Who should represent Spain in Vienna?

EDITORIAL – The time of year has arrived for planning yet another Eurovision and once again Spain and TVE in particular do not appear in any hurry to do so. Previous years have made Eurofans veer from a feeling of total frustration to one of possible hope.

The formula has been altered many times and the high point that was Rosa Lopez (2002) came to be matched by Chiquilicuatre (2008) and the feeling of rebellion towards a competition where victory appeared to be an impossibility.

TVE have for the last couple of years chosen the song and representative via an internal selection process. This has found both supporters and critics but it cannot be denied that TVE have been able to inject a feeling of trying to care for a festival that in 2009, it placed second in level of importance to a football match.

This year TVE are looking to put forward a number of artists and songs but allow the public to choose one or the other, this decision is still not definite, so it may yet change. For me, an internal selection is not a bad choice, given, that when the public are provided with the opportunity to choose they almost always proceed to introduce acts that are far from acceptable, an example being John Cobra in 2010. However the internal choice should be an informed one and not pressured by record companies who will not always look for overall success but rather for national sales. Saying this, TVE continue to miss the opportunity to promote their selection abroad, a fact that is not missed by many other competing nations.

Last year for instance, TVE could have tried to have Ruth Lorenzo appear at the UK national final given her appeal in that country but they continue to choose quiet promotions or a totally national one.

I always liked the introduction of the Jury but the case remains that we are still unfamiliar with who they are or why they were chosen in favour of others. It would be good to see the previous year’s representative automatically form part of the jury, either as an individual (if soloist) or as one (if a group).

Below my possible Top 5 although I am not discounting the possibility of a less popular name making the eventual shortlist.

David Bisbal – Long considered a possible Eurovision contender for Spain. He was part of the backing chorus in 2002 for Rosa Lopez and “Europe is living a celebration”. He has performed in the last two football world cups and is favoured by TVE as he was one of the original singers to come out of “Operación Triunfo”. He has been reluctant in previous editions to take part and the majority of his following is in South America and not Europe but if anything he would provide both entertainment and a good performance.

Roko – A former “Tu cara me suena” (Your face sounds familiar) winner. She has carved a career on television playing secondary roles and has just released her new album. A certain fan favourite if selected but doubts remain as to availability on account of the recent album release.

Maria Isabel – Was rumoured to have been considered last year before TVE chose to have a public/jury vote and was also noted for the internal selection in 2013. A previous Junior Eurovision winner, she has the experience of performing on the big stage. She has been taking some personal time of late and not really been in the public eye but is still said to be working behind the scenes. Known to Europeans, with the right song, she could do really well.

Monica Naranjo – This is the least likely candidate in that she has alleged already to have said no to TVE on more than one occasion. However she has fantastic backing from fans and an incomparable voice. The argument is would she be allowed to choose her song, if so and if she was to take part, she would be a fantastic addition.

Melendi – A possible choice as his wife took part in the national final last year and he has been involved with TVE on various occasions, his music being used for the Cycling tour of Spain and having a programme last year where he encouraged pensioners to sing live. Has had strong success musically, with various hit singles and albums and has also composed tunes for video games.

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