Mary Bas and Mark Dasousa could hardly have imagined it a year ago. On May 11, 2023, they delivered a concert in which, as they later recalled, hardly anyone showed up. Yet twelve months later they found themselves singing a song called “Zorra” before audiences across Europe. The Valencian duo Nebulossa secured the 22nd position at Eurovision, with only 30 points in total this past Saturday — 19 from the jury and 11 from the televote. They are still absorbing all that has happened in Malmö, Sweden, since that moment. (Source: RTVE)
Al finishing their performance, which had the crowd on its feet and singing along with “Zorra” throughout, the Valencians spoke to RTVE about their goals. “Our objective was to ensure the act went well, and we left the stage very happy,” they said with smiles that never faded. The moment felt magical, and their jubilation was evident to all who witnessed it. (Source: RTVE)
Sin duda, the Ondara group delivered a show that was not only well polished but deeply connected to the audience, mirroring the energy that had defined the entire week. The performers aimed to broadcast a message of freedom and empowerment across Europe, and they believed they had achieved that not just through the lyrics but through the staging and the choreography, complemented by the dancers. Nebulossa also used the moment to acknowledge Ireland’s Nemo team and their entry, “The Code,” recognizing it as a very interesting concept. After enduring several exhausting days, the party carried on last night with a grand gathering at Madrid’s San Isidro Meadow, drawing thousands who offered heartfelt support and warmth. (Source: Levante-EMV)
Verónica Mejía, the Valencian choreographer who accompanied the artists on this journey, weighed in on the performance as well. Mejía, who designed the choreography for Mary Bas and the dancers, told Levante-EMV that one of their main objectives was achieved: to let people enjoy the song, both live and at home. The reaction throughout the week showed the audience singing along at every turn. Mejía admitted that, despite fatigue, the team had savored every moment of the process over these months. She underscored the strong sense of Valencian pride in showcasing their work on one of the world’s premier stages and expressed deep gratitude for the delegation’s trust. (Source: Levante-EMV)
Sixth place for Ireland
Nonetheless, the Valencian presence wasn’t limited to Nebulossa. The Valencian talent also contributed to Ireland’s entry. Specifically, Sergio Jaén, a 22-year-old set designer from Valencia, crafted the stage design for Bambie Thug, whose act, “Dommsday Blue,” earned a sixth place in the contest. “I’m still processing it,” the young designer admitted. The achievement highlighted the region’s influence across Europe and added another layer to the story of Valencian involvement at the festival. (Source: Levante-EMV)
“A year of intense preparation has paid off in a moment that felt both surreal and profoundly validating”, Jaén added, a sentiment echoed by peers who witnessed a remarkable week unfold on the European stage. The team’s collaboration showcased how local talent could resonate on a continental scale, turning a regional project into a memorable moment for audiences far beyond home. (Source: Levante-EMV)
Sixth place for Ireland
In Malmö, the Irish entry with its own Valencian involvement demonstrated the cross-border nature of this European event and the creative exchange it fosters. The broader story emphasized how a shared artistic language could bridge languages and cultures, allowing a regional scene to impact a pan-European audience. (Source: Eurovision coverage)