Blanca Paloma shares what her Benidorm Fest room reveals about her art and heart
Blanca Paloma, despite a soaring stage name, stays firmly grounded. The artist from Elche brings a warm, close vibe that counters any image of distant seriousness. Her presence feels intimate, tender, and deeply human.
At Benidorm Fest she performs a lullaby that feels almost ancestral—a tune rooted in the land, family, and the culture that runs through her veins. It’s not merely a song; it is a beacon of heritage expressed through music.
In her room at the festival, Paloma explains that this work goes beyond flamenco. It is a declaration of self-love and a conversation with others. The lyrics carry a gift passed down through generations, a legacy that words alone can scarcely contain. The title hints at meaning without pinning itself to a single interpretation, inviting listeners to bring their own stories to the music.
Her approach this year diverges from last year’s submission, turning the performance into a bold invitation to reveal personal space and honest emotion. The risk feels intentional, and the sincerity comes through in every choice, from staging to styling to the choice of song.
Elche’s native voice uses the festival platform to discuss information, future projects, and the role of flamenco within Eurovision. The questions naturally circle back to whether Paloma will return to the competition, and how her evolving artistry will fit into the broader Eurovision conversation.
What were the early days in Benidorm like, and how long before the semi-finals?
She has family in the area and has known the beach since childhood. The days passed quickly because there was always work to do, yet time seemed to suspend itself as the semi-finals approached, a feeling as if waiting stretched longer than it actually did.
What was Paloma’s impression after the first semi-final, and did the result surprise her?
The sound and staging struck her as high quality and intimate at the same time. She was surprised by the TV presentation, which she found stylish and beautiful. She appreciated the strong performances around her and singled out Sofía Martín for praise, while acknowledging that competitive shows bring both admiration and surprise.
Was the staging satisfying?
Absolutely. She works with the same team that supported her last year, a crew skilled in stages, theaters, and production, united in purpose and craft.
What insights can she share?
This year’s staging was designed to feel theatrical and cinematic at once, a blend she feels aligns with her artistic identity. After observing colleagues, she felt the concept stood out in its uniqueness, offering audiences a broader spectrum of possibilities and choices.
Paloma expresses pride in her roots. The Elche-born artist treasures her Andalusian family and heritage, choosing to showcase that legacy rather than hide it. Her words reflect hope for the future and a determination to share her lineage with the world without shrinking from its power.
Her music in Eaea is described by Paloma as a siren song meant to enthrall and invite participation. The goal is to make the audience feel the same sense of family, tradition, and belonging that fuels her work, even if those emotions arrive in a slightly magical, trance-like state.
There is ongoing debate about what makes a song canonical for Eurovision. Do proposals like hers or other modern interpretations need to push the envelope to gain traction? Is there a Eurovision prototype?
The prototype is evolving every year. Europe keeps expanding the idea of what works, and history shows that flamenco proposals once seemed ahead of their time but eventually found a place. The key is to keep pushing boundaries while staying true to the artist’s voice and heritage. The festival opened doors for flamenco expressions to reach a broader audience—an evolution Paloma hopes continues to unfold abroad.
What does this mean for Paloma personally?
It means carrying forward a legacy from her grandmother and Andalusian family with pride. It is an honor she embraces, a responsibility to share what she has learned and what she continues to build for the future.
How does being a repeat competitor affect her?
There is a conscious effort to redefine herself, to shed last year’s perceived whiteness and bring a deeper, more rooted sound that matches her voice. The aim is authenticity and a clear connection to the song and the stage.
What is the strength of her lullaby?
It is not a typical lullaby. It carries a mantra, a siren-like invitation that lures listeners into a shared moment. The performance includes moments where the audience can participate, creating a live, collective experience that feels almost ritualistic.
What lies ahead for Paloma?
Future plans depend on the songs themselves. If a new topic fits Eurovision, she will share it. Otherwise, she envisions pursuing a personal repertoire and continues to explore a broader artistic project beyond Benidorm Fest. The journey is ongoing, with a steady focus on staying true to her voice and vision.
Her message remains clear: the connection between music and family is at the heart of everything she creates, and she hopes that feeling travels with audiences long after the festival ends.
In this sense, Eaea becomes more than a song. It is a statement—a beacon that invites listeners to listen, to belong, and to believe that heritage can shape the future of European music with honesty and heart.
[Citation: Benidorm Fest program notes and artist interviews, as collected by press archives]