Road to Basel: Spain
Road to Basel: Spain. As we eagerly anticipate the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Today, we focus on Spain.
photo: Valero Rioja, RTVE
Melody
MelodÃa Ruiz Gutiérrez, known professionally as Melody, is a Spanish singer who gained fame at a young age with her debut single “El baile del gorila” in 2001. Over the years, she has evolved as an artist, exploring various musical styles and themes. Her journey in the music industry has been marked by versatility and a deep connection to her Andalusian roots.
Esa Diva (What does AI say)
“Esa Diva” (“That Diva”) is Melody’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The song carries a message of empowerment and authenticity, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves. Musically, it blends traditional Spanish rhythms with contemporary pop elements, reflecting Melody’s signature style. The track underwent a revamp to enhance its international appeal, incorporating more electronic sounds while retaining its original essence.Â
National Selection Process
Spain selected its Eurovision representative through the Benidorm Fest 2025, a national competition that has become a significant platform for showcasing Spanish musical talent. Melody participated with “Esa Diva” and emerged victorious in the final held on February 1, 2025, securing her spot to represent Spain in Basel. ​
Here are the full results of the final:
- Melody, “Esa diva“
- Daniela Blasco, “Uh nana“
- J KBello, “VIP“
- Mel Ömana, “I’m a Queen“
- Lachispa, “Hartita de llorar“
- Kuve, “Loca xti“
- Lucas Bun, “Te escribo en el cielo“
- Mawot, “Raggio di sole“
Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest
Spain has a long-standing history in the Eurovision Song Contest, having participated since 1961. The country has won the contest twice: in 1968 with Massiel‘s “La, la, la” and in 1969 with Salomé‘s “Vivo cantando.” As a member of the “Big Five,” Spain automatically qualifies for the Grand Final each year. In recent years, Spain has been striving to improve its standings, with varying degrees of success. Recently, in 2022, Spain reached a 3rd place with Chanel‘s “Slo Mo”.
Â
photo: EBU
A Random Spanish Entry
Reflecting on Spain’s Eurovision history, random.org chose to have a look at a spectacular entry! It’s “Bandido”, the 1990 song by Azúcar Moreno. The musical tape didn’t start synchronous with the orchestra. The girls noticed and…. walked off the stage! They did however get a second chance.
Betting Odds
As of now, Melody’s “Esa Diva” has experienced fluctuations in the betting odds. Despite the song’s revamp and Melody’s dedicated promotional efforts, current predictions place Spain in the lower tier of potential winners. At this moment it has a 29th place. However, live performances and final staging can significantly influence outcomes, and Melody remains optimistic about her chances in Basel. ​
We eagerly await the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel and look forward to witnessing Melody’s performance on the grand stage.
