"I am the brand Spain"

Melody (Dos Hermanas, 34 years old) is already in Basel, about to start a week of rehearsals for the Eurovision final, which will take place next Saturday, May 17. Her 'Esa diva' managed to captivate both the public and critics at the last Benidorm Fest, securing her spot in the European song contest. The artist says she is not worried about any other entries and claims she overcomes pressure thanks to her work philosophy. "Whether it's a small stage or a big stage, I always try to give it my all, give my heart. This will be no different," she asserts.

-How are those nerves holding up?

-We're managing, we're managing.

-What does your family say?

-My family is super happy and, of course, they are also nervous and very excited about everything that's happening, about the affection I'm receiving. It's a total pride for me.

-Alberto Lorite wrote 'Esa diva' a few years ago to express what you evoked in him. From there, you began working to make that message extendable to more people, to universalise it.

-I wanted people to feel part of the song and wanted to include what life really is, my audience too, the people who follow me, the mothers, who are all there, working hard, also fighting for their dreams; the emerging artists who have fewer opportunities than those who have been around for a while... A bit of everything. And, of course, I wanted to make it clear that a diva is no more than anyone else, she's a normal person like any other.

-The song has changed since you presented it at the Benidorm Fest. Now it has more electronic elements and is a bit less rumba. Are you happy with the final result? Do you think it's more exportable, more Eurovision-like now?

-Well, I think it was very Eurovision-like before too, to be honest. Now the tracks have been cleaned up a bit to make it more in line with current sounds and more understandable, yes, but I think it was just as Eurovision-like the first time as it is now.

-What would you say to those who claim it has lost a bit of the Spanish brand?

-I am the Spanish brand too. The guitars are there, they haven't been lost, the castanets are there, and I am here, always defending the essence of my country, which I love. I think we have an amazing artistic culture that still needs to come out, and we need to support each other even more.

-The performance at the Benidorm Fest was spectacular. Can you give me a preview of the changes in Basel?

-Well, I can tell you it won't be the same as at the Benidorm Fest (laughs). We want to make the most of the stage in Basel and the possibilities we have with lights and everything. But it will be a performance full of energy, lots of dancing, and many emotions.

-Are you ready for the criticism?

-Let's see, let's take it step by step, criticism will always be there because you can't please everyone. But it's true that non-constructive criticism is never nice. But as someone who respects everything, I also respect that.

-How have you found the reception from the Eurofans?

-Wonderful, the reception has been incredible. People are supporting me a lot, and I think it marks a before and after in all of this. People tell me: "It's amazing everything that's happening with your candidacy." How engaged people are, the media... It's very incredible.

-It's clear that it's a source of pride, but does it feel a bit daunting to represent Spain?

-Let's see, of course, it's something very powerful, it is.

-And how do you cope with the pressure?

-How? By understanding that it has to be done the same way. Look, I have a work philosophy, whether it's a small stage or a big stage, I always try to give it my all. And this will be no different, I'm going to do the same thing I've always done, which is to give it my all, give my heart. And now with more pride because I'm representing my country, which is something historic.

-Which entries are you most concerned about?

-I'm not worried, honestly.

-None?

-No. I think we have a strong and very complete entry. For example, my song has almost no backing vocals, and that's something to keep in mind: singing in such a powerful tone throughout the song, dancing, and having almost no backing vocals is very strong. Then what happens with the points... There comes a time when it's out of our hands, right? But we're going to do something cool.

-You were about to compete in Eurovision in 2009. Is justice finally being served?

-It's not so much about justice being served, but that it finally happened for me (smiles). I think it was something I had pending, and I didn't know if it was going to happen or not, to be honest, because you never know. In a contest, you don't know what's going to happen. But I've had all the support from people and the public.

-Time is on your side: now you'll be more prepared than back then.

-Obviously, of course, the years not only serve to get older but to gain more experience, to know, to know yourself more, for everything.

-You started very early in the music industry. Do you feel like you've missed part of your childhood?

-I don't have that feeling. I'm doing what I wanted to do, and I was born to do what I'm doing. I love my job. And having started younger, that's something I've already advanced, so I can retire earlier (laughs).

-You had a child just over a year ago. How do you balance that with all this Eurovision whirlwind?

-As best as we can, as best as we can... It's getting a bit tough. It's true that he comes to many places, I also have my rest days and so on, but, obviously, I miss him because he's my whole life. I adore him.

-Last Monday, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, received you at Moncloa. What did he say?

-He was delighted. He congratulated me on the work we had done, on how we had handled the whole candidacy and so on, and he wished us luck and that everything would go well. And the truth is that I am always very grateful to be wished the best. It's important and very nice for others to wish you luck and good things. And as I've mentioned to other colleagues, I also think it's great that music is given its place. I think that just like sports, music is very important and accompanies us a lot daily, and it's magnificent that it's taken into account and that we are supported.