Portugal’s ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ entrant Salvador Sobral "has doctors with him at all times" ahead of this weekend’s grand final as he has a life-threatening heart condition.
The 27-year-old singer – who has been described as his country’s best ever ‘Eurovision’ entrant – has been told he may not survive into next year if he doesn’t have a heart transplant by the end of 2017, enabling show bosses to ensure medics are on call at any point.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Salvador has a life-threatening condition heart condition. He has his doctors with him at all times but show organisers have also dramatically increased medics at the arena to prepare for the worst. He is one of the favourites to win so organisers want to make sure he feels safe and supported and have pulled out all the stops."
And the determined singer – who rose to fame after coming seventh in ‘Idolos’, Portugal’s version of ‘Pop Idol’ – has been a no-show at rehearsals and pre-parties leading up to the final in Kiev, Ukraine, on Saturday night (13.05.17) as he is saving himself for his main performance.
Meanwhile, UK entrant Lucie Jones has claimed this week she is prepared to walk on stage in just her pants in order to win the contest with her song ‘Never Give Up On You’.
Lucie – who first shot to fame on ‘The X Factor’ in 2009 – said: "I might just wear pants on the night! Maybe that and a bit of body paint. I might get extra votes. You never know?"