This Sunday, November 26th, marks the 15th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, and Portugal is making its return to the competition with young Mariana Venâncio and her song ‘Youtuber’. Our representative in this contest, also known as Junior Eurovision, is aiming to achieve the same success as Salvador Sobral in the Eurovision Song Contest. To get ready, let’s take a trip down memory lane and recall the winning songs from previous editions of the festival. Good luck, Mariana!

1 – 2003: Dino Jelusic – Ti si moja prva ljubav

The 2003 festival, held in Denmark, was won by Croatia with the song ‘Ti si moja prva ljubav’ by Dino Jelusic. This romantic ballad captured the hearts of both the audience and the judges, marking the beginning of a long history for Junior Eurovision.

2 – 2004: María Isabel – Antes muerta que sencilla

The 2004 festival, held in Norway, was won by Spain with ‘Antes muerta que sencilla’ by María Isabel. The song had a huge impact, with its mix of pop and flamenco, and won the competition, becoming a classic.

3 – 2005: Kseniya Sitnik – Мы вместе

The 2005 edition, held in Belgium, saw Belarus shine with the song ‘Мы вместе’ (We Are Together) by Kseniya Sitnik. The song moved everyone with its message of unity and friendship, and is remembered as one of the most captivating performances in the history of the festival.

4 – 2006: Nastya & Masha Tolmachevy – Весенний джаз

In 2006, Russia took home the win with ‘Весенний джаз’ (Spring Jazz), performed by sisters Nastya and Masha Tolmachevy. The song, with its catchy and cheerful melody, reflected the vibrant spirit of the time, and its performance captivated everyone.

5 – 2007: Alexey Zhigalkovich – S druz’yami

The 2007 festival, held in the Netherlands, was won by Alexey Zhigalkovich with the song ‘S druz’yami’ (With Friends), representing Belarus. The song, optimistic and full of energy, was a true celebration of friendship and unity, winning first place.

6 – 2008: Bzikebi – Bzzz…

Georgia won the 2008 festival, held in Cyprus, with ‘Bzzz…’ by the group Bzikebi. The song was marked by a fun beat and a unique style, and its lively performance clearly won the competition, making it one of the most iconic songs in Junior Eurovision history.

7 – 2009: Ralf Mackenbach – Click Clack

In 2009, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, held in Ukraine, was won by the Netherlands with ‘Click Clack’ by Ralf Mackenbach. The song was an instant success with its catchy pop beat and creative music video, charming both the audience and the judges.

8 – 2010: Vladimir Arzumanyan – Mama

In 2010, Armenia shone with ‘Mama’, performed by Vladimir Arzumanyan. The festival, held in Belarus, saw the song, a moving ballad dedicated to mothers, praised for its dramatic and touching performance.

9 – 2011: Candy – Candy Music

The 2011 edition, held in Armenia, saw Georgia win with ‘Candy Music’ by the band Candy. With a fun pop touch, this song was a fan favorite, with its vibrant energy and infectious performance.

10 – 2012: Anastasiya Petrik – Nebo

In 2012, the festival held in the Netherlands was won by Ukraine with ‘Nebo’ by Anastasiya Petrik. The song had an immediate impact, and its unique and moving interpretation led to an emotional victory for the country.

11 – 2013: Gaia Cauchi – The Start

Malta won in 2013 with ‘The Start’, performed by Gaia Cauchi. The festival edition, held in Ukraine, saw the young singer move everyone with her powerful voice and the message of hope conveyed by the song.

12 – 2014: Vincenzo Cantiello – Tu primo grande amore

In 2014, held in Malta, Italy took the win with ‘Tu primo grande amore’, performed by Vincenzo Cantiello. The song, with its lyrical and emotional character, was an instant success, touching the hearts of all present.

13 – 2015: Destiny Chukunyere – Not My Soul

The 2015 edition, held in Bulgaria, saw Malta win with ‘Not My Soul’, performed by Destiny Chukunyere. The song was an international success, standing out for its strong message and the powerful performance of the artist.

14 – 2016: Mariam Mamadashvili – Mzeo

In 2016, held in Malta, Georgia won with ‘Mzeo’ by Mariam Mamadashvili. The song had a huge impact, being an emotional ballad that conveyed a sense of hope and overcoming, and was very well received by the audience.

Bonus: 15 – Mariana Venâncio – Youtuber

Finally, the highlight moment: the song ‘Youtuber’ by Mariana Venâncio, who will represent Portugal in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024, held in Georgia. This is only Portugal’s third participation in this festival, and with its fun and contemporary lyrics, Mariana hopes to achieve the same success as Salvador Sobral in the Eurovision Song Contest. Good luck, Mariana!

Who will be the next winner of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest? Stay tuned and, above all, give your full support to our representative!

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