Catalan singer Miguel Poveda, born in Barcelona in 1973, carries a family heritage from Murcia and La Mancha. He has long enriched flamenco with fresh nuances, touring and recording since his youth. Notably, he released the Catalan album Desglaç to express his roots in a new language and now moves toward a broader collaboration with a new TV format, the show Perfect Couple airing on TVE-1 on Thursday nights.
Eight renowned artists Ana Belén, Antonio Carmona, Carlos Goñi, Diego Torres, Sole Giménez, Víctor Manuel, Ainhoa Arteta, and Miguel Poveda himself join many notable young talents including Antonio José, La Cebolla, Agoney, Chema Rivas, Marta Soto, Nía, Paul Alone, and Yoly Saa. They form blind duos to interpret pieces that have become staples in musical memory across generations, aiming to captivate audiences with performances that span decades of popular song.
This venture marks Poveda’s new project on TVE-1 following a Spain-wide tour with Soleá Morente and the documentary series Caminos del flamenco. The Incredible Duets, produced with Juan y Medio, was recorded live by a large ensemble of 23 musicians. The competition prizes include 25,000 euros to be donated to a non-governmental organization.
What drew Poveda to participate in this project?
He highlighted the opportunity to meet and learn from icons like Ana Belén, Víctor Manuel, Antonio Carmona, Carlos Goñi, and Soledad Jiménez. Sharing music with artists from different generations, interpreting both legendary classics and contemporary songs, stood out as a powerful experience.
The program has already pushed flamenco beyond its traditional borders, inviting explorations of other rhythms from around the world. Has a format like Incredible Duets opened doors to new musical genres for Poveda?
It presents a real challenge because song choices and partners are not fully controlled. It is an uneasy but enriching challenge, one that promises significant learning and growth for him and his colleagues.
What is the main challenge The Incredible Duets presents to him?
The aim is to learn two or three unfamiliar songs each week, delivering them faithfully while honoring the original composers and the legendary voices who first performed them. This creates a demanding creative environment that tests adaptability and interpretation.
How would he handle a performance of reggaeton on the show?
His approach would be to stay respectful and adapt the piece to his own musical language, bringing it into his field while preserving its energy and intent.
Which style of music has offered the greatest challenge for him?
Perfection arises from embracing difficulty. Flamenco remains among the most intricate genres, but it is the space where he feels most at home and most himself.
Some people might wonder whether flamenco artists struggle with other genres. What is his view?
It can be tougher for a singer to perform por soleá, for instance, because of its deep emotional and rhythmic demands. Yet crossing into new styles often brings renewed vitality and creative energy.
The show also offers opportunities to perform with younger artists. What benefits come from these collaborations?
They bring freshness, precision, and measurable growth. The participants in the show are exceptionally talented, and performing with them sharpens overall artistry.
In recent years, television music programs frequently lean toward competitions and talent showcases. Does he think that music earns its rightful place on Spanish television?
Televisión Española continues to air many music, dance, and cultural programs, a contrast to some other channels. He commends the generations of singers who keep music alive during prime time and celebrates the vibrant cultural landscape in Spain.
“I will face many flaws in The Incredible Duets”
Will he use the show to analyze his own performances and critique himself?
Yes, there will be reflection, enjoyment, and some suffering as he recognizes faults. Yet the shared love for great songs of history will be the guiding force behind every performance.
Has stage fright ever touched him?
Flanked by nerves yet buoyed by responsibility, he feels comfortable in the live environment and remains composed enough to deliver a grounded performance.
As a Catalan with a family from other regions, is there pride in the multicultural roots he represents?
The pride lies not in a title but in the values his parents taught him, values that form the core of his artistic identity and personal character.
Desglaç is an album in Catalan. Why pursue its release and what does it symbolize?
The decision reflects his love for Catalan poetry and a desire to connect with his homeland while benefitting from the support of flamenco legends Enrique Morente and Juan Habichuela, both celebrated in Granada. It showcases how regional language and flamenco can coexist in a single artist’s repertoire.
Is it possible to perform flamenco in Catalan?
While every musical form has its unique character, Poveda believes one can infuse Catalan elements into compositions, as he did with Desglaç, without losing the core flamenco essence.