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The singer and host of Benidorm Fest, Ruth Lorenzo
"If Your Performance Doesn't Rely on Your Voice, You're Doomed at Eurovision"

"If Your Performance Doesn't Rely on Your Voice, You're Doomed at Eurovision"

Returns as host of 'Benidorm Fest', which kicks off tonight on La 1 with the first semi-final

J. Moreno

Martes, 28 de enero 2025, 00:35

Ruth Lorenzo, who left a memorable mark on the Eurovision stage, is set to return as a presenter for 'Benidorm Fest' alongside Inés Hernand and newcomer Paula Vázquez. The event kicks off tonight on La 1 at 22:50 with the first semi-final broadcast live from Alicante. "I'm not a typical presenter; I empathise with what's happening," she says.

-What does it feel like to return to 'Benidorm Fest'?

'Eurovision Junior' was like my trial by fire, a powerful live show in another language with a massive audience. I've gained enough artistic experience to not get too nervous anymore. I have pre-show jitters, but when it's time to perform, I forget everything and just do it. I'm used to high-pressure situations. As a presenter, especially at the 'junior', it commands more respect because it's not my world. What I do know is how to get on stage and sing.

-Would you enter this festival with a song?

I'm not very keen. I think 'Benidorm Fest' is giving opportunities to artists who either need a boost in their careers or aren't well-known. And that's great. I've always said I'd return to Eurovision if I'm ever needed.

-There's always some drama or controversy at 'Benidorm Fest'. How do you prepare for that moment?

I'm not politically correct. Artists defend a truth. I'm always on the artist's side and understand the value of the audience. For me, the audience is essential because it was the eurofans who took me to Eurovision. Last year, with Almácor, there was a camera error, and I mentioned it. Artists also need to know something: you can't rely on a spotlight or a camera. You can't depend on anything but yourself in a live performance. If your performance doesn't rely on your voice, but on a camera or artificial spotlight, you're doomed because Eurovision will eat you alive. At the festival, you arrive, and nine days before, everything changes. You can only rely on yourself.

-Now that you're a presenter as well as a singer, do you approach contestants to give advice, or do you maintain neutrality from a distance?

First, I'm my mother's daughter, then an artist, and occasionally a presenter. I suppose that's what attracts people to me. I'm not a typical presenter; I empathise with what's happening.

-Should the winner of 'Benidorm Fest' be chosen based on who might do best at Eurovision?

The artist must perform a song that represents them. If it connects with the audience, that's what should be taken. Authenticity is important. Winning Eurovision is one thing, but representing your country's music at Eurovision is another. I think Chanel was a great example because she performed an international pop song that wasn't 'made in Spain', but it connected with everyone. Why? Because she is authentic and true to herself. If you try to replicate a 'Chanelazo 2', you won't succeed. There's only one Chanel.

-When you watch your Eurovision performance again, do you notice any flaws?

The only thing I see is that I stepped forward, and a spotlight was left behind, but I feel it hasn't gone out of style. Visually, it's powerful and vocally correct, though it wasn't my best day, nor my worst. I'd adjust small things. I have colleagues who went to Eurovision who can't watch their performances or talk about it because of what they suffered or because what they did didn't represent them. And that's the worst thing that can happen to an artist.

-What does Spain need to do to achieve a good position?

It requires a very high artistic quality. Sometimes from Spain, we see Eurovision as a freak show, but go to Sweden, where they make Grammy-worthy proposals.

No Clear Favourite

The fifth edition of 'Benidorm Fest' kicks off without a clear favourite. In the first semi-final, where they will compete for the first four spots to reach Saturday's final, Chica Sobresalto, Daniela Blasco, David Afonso, K!ngdom, Kuve, Lachispa, Lucas Bun, and Sonia y Selena will perform. Additionally, the format will feature two guest artists: Edurne, celebrating ten years since her Eurovision performance, and the indie pop band Ginebras. For the second semi-final, airing Thursday on La 1, Carla Frigo, Celine Van Heel, DeTeresa, Henry Semler, J Kbello, Mawot, Mel Ömana, and Melody will debut on stage. Host Ruth Lorenzo will also perform, while Chenoa and Isabel Aaiún, the creator of the summer hit 'Potra Salvaje', will be the guests.

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