We have started. Stage introduction comes from Loreen singing Euphoria, she is also part of the International Jury tonight. Strobe lighting and lots of hand waving from our live audience. Our host, Anne igartiburu introduces the novelty this year of an International Jury and online voting. We are shown the backstage area where all of tonight’s acts are accompanied by family and friends. We start with a general introduction of all acts, singing a snippet of their songs. Each person coming to the stage and performing a segment of their song. 3 songs are in English and 3 in Spanish.
The Jury have 30% of the vote, International Jury another 30% and the voting public 40%. The Jury is comprised of Edurne, Loreen and Carlos Marin. The International Jury will be UK, Sweden, Italy and France. We are introduced to each International Jury member coming live from their respective country.
The first performer takes to stage. Maverick who is now being briefly introduced to the public. Maverick is singing his song “Un mundo mas feliz”. The song has him coming to the stage and immediately dancing to a melodic song. He drags a person onto the stage, clearly a dancer and part of the performance. The song is in Spanish, includes much vocals from Maverick and is well performed. The backing dancers do seem a little over excited though. The song is well received by the public, Maverick says thanks and is immediately interviewed by tonight’s host. The Jury offer some perspective to Maverick. Edurne saying that the fact that he dances is an advantage. Voting is already open and this is reminded to all viewers along with the text number for voting.
Our second performer of the night is Barei. She is performing “Say Yay!”, the song is in English. Barei is standing in the middle of the stage with a microphone. Her backing singers are in chorus to her far left. Barei, wearing a black dress with boots is moving around the stage as the song proceeds, there is a choreographed dance move that follows the song. She encourages the audience to take part in singing the chorus. Barei is also well received by the audience. She says to being very happy. Carlos Marin offers some words of advice, saying she has a great range of vocals and that the song is very international.
We are now given a recap of all entries for tonight. Song three will be next on stage.
Xuso Jones is next on stage, singing his song “Victorious”, the song is in English and the stage setting has Xuso wearing a blue suit and being surrounded by smoke and violinists in the background. Three male backing singers add to the vocals by Xuso who is settled in the middle of the stage with a microphone stand. Some Spanish has been added to the song within the lyrics. Much use of strobe lighting, the song is well received by the audience but the original feeling of sparkle appears to have been missing. Loreen offers some advice, saying it’s a nice song, sharing a composer with her winning song. She says he could go far.
Our fourth participant is Salva Beltrán singing “Dias de Alegria”, the song is in Spanish and has Salva on stage with a guitar and some backing singers behind him. The song is a very Spanish number, making use of hand movements and guitar reefs. Coming on stage are some more backing dancers, there are six people on stage in total. A lot of choreography in this song with strong use of the chorus lines. Again, liked by the audience and our Jury, Carlos Marin in this instance says that its a very Spanish song that will do well nationally.
Next on stage is Maria Isabel with her song “La vida solo es una”. The song is in Spanish with a strong disco beat. Dressed in black, Maria Isabel is present centre of stage while the backing dancers float around her. There is some good use of choreographed movements and strobe lighting. The audience show their appreciation and the Jury, this time Edurne says that the song is one of the strongest with Maria Isabel having a good stage performance.
Again we are treated to a recap of all of tonights performances
Electric Nana is our final performer of the night. She will be performing her song “Now”. The song is in English. Present at the centre of the stage, Electric Nana is surrounded by smoke and what appears to be a band. She is dressed in a leather jacket and red skirt. The song has some added Spanish lyrics midway and makes good use of a catchy chorus, fire can be seen rising in the background. The audience again receive this well. The Jury through Loreen, says that it was a good performance and nice to see a woman in control.
That concludes all our entries of the night, we are once again offered a recap while votes are gathered. On what appears to be a new segment, each contestant is given time to state why they should win tonight. On what appears to be a new segment, each contestant is given time to state why they should win tonight.
The votes are now in. Who will represent Spain in Stockholm at Eurovision 2016?
International Jury will vote first. Cecilia Julin, Swedish ambassador in Spain has handed over the votes to our host.
Electric Nana – 15pts
Maria Isabel – 18pts
Maverick – 21pts
Xuso Jones – 24pts
Barei – 30pts
Salvador Beltran – 36pts
Jury votes (Edurne): Salvador Beltran – 5, Maverick – 6, Maria Isabel – 7, Electric Nana – 8, Xuso Jones – 10, Barei – 12
Jury Votes (Carlos Marin): Salvador Beltran – 5, Maria Isabel – 6, Eletric Nana – 7, Maverick – 8, Xuso Jones – 10, Barei – 12
Jury Votes (Loreen): Maria Isabel – 5, Salvador Beltran – 6, Maverick – 7, Electric Nana – 8, Xuso Jones – 10, Barei – 12
The public vote is brought to stage by the public notary.