On February 28, 2025, the iconic Spanish singer Karina, born María Isabel Llaudes Santiago, received the esteemed Medal of Andalucía de las Artes at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Sevilla. The award was presented during the Día de Andalucía celebrations, marking a significant moment for the artist who has captivated audiences for decades.
Upon learning of her honor, Karina expressed her delight, stating, "Estoy superfeliz, muy contenta, sorprendida... porque la verdad es que no me lo esperaba. Y superagradecida a todas las personas que han hecho posible". This recognition is not just for her extraordinary musical career, but also as a tribute to her roots, with the ceremony being all the more special as it takes place in the very land where she was born.
Karina, who rose to fame with hits such as "El baúl de los recuerdos" and "En un mundo nuevo," has been a beloved figure in Spanish music since representing her country at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971. This award also brings to light her candid observations about the art industry. During her recent conversations with the press, she remarked, "En España solo se trata bien a los artistas que tienen dinero", illustrating the challenges faced by artists lacking financial backing.
Throughout her career, Karina has often highlighted the disparity between artists with wealth and those who struggle financially. She passionately argued, "Solo se mira la cuenta corriente que tienes, la casa y el barrio donde vives y si tienes una segunda vivienda en sitios de campanillas como Marbella o Ibiza." This assertion speaks to the difficult circumstances under which many artists operate, especially freelancers. She lamented, "Ojalá hubiese sido una empleada en nómina. Los autónomos somos esclavos en España. Tenemos que pagar mucho para que nos quede una pensión digna."
These reflections do not cloud her joy, though. On receiving the Medal, Karina visibly moved, expressed gratitude, saying, "Estoy orgullosa de mi tierra y de haber hecho todo con el corazón, con esfuerzo y amor." She dedicated her award to her grandchildren, stating, "son el futuro," which showcased her deep familial values and hope for the future.
Throughout the ceremony, which was presented by Eva González, notable figures from the Andalusian cultural scene also received accolades. Among them were fellow musicians such as María del Monte and Pablo Alborán, solidifying this year's awards as particularly focused on the music sector. The audience was treated to heartfelt performances, including Karina singing her timeless hit "En un mundo nuevo" to wide acclaim, with many present joining her, echoing the song's nostalgic and hopeful message.
Karina’s emotional connection to her birthplace of Jaén was palpable during her speech. "¿Cómo voy a perder mis raíces, si es donde aprendí a andar, donde aprendí a hablar...?" she exclaimed, emphasizing how her roots have shaped her identity as both an artist and an individual. The affection and pride she holds for her hometown was evident, capturing the essence of her persona as not just a performer but also as someone deeply tied to her cultural heritage.
The Medal of Andalucía de las Artes is awarded by the Andalusian government to honor individuals for exceptional accomplishments. This year's ceremony was particularly focused on recognizing contributions to music, as echoed by the presence of numerous musical icons and the celebratory tone throughout the event.
The culmination of the ceremony represented not only the recognition of Karina's substantial career but also served as a moment of reflection on the broader artistic community and the challenges it faces. Her sentiment about being forgotten as time passed, "casi nadie se acuerda de Karina nada más que cuando viene Eurovisión," resonates with many artists who feel overshadowed by the industry's focus on financial success rather than artistic merit.
Karina's legacy continues as one of the treasured voices of Spain, and receiving the Medal of Andalucía de las Artes adds yet another layer to her storied career. Her impactful presence promises to inspire future generations of artists who strive for recognition and validation, regardless of their financial status.
With the continued support of her local community and dedicated fans, Karina's story exemplifies resilience and passion for music—a true representation of the cultural heritage of Andalucía.