Spain National Selection Review - Enrique Lopez de Vallejo

The same day in March that the 2020 Contest was cancelled, RTVE rushed to ratify Blas Cantó for the ESC in 2021. I dare to say he was the first artist confirmed for both editions and it seemed they have enough time to prepare his proposal.     

Despite this fact, season by season, year by year, we are used to the Spanish broadcaster’s anarchy. On this occasion, also, there was an endless speculation over how would be chosen Blas Cantó’s entry for ESC in Rotterdam. 

The 28th of January some rumours were confirmed: during February (no exact date) would take place a unique show in which the audience would be able to pick the song between two proposals. They were selected by some RTVE experts, singer’s record Company, his team and Blas himself.   

The 6th of February, through an almost hiden six seconds promo, it was announced that the songs would be released the 10th of February in the oficial site. Finally we could hear the entries: ‘Memoria’ and ‘Voy a quedarme’. At the same time, those who wanted, could vote for them by different ways. 

Once the two themes launched, two days later, RTVE published the date of the show and the hosts: the 20th of February Julia Varela and Tony Aguilar would be in charge of the gala to choose Spanish entry

After the intro (a medley composed, mainly, of some Eurovision winner songs), Blas performed the first theme, “Voy a quedarme”. It is a ballad, a genre that the artist specially likes. He said about this song that ‘it is very sensitive and strong’ and that his purpose is ‘to move the audience’ with it. 

Next he sang ‘Memoria’, an uptempo, and for him ‘it is an entry that aims to convey good energy to the audience but, at the same time, get them excited’ 

Then the show offered a review of this young artist’s career (you can find out more information in the last year report about him) and performed some different hits together with a few of his friends. Between them there were Pastora Soler and Edurne, who represented Spain in 2012 and 2015, respectively. 

Following this, it was announced the winner song, chosen by the audience: “Voy a quedarme” got 58% of the vote, defeating “Memoria”, which earned 42%. In May it will be Europe’s and Australia’s turn: will be Blas able to improve last years Spanish bad results?