Portugal was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 with the song "Se eu te pudesse abraçar" written by José Cid, and performed by the group Alma Lusa. The Portuguese participating broadcaster, Radiotelevisão Portuguesa (RTP), organised the national final Festival RTP da Canção 1998 in order to select its entry for the contest. The competition took place on 7 March 1998 where "Se eu te pudesse abraçar" performed by Alma Lusa emerged as the winner following the votes from a five-member jury panel. Songwriter José Cid represented Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest 1980 with the song "Um grande, grande amor" which placed seventh in the competition.