2B

Formation and Eurovision 2005

2B was a Portuguese pop duo formed in 2005 by singers Luciana Abreu and Rui Drumond. Both artists had risen to fame on TV talent shows (Luciana on Ídolos and Rui on Operação Triunfo). The duo was created exclusively to represent Portugal at the Eurovision Song Contest 2005. They competed in Kyiv, Ukraine, performing a bilingual pop song called “Amar” (meaning “to love”). During their live Eurovision performance, they faced technical problems – Luciana’s microphone malfunctioned several times. Despite their efforts, 2B finished 17th in the semi-final with 51 points and did not advance to the final. However, the duo did receive the maximum 12 points from three countries with large Portuguese communities (France, Germany, and Switzerland).

After Eurovision and Disbandment

After Eurovision 2005, 2B had no further major releases or hits as a group. The song “Amar” remained their only notable recording. The duo disbanded shortly after the contest, as it was formed for that one purpose. Both members had already announced that 2B would be short-lived and that they would pursue separate careers after Eurovision. Following the breakup, Luciana Abreu and Rui Drumond each focused on building their solo careers in entertainment.

Luciana Abreu’s Solo Career

Luciana Abreu went on to become a multi-talented star in Portugal. In 2006, she auditioned for a new TV series and won the lead role in “Floribella,” a Portuguese telenovela for children and teens. The show was a massive success and made Luciana a household name. The Floribella soundtrack albums, featuring Luciana’s songs, topped the charts in Portugal and earned multi-platinum status. Around the same time, Luciana also became the host of a children’s television show called “Lucy,” where she sang and danced. Her popularity grew, and she appeared on magazine covers (including CARAS and FHM). In 2008, she participated in Dança Comigo (the Portuguese Dancing with the Stars) and won the competition’s third season, showcasing her dancing skills.

Luciana continued her music career alongside TV projects. In 2009, she attempted to return to Eurovision as a solo artist. She entered Portugal’s national selection with a self-written song and was the televote favorite, but ultimately finished third in the final round. Throughout the 2010s, Luciana took on roles in various TV shows and soap operas, such as Perfeito Coração and the comedy series Último a Sair. She also released pop songs and music videos, further establishing her singing career. Luciana Abreu remains active in the entertainment industry to this day, frequently appearing on television, releasing music, and performing at events. 

Rui Drumond’s Solo Career

Rui Drumond also built a successful career after 2B. Known for his soulful voice, Rui continued performing in Portugal and honed his craft in the years following Eurovision. His major breakthrough came in 2014 when he entered The Voice Portugal. Rui wowed the coaches and audience with his performances and ultimately won Season 2 of The Voice Portugal. This victory boosted his music career. In the same year, he released his debut album “Parte de Mim” (meaning “Part of Me”). The album reached the Portuguese music charts (peaking in the Top 10) and showcased Rui’s range in pop and R&B genres.

Rui continued to stay active in music by performing live and collaborating with other artists. In 2017, he aimed for a Eurovision comeback by competing in Festival da Canção, Portugal’s national song contest. He performed the song “O Teu Melhor” (“Your Best”) in the semi-finals. Although the song did not advance to the Eurovision stage, the attempt kept him in the public eye. Rui has also been involved in musical projects like “Drumond & The Soul Journey,” reflecting his passion for soul and jazz-influenced music. He remains active as a singer and songwriter, performing at concerts and events. As of today, Rui Drumond continues to work in the music industry and often engages with fans through live shows and social media. His journey from Eurovision to winning The Voice exemplifies his perseverance and talent.