Eurovision in Liverpool is now less than a month away. In the run-up to rehearsals we will be getting to know a little more about this year’s artists, their discography and their Eurovision journey so far. The next act we will be previewing is Spain’s Blanca Paloma.
Blanca Paloma’s Eurovision journey so far….
Blanca Paloma already had some previous experience in the Eurovision Song Contest after competing in Spain’s national selection Benidorm Fest in 2022. With her song ‘Secreto de agua’, Blanca finished in 5th place with 61 points.
For 2023, Blanca Paloma returned to Benidorm Fest with her song ‘EAEA’. After winning her semi-final, Blanca went on to win the entire competition, garnering 95 points from the professional jury, 35 points from the demoscopic jury and 40 points from the televote.
Blanca Paloma will perform in the Grand Final at Eurovision 2023, bypassing the semi-finals as Germany are part of the Big 5.
Blanca Paloma performed live at the Barcelona Eurovision Party, Pre-Party ES in Madrid, Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam and the London Eurovision Party.
What do we think of “EAEA”
The team at That Eurovision Site has been doing their reviews for this year’s contest. Jazzi and Isabelle gave their thoughts on “EAEA”, which you can see here.
Who is Blanca Paloma?
Blanca Paloma is the stage name of Blanca Paloma Ramos Baeza, a 33-year-old singer songwriter from Spain.
Born in the Valencian town of Elche, Blanca stayed local to her town for her education. She graduated from the Miguel Hernández University of Elche with a degree in Fine Arts. However, soon after, Blanca moved to Madrid to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Blanca’s signature genre of music is ‘new flamenco’, taking inspiration from the likes of former Eurovision alumni Remedios Amaya and Azúcar Moreno.
After being linked to several bands including Afalkay and De Mar A Mar, Blanca first made her name competing at Benidorm Fest 2022 with her song ‘Secreto de Agua’. Initially finishing 3rd in her semi-final, Blanca qualified for the final, finishing in 5th place with 61 points at the close of voting.
Following some collaborations, Blanca was announced as the only artist to return to Benidorm Fest for 2023. Her song for the competition – ‘EAEA’ – comfortably won the selection and will now represent Spain at Eurovision 2023. The song is written by Blanca herself, alongside José Pablo Polo and Álvaro Tato.
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. This poor running streak was broken, however in 2022, when Chanel finished in 3rd place with 459 points from the jury and televoters with her song “SloMo”.
What do you think of EAEA? Can Blanca Paloma bring Eurovision back to Spain? Let us know your thoughts! Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok as we prepare for Eurovision 2023!
News Source: That Eurovision Site/Blanca Paloma
Photo Credit: RTVE/Valero Rioja
