Lydia

Lydia Rodríguez Fernández (born January 15, 1980) is a Spanish pop singer. She is known mononymously as Lydia. Lydia is best known for representing Spain at Eurovision 1999 with the song “No quiero escuchar”, held in Jerusalem, where she finished in last place. Despite this setback, Lydia has built a long career in music. She started as a teenage pop star in the 1990s and later became the lead singer of the band Presuntos Implicados, remaining active in recording and live performances. 

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Lydia was born in Madrid and grew up in a musical family, spending her childhood in Leganés. By age 16, she had already recorded her debut album Lydia (1996). She did it with a production company involving her brother Fernando and producer Alejandro Piqueras. One track was a tribute to her idol Alejandro Sanz, which helped launch her to fame. The album sold over 100,000 copies, earning a platinum certification, and Lydia received a newcomer award for this early success. In 1998, she released her second album, 100 veces al día (“100 Times a Day”), which achieved gold status in Spain. These accomplishments made Spanish singer Lydia a rising pop star in her teens, paving the way for larger stages.

Eurovision Song Contest 1999

In early 1999 TVE selected Lydia to represent Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest 1999 in Jerusalem. She performed the ballad “No quiero escuchar” (“I Don’t Want to Listen”), a song of heartbreak composed by her brother. However, the night did not go as hoped. Spain received only one point (from Croatia) and placed 23rd (last) in the competition. Lydia’s multi-colored outfit, a flamboyant dress by designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, drew as much attention as the song itself. The dress was criticized for clashing with the ballad’s tone. It even earned the unofficial Barbara Dex Award for worst costume of that year’s contest. The poor result had personal and professional consequences. Lydia later revealed that her record label kept her out of the spotlight after Eurovision, leaving her unable to explain her feelings on TV at the time. Nevertheless, she never regretted the experience. Years later, Lydia expressed pride in having represented Spain, calling it an honor that would always remain a special part of her story. This resilience helped shape the next phase of her career.

Post-Eurovision Music Career

However, Lydia proved there was life after Eurovision. She continued recording new music and exploring other projects. In 2002 she released her third album, Si no me pides la vida (“If You Don’t Ask Me for Life”). The album’s singles, “Esta vez no caeré” and “A través de mi ventana”, both charted on Los 40 Principales, Spain’s top pop radio chart. Notably, the record included a cover of The Beatles’ “Across the Universe,” which was featured in an Iberia airline commercial in 2001. An example of Lydia’s voice finding its way into Spanish pop culture beyond the stage. Around this time she also released a greatest hits compilation to close out her early solo phase.

In the following years, Lydia diversified her musical activities. In 2003, she participated in the Ellas y Magia project, a Disney songs tribute DVD featuring prominent Spanish female singers; she performed “Mi Príncipe Vendrá”, the Spanish version of “Some Day My Prince Will Come” from Snow White. She also experimented with other genres. In 2005 Lydia teamed up with Spanish rapper El Chojin on a song called “El final del cuento de hadas” (“The End of the Fairy Tale”). Expanding into musical theatre, she won praise in 2007 for portraying Mary Magdalene in a Spanish production of Jesus Christ Superstar. 

Presuntos Implicados Era

In 2008, Lydia took a new career turn by joining the established pop-rock trio Presuntos Implicados as their lead vocalist. She replaced the band’s original singer, Sole Giménez, and brought her own style to the beloved group. The revamped lineup released the album “Será” (“It Will Be”) in late 2008. It earned a nomination for Best Pop Album at the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards. Lydia’s voice fit the band’s soulful pop sound and helped continue its legacy. The next Presuntos Implicados album, Banda Sonora (2011), was a collection of cover songs and also garnered a Latin Grammy nomination in 2012. The group maintained an active touring schedule, with Lydia expanding the band’s reach into new markets. Their live recordings, such as the 2013 album La Noche 2 (Zona Preferente), showcased her vocal chemistry with the band in concerts.

The band’s reception with Lydia was mixed at home. She noted that Spanish audiences sometimes struggled to accept a new singer for a familiar band. However, they found notable success in Latin America. After several years, Presuntos Implicados announced a hiatus in 2015 and performed only occasionally thereafter. They released a comeback single “Mentiras” in 2019 and a final song “El vórtice del tiempo” in early 2021. By February 2021, the members decided to close that chapter, officially ending the group’s activities on a positive note after more than three decades in music.

Later Projects and Current Work

Following the band’s dissolution, Lydia returned focus to her solo career and new collaborations. In late 2019 she released a new solo single titled “La soledad” (“The Solitude”), marking her return to the studio after several years. She performed at Eurovision fan events such as Spain’s Pre-Party ES 2019. In 2023, Lydia partnered with Spanish artist Roel to record the album Introspección, further showcasing her evolving musical style. Around the same time, she joined forces with fellow ’90s pop stars in a concert project called “The Queens of the 90s”. This pays tribute to the music of that decade.

Today, Lydia remains active in music while also sharing her experience with others. She has taken on work as a vocal coach and music teacher, teaching at several music academies to mentor new talent. This role in music education demonstrates her continued passion for music beyond performing. Meanwhile, she still appears on television and live stages on occasion. For example, performing on a nostalgic music program and participating in tribute concerts with other Eurovision alumni. As of the mid-2020s, Lydia can look back on a career spanning nearly three decades.