Ruth Lorenzo has roots that run deep. The singer recently revealed a Havana-inspired piece titled almadrabait, a composition that draws directly from the musical memories of his mother’s lineage. This personal connection shaped the discussion around the Benidorm Fest, becoming a catalyst to consider whether the track could premiere at the 70th International Habaneras and Torrevieja Polyphonic Choral Competition. The moment underscored how an artist’s heritage can influence contemporary festival strategies and broaden the scope of what a modern pop voice can offer in a traditional setting.
For Lorenzo, the unfolding situation arrived as a genuine surprise, a twist nobody saw coming. The idea of presenting a work anchored in this particular style emerged during the final press conference of the Benidorm Festival, held in the city known for its vibrant tourism and cultural mix. Tourism authorities, including Nuria Montes, stepped forward with a clear invitation to bring almadrabait to the Habaneras stage, echoed by statements from Torrevieja’s leadership and local officials. The message reflected a broader ambition to fuse contemporary pop artistry with regional choral traditions, potentially creating a cross-cultural beacon for audiences in both Spain and North America who are curious about how classical and modern genres can coexist on the same program.
Yet Lorenzo remained measured when speaking on Tuesday, noting that he had learned of the consideration only the day of the Fitur announcements. He expressed genuine enthusiasm about the possibility that almadrabait could become a timeless piece, one that endures in listeners’ memories beyond the immediate moment. As a composer, he emphasized a hope that the work might outlive its debut and enter the repertoire as a lasting contribution, even as final decisions remained pending. The emotional response within the team and the closer circle surrounding the artist reflected a moment of artistic vulnerability—one that could either crystallize into a landmark performance or become part of a longer, more exploratory creative process. The path forward would become clearer in the coming weeks as plans for the festival and its program were refined, offering fans a glimpse of how this fusion project might unfold in live performance.