Today, the sad news came to us that Portuguese fado-singer Carlos do Carmo passed away at age 81. Carlos Do Carmo was a Portuguese fado singer. He was one of the most famous interpreters of the Lisbon song. His mother Lucília Do Carmo was a wellknown fadista as well. He began singing and recording in 1963. Until the end of the decade, he released another eleven records. With the arrival of the 1970s came success at home and abroad. In 1976, Portuguese television selected him to represent Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest. Out of six songs, “Uma flor de verde pinho” was chosen as the Portuguese entry.
Carlos Do Carmo sang many songs written by songwriters like Ary dos Santos. He helped to open Lisbon Fado to other musical influences, like jazz and French music, as well as adding the orchestra to the traditional Fado guitar trio or quartet.
After the news of this loss became known, many people honoured Do Carmo. Portuguese Prime minister Antonio Costa stated that ““It is with extreme dismay and deep pain that the government learned of the death of Carlos do Carmo, and decided to declare a day of national mourning to be observed next Monday”.
May Carlos do Carmo rest in peace.
🇫🇷 artist: Monroe will represent France with “Regarde!”
Monroe will represent France at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. France Télévisions announced on Friday 6 March that the 17-year-old singer has been selected for Vienna with the song Regarde !. The title translates as “Look!” and is presented as a song with a universal message about love. According to the official announcement, France wants to highlight the richness of its musical culture through this entry, combining elements of opera, musicals and contemporary pop. Regarde ! was composed by Fred Savio, Fredie Marche and Violin Phonix. Eurovision’s official website describes Violin Phonix as the most popular French violin duo of their generation. The song was written as a heartfelt plea and a hymn to love, built on the idea that love remains a shared language despite differences and struggles. That message appears to be central to the French concept for Vienna. Monroe may be only 17, but she already has a solid musical background. She came to wider public attention in 2025 when she won Prodiges. That is the flagship talent show of France Télévisions. Her victory there brought her national recognition and confirmed her status as one of the country’s emerging young performers. Monroe grew up between France and the United States in a family where music played an important role. She started with singing and piano at an early age. Monroe further developed her skills through choir work, musicals and classical training. Her influences range from Cecilia Bartoli to Céline Dion, showing a broad musical taste. After a debut album that was praised for its elegance and musical richness, Monroe now takes the next step in her career. With Regarde !, France has chosen a young artist with a clear artistic identity and an entry meant to underline both emotion and diversity on the Eurovision stage in Vienna this May.
