Spain is gearing up for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2025, with rising pop star Melody at its helm following her triumphant win at the Benidorm Fest. The 34-year-old artist, properly known as Melodía Ruiz Gutiérrez, confirmed during her interview with RTVE on Monday, February 3, 2025, to revamp her winning song, "Esa diva" as Spain's entry. The move aims to optimize her chances to shine at Eurovision, which is set to take place on May 17, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland.
Reflecting on her plans for the song, Melody stated, "We will make some changes so Europe understands it. Musically, we have room to create something even more shocking...I believe the final version will surprise everyone." This alteration of "Esa diva" is expected to refine its composition, production, and staging elements, aligning them with the competitive nature of the contest.
Spain's Head of Delegation, Ana María Bordas, shared her pride following the success of Benidorm Fest, emphasizing the strength of the organizing team. She expressed, "It is a magnificent team across all departments. We’ve been able to enjoy a wonderful show tonight." Bordas noted how the Benidorm Fest has evolved, establishing itself as a potent brand within Eurovision's European music festival circuit.
Melody's ascent to stardom began at just ten years old, with her hit song "El Baile del Gorila" marking her entry as a child prodigy. Now, years later, with six studio albums to her name, she stands ready for the grand stage of Eurovision, determined to follow the footsteps of Spain's previous success when it ranked third with Chantel's "Slo Mo" in 2022.
Hailing from Dos Hermanas, Seville, where she was born, and based mainly now in Malaga province with her family, Melody finds deep roots influencing her artistry and personal life. She remarked about her love for Malaga, saying, "Malaga is already in my heart, I have my family here, I feel so good here." This commitment to her home is evident as she navigates her life amid her newfound motherhood, alongside her personal and professional worlds.
Despite the pressures of balancing her career and being the mother of her first child, Cairo, born just last year, Melody shared her experiences stating, "It’s been months of hard work... But I have a wonderful family to support me." Her partner, Ignacio Batallán, who is immersed both as a personal trainer and sports club manager, contributes to building their home life together whilst also supporting her endeavors.
Melody's career is marked not only by her early achievements but also by her resilience in shifting the narrative of her music career from childhood success to adult artistry. Her narrative has evolved, allowing her to successfully navigate the entertainment industry beyond the challenges many child stars face.
The revamp of "Esa diva" is poised to capture the attention of Spotify streams and social media buzz, something Melody is adept at tapping with her engaging personality and relatable storytelling. Her collaboration last year with fellow singer María Peláe on "La Putukita" showcased her ability to connect contemporary themes with her unique style, reinforcing her relevance to new generations of listeners.
Spain has been participating at the Eurovision Song Contest since its inception back in 1961, and they are recognized as the longest-continuously participating country without withdrawal. Over the decades, Spain's Eurovision history includes two victories, one of which remains distinct as the only occasion where more than one contestant tied for first place—1969's historic competition which ended with four winners.
With anticipation building, the nation looks back at previous entries and hopes Melody’s performance will resonate with both jury and viewers. Given her strong connection to the public and previous successes, many are counting on her to bring home another top spot for Spain at this year's Eurovision.
Melody's song revamp signifies not just preparation for the contest; it embodies her art's evolution and Spain's rich musical heritage. With eyes set on Basel, the entire country stands behind her, eagerly awaiting how "Esa diva" will be transformed to captivate audiences across Europe. Will this be the year when Spain brings home another Eurovision trophy? Only the performance will tell.