Portugal’s Junior Eurovision 2026 representative Salvador Rio has spoken to Hashtag Eurovision about his song 'Alma', his journey through music and acting, and his expectations ahead of the contest in Malta.
At just 12 years old, Salvador Rio already has an extensive artistic journey behind him. After starting to sing at the age of four, the young Portuguese performer has explored both music and acting, including television, dubbing and his victory in The Voice Kids Portugal. Now, he is preparing for a new chapter: representing Portugal at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Malta.
Speaking to Hashtag Eurovision, Salvador reflected on the reception to 'Alma', describing it as generally very positive. His family also embraced the song, although, as he admits, “there are some people who don't like it.”
The song was written by his The Voice Kids mentor, Diogo Piçarra — something Salvador never expected when he first entered the competition. The young singer revealed that he initially joined the show simply to have fun and gain a new experience, without imagining that he would eventually win or that Piçarra would write the song with which he would represent Portugal at Junior Eurovision.
When Piçarra first presented him with the lyrics to 'Alma', Salvador immediately connected with it.
I really liked it because it's really beautiful, and I think he was careful to make it my style.
For Salvador, however, 'Alma' is not tied to a single emotion. He believes the song can change depending on how he feels when he performs it.
Every day I can have a different state of mind. I can be sad and interpret the song, or I can be happy and interpret the song.
That emotional flexibility is also central to the type of artist Salvador sees himself becoming. Although he is still discovering his musical identity, he says he is drawn towards Portuguese music, particularly songs that carry emotion and allow him to transmit those feelings to an audience.
From The Voice Kids to Malta
Salvador's path to Junior Eurovision began with another major television experience. During The Voice Kids, all four mentors turned their chairs when he performed 'No Teu Poema'. He ultimately chose Diogo Piçarra as his mentor — a decision that would later lead to their collaboration on 'Alma'.
Despite the success that followed, Salvador says he never entered the competition expecting to win. His approach to Junior Eurovision is remarkably similar: rather than focusing on the final result, he wants to enjoy the experience, meet the other participants and give everything on stage.
The result doesn't depend on me, but I promise to give my best and represent Portugal.
Salvador has already listened to all of this year's Junior Eurovision entries and says he is particularly like Georgia's and Cyprus' songs. However, when asked which participants he is most excited to meet in Malta, he refuses to single anyone out.
I'm curious to meet everyone because I'm curious to make friends.
More than a singer
Music is only one part of Salvador's artistic life. His acting career began when he was still very young, after his aunt heard about a casting looking for a boy. He landed his first project, 3 Caminos, and has since continued to explore acting and dubbing.
Today, he does not feel the need to choose between singing and acting.
I really like both. They are my two passions.
Away from cameras and stages, Salvador describes himself simply as a calm 12-year-old who enjoys playing football with friends, cycling, going to the cinema, watching TV and playing padel — another activity that has become part of his weekly routine.
And his ambitions extend far beyond Malta. In music, one of his dreams is to perform his first show. In acting, he has an even bigger goal: making a movie in Hollywood.
Looking back at the four-year-old who first started singing, Salvador imagines telling his younger self to keep going and stay strong.
His message is simple:
Don't give up on your dreams. Amazing things are going to happen.
With Junior Eurovision now approaching, Salvador is preparing to take 'Alma' to the Maltese stage — with his voice, his family, his team and plenty of strength behind him.
And when asked for a final message to his fans, his answer is equally straightforward:
Let's go Portugal!
Salvador Rio will represent Portugal at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Malta with 'Alma' and if you really love his song, you can vote for it for free online at JESC.TV when the voting windows are open, both before and during the Live Show broadcast.
Voting Window 1: You can vote from 00:00 CEST (midnight) on Friday 23 October until 20:59 CEST on Saturday 24 October - just before the Live Show starts in Malta.
Voting Window 2: Voting will then reopen after the final song has been performed during the Live Show.You’ll have approximately 15 minutes to cast your vote before voting closes. All votes will be converted into points, which will be revealed during the show.
Watch the full interview here:
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