not a trivial one but one that makes you think and a song that deserves victory. There is a love for jazz from Salvador Sobral, he notes Raphael Gualazzi as his favourite Italian singer and he is looking to undertake a collaboration with him.

Concerning other areas of show business, he dislikes talent shows, saying that they are simply entertainment and not music, since becoming a musician means having to study and forming your own vision, not being told what to do, which is what occurs on talent shows. The only highlight of talent shows, according to Salvador, is to gain first contact with people. He mentions little of his illness, simply stating to having some limitations and prefers to talk about other things.

There will be a new album, scheduled for release next May but will not include the Eurovision winning song. “This chapter has concluded with Eurovision and I wish to evolve and move forward with my career”, he says.