Back in July, it was announced that Spain would be running a revamped national final to select their entry for Eurovision 2022. Following the announcement of the festival aimed to be a ‘launching pad’ for Spanish music, some exciting acts declared their interest ahead of the submission process opening. However, one prominent name in Spanish music who has ruled out her participation (for now) is Aitana.
Aitana is known to Eurovision fans as one of the most prominent cases of ‘what could have been’. She placed as the runner-up in both season nine of Operación Triunfo and the Gala Eurovisión, losing to Alfred & Amaia. Her collaborative single “Lo Malo” with Ana Guerra (which finished third in the Eurovision Gala) went on to become a huge hit in Spain, marking the start of her ascent to being one of the biggest stars in Spanish pop.
Naturally, many fans are hoping to see Aitana on the Eurovision stage eventually. This week, Eurovision commentator Tony Aguilar asked the question in a radio interview on Los 40.
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 on Eurovision, translation from Wiwibloggs
The revival of the Benidorm Song Festival
In July, RTVE announced that a modernised successor of the Benidorm Song Festival will select their entry for Eurovision 2022. To be organised in collaboration with RTVE, the Generalitat Valenciana and the Benidorm City Council, it is intended that the show will run ‘annually’ to celebrate Spanish music.
Although exact dates have not been announced, the selection will take place in February according to Eurovision.tv. In terms of format, like Portugal’s Festival da Canção, the selection will consist of three galas (two semifinals and one final), which RTVE will broadcast live through La 1 and RTVE Play. Details of the submissions process will be announced ‘shortly’.
Benidorm is a great launching pad for a message: Spanish music to Europe through Eurovision. We want it to be a real and participatory contest, open to all kinds of music. Especially young music.
José Manuel Pérez Tornero, President of RTVE
The President of RVTE reiterated the broadcaster’s commitment to the contest by describing the selection as a “launching pad to win in Italy. The efforts will be to launch the best candidacy.”
Who would you like to see represent Spain next? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!
