Mel Ömana is set to contender for Spain's representation at the Eurovision 2025 with her powerful performance of 'I’m A Queen' at the Benidorm Fest 2025, which is being held at the Palacio de Deportes L'Illa this weekend. The artist, known for her unique blending of genres—hip hop, reggae, funk, and soul—has garnered attention not just for her musical talent but also for her impactful message.
The Gran Canaria native, born María Melodía Pérez Castillo, has quickly risen through the ranks, earning the title of 'Best Canary Artist' and accolades for songs like 'Madura' and 'Tu Night'. Her recent participation at the Benidorm Fest marks her determination to shine on the European stage as she brings 'I’m A Queen', which many have described as not just a song but a rallying cry for empowerment and self-identity.
Mel has roots embedded deep within the cultural fabric of her island and her time spent living and performing in Cuba has greatly influenced her music, enriching it with diverse rhythms. "El tema representa la capacidad de empoderarse a pesar de las dificultades," Mel explains, emphasizing how her song reflects resilience against life’s adversity. The final of the Benidorm Fest 2025 features eight competitors vying for the chance to showcase their talents at Eurovision, scheduled for May 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.
During the competition, Mel faced humorous banter from the presenter, Iñes Hernand, who made lighthearted comments about the number of queens present. Without missing a beat, Mel fired back, showcasing her quick wit and ability to handle pressure with grace: "Porque tú no quieres," she replied, leaving the presenter momentarily speechless. This exchange not only highlighted her confident stage presence but also her ability to engage with the audience off stage, making her one of the favorites.
The song 'I’m A Queen' echoes Mel's belief of internal empowerment, encouraging listeners to identify and embrace their own strength. With lyrics exuding themes of overcoming struggle and self-assertion, the performance aims to resonate with anyone who has faced obstacles. The song opens with powerful lines about reclaiming one's identity and pride, moving forward on the path of personal growth. Mel reflects, "Creo que todos y todas tenemos una reina dentro," expressing the universal nature of her message, which invites everyone to find their inner strength.
This year's festival promises high stakes and passionate performances, as each artist uniquely brings their cultural backgrounds and musical styles to the stage. While all competitors are talented, Mel Ömana's mix of vibrant energy and thought-provoking lyrics positions her as a strong contender. With the final rapidly approaching, tension is palpable; will Mel’s energetic performance be enough to win the coveted position to represent Spain at Eurovision?
Mel Ömana's path has not been devoid of hurdles, and through her musical evolution, she has held her head high. Winning this competition would not only provide her the platform to showcase her talents on the grand stage of Eurovision but also highlight the richness of Canary culture. If her blend of dynamic rhythms and inspiring messages strikes the right chords, she could very well be on her way to leave her mark at Eurovision 2025.