Aitana is one of the biggest stars in Spanish pop, and a sure member of many Eurovision fan’s wishlists to represent the country. She has come close to representing Spain on many occasions, most recently in 2018 where she came second in their National Final, Gala Eurovisión. Furthermore, she placed second in the 9th season of Operación Triunfo, and many of her songs have gone on to be massive hits in Spain such as “Lo Malo”.
“Not capable right now.”
With the recent announcements that a revamped version of the Benidorm Song Festival would be used as a national final, many were hoping that Atitana would make an appearance. However, in an interview with Tony Aguilar on radio Los 40. Aguilar, Atiana has stated that Eurovision is not on the cards- for now. She has cited many reasons why she has ruled out competing in the near future, such as “not being capable of doing it right now.” She points out that you have to be well prepared mentally to compete on such a large stage. This was concluded with a statement saying that the door is not closed forever, and there is still a chance she may compete in Eurovision later in her career.
“I don’t think I’d be capable of doing it right now. You have to be very well prepared, and I don’t think I can handle it right now, but I won’t close that door. This doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like to do it in the future.”
– Aitana
What is the Benidorm Song Festival?
The Benidorm Song Festival was originally held from 1959-2006, and is based on Sanremo, the festival that selected 2021 Eurovision champions Måneskin.
The revamped version of Benidorm will consist of three shows, two semi-finals, and a final. It has been described as a “launching pad” for music, promoting new and young Spanish talent. The president of the Valencian Government, Ximo Puig, stated this mission best- “We want Benidorm to be a meeting point for what we need most now: music, Europe and diversity” – perfecting aligning with the values of the Eurovision Song Contest itself. Moreover, the Spanish broadcaster is also hoping that by allowing the winner of this festival to attend Eurovision as the representative, the revival of Benidorm might lead to a win in Italy. Many prominent Spanish acts like Varry Brava and Ladilla Rusa have expressed interest in entering the festival, and it is due to take place in February (exact dates not announced).
Spain’s Eurovision Journey
Spain debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Conchita Bautista’s “Estando Contigo”. The country earned its first win in 1968 with Massiel’s “La La La”, and won again in 1969 with Salome’s “Vivo Cantando” in an infamous four-way tie. Although they have yet to win again, Spain earned several 2nd place finishes, most famously with Mocedades’ “Eres tu” in 1973 and Anabel Conde’s “Vuelve conmigo” in 1996.
Spain has been less successful in recent years. Although they achieved two 10th place finishes in 2012 and 2014, the country has not finished above 20th place since 2015, including one last-place in 2017. They finished 24th at the 2021 contest with 6 points from the jury and no televote points.
What do you think about Aitana’s choice? Would you like to see her represent Spain in the future? Let us know in the comments or on social media. Be sure to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
News Source: Los 40/ESCXTRA/Wiwibloggs
Photo Source: RTVE
