Since the re-introduction of Benidorm Fest in 2022, Spain has made a conscious effort to win Eurovision. Slo-Mo got their first top three placing since 1995, thanks to Chanel’s intense choreography and the cleanly produced bop. Taking the baton from her this year is Blanca Paloma–one of her competitors from that year.
After winning Benidorm Fest in 2023 with EAEA, Blanca has become a fan favorite, with praise reaped onto her performance. She placed 10th in the OGAE Poll and seventh in the EuroJury, hinting at some potential success for this neo-flamenco entry, but 10th and 7th aren’t top 5 by any means.
And this performance deserves top 5— according to us.
However, what keys does Blanca Paloma have to take the glass trophy back to Spain?
- Because Blanca Paloma is an immaculate performer—and always consistent:
Even with her first Benidorm entry, “Secreto del Agua”, Blanca Paloma has shown, time and time again, that she can carry a tune. With her clear vocals and confident stage presence, Blanca manages to pull the viewer into her world, and never lets go until the end.
Her appearances in the pre-parties also showcase her versatile abilities and how she could make magic with EAEA. Whether it’s an acoustic version at Festival da Cancao, a longer vocal intro at Israel Calling, or adding a violin at Eurovision in Concert, she manages to add little touches to enhance her song.
While many of the contenders have beautiful vocals, some of them could wobble live. If you want a sure bet on delivering, then Blanca is here.
2. Because she manages to mix traditional with contemporary in a fantastic way:
Mixing traditional with modern influences is nothing new to Eurovision. Whether it’s the mix of hip hop and traditional Ukrainian music in “Stefania“, last year’s winner, or “My Number One“‘s mix of traditional Pontic Greek music and dance pop, fusions of traditional and pop music make Eurovision special.
But with Blanca Paloma’s brand of flamenco fusion, it could stand out amongst the crowd.
The minimalistic and delicate instrumental contrasts with Blanca’s resonant voice, calling out to her late grandmother from afar. The backing vocalists add their voices, along with clapping to keep to the beat, traditional to flamenco music.
Recently, Rosalia has made it big thanks to her fusion of flamenco and pop. So if you enjoy her work, EAEA is for you!
3. Because she has both jury and televote appeal:
At Benidorm Fest, EAEA won both the expert jury and the televoting sides of the equation, only coming in second in the demoscopic jury. It indicates that EAEA has a lot to appeal for both sides of the equation, whereas songs with only jury appeal or televote appeal may fail.
The juries will be amazed at Blanca’s clear vocals, always consistent and strong, and how her staging manages to tell a story. Should they look the other way, as with Quien Maneja mi Barca from 1983, then the televote should nullify that and embrace Blanca’s unique brand of music.
In addition, there’s nothing like it in the grand final, either sonically or staging wise. Don’t underestimate standing alone amongst battles of pop and bands alike.
4. Because the staging enhances the song, as well as adding doses of culture:
Before going into music, Blanca Paloma worked in theater for several years. So if somebody knows how to tell a story through staging, it’s Blanca!
Along with Blanca, several backing vocalists are behind her, clapping and also dancing behind her. Rather than a heavy dance sequence, their movements resembling that of childbirth. It reflects Blanca’s connection to her female ancestors, as well as their power.
And the red strands which hang above the stage? They represent Blanca’s grandmother’s shawl, adding a personal touch to the whole thing.
5. Because it would make the dreams of thousands of Spanish Eurofans come true:
Spain has not won since 1969; and even then, it was part of a four-way tie between the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France. Despite coming in second three times since then, the fifty-four year drought is the longest current participating countries.
In addition, fans of Spanish music are passionate and widespread. If everybody from Europe and the rest of the world go for EAEA, there’s a chance that Blanca Paloma might win Eurovision 2023.
Imagine this–a contest in Madrid or Barcelona, with all the fandom gathering over from around the world. A unique production tied intimately to Spanish culture, and Spanish fan favorites involved with the show. Fans cheering for every act until their throats grow raw, and an overall celebration of Spanish music going on for hours.
Do you imagine in the same thing? Live for Spanish drama? Can listen to flamenco all day?
Then Blanca Paloma could be the one to surprise.
Blanca Paloma will perform eighth in the grand final on 13 May.
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