With just a couple of days until the start of Benidorm Fest, a withdrawal has occurred. RTVE has revealed that Luna Ki will not be competing in the competition, which is due to commence on January 26.
Luna Ki se retira del Benidorm Fest con su tema “Voy a morir”.
— Eurovisión RTVE (@eurovision_tve) January 23, 2022
Así lo ha decidido al no poder utilizar ‘autotune’, cuyo uso está desestimado por la normativa de Eurovisión.
Esta decisión se ampliará mañana, a las 16:30 H, en rueda de prensa.https://t.co/YiGovEtFEk pic.twitter.com/05OJmFfAWU
Auto-tune rules for the reason of withdrawal
In a statement published on Luna’s Twitter page, her team explains that the reason for her withdrawal is mainly due to the prohibited use of auto-tune, and that it is essential to have this for the interpretation of the song.
Luna Ki has informed RTVE of her decision to withdraw from the Benidorm Fest festival, since the European Eurovision regulations have finally prohibited the use of autotune at the festival.
It makes us sad, as autotune is a musical tool that has been used by artists like Cher since ’98, and represents part of the sound and identity of a generation. Luna considers that her song “Voy a Morir” has been composed with this tool and that its sonority and timbre are essential parts of her interpretation.
Luna is a sensitive person and is going through a delicate emotional moment, so we ask everyone for the utmost respect and kindness. Luna feels responsible before the Benidorm Fest public, before the other participating artists and before RTVE, for which she will give a detailed explanation about her decision.
Finally , we want to thank RTVE and especially Eva Mora and María Eizaguirre for their support and sensitivity at all times .
Luna’s decision to not participate in this year’s competition will be revealed further in a press conference on the 24th of January at 16:30CET.
Spain’s Eurovision Journey
Spain debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Conchita Bautista’s “Estando Contigo” and the country earned its first win in 1968 with Massiel’s “La La La”. They then earned their second consecutive win 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, including Mocedades’ “Eres tu” in 1973 and Anabel Conde’s “Vuelve conmigo” in 1996.
However, 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. This includes one last-place finish in 2017. Unfortunately, this trend continued in 2021, with Blas Canto finishing in 24th place at the 2021 contest with 6 points.
Are you disappointed that Luna Ki has withdrawn from Benidorm Fest? Will you be watching Benidorm Fest? Who would you like to represent Spain at Eurovision? As always, let us know in the comments or on social media. Also, be sure to follow THAT Eurovision Site on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
News Source: RTVE
Photo Source: RTVE
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