Naiara does not stand alone as a winner in OT 2023. In this revival now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Chenoa emerges as the standout champion. The challenge presented something new for him: hosting a two-hour live program each week, a role unlike anything he had faced before. OT helped launch his fame almost twenty years ago, and this return carried a charged, emotional weight, lasting nearly 120 minutes on premiere night. On stage for the finale, he revisited The Last Dance by Donna Summer, a song he performed when he was 26; at 48, the performance carried fresh gravity as 16 contemporaries joined him in what felt like a culmination of commitment and vulnerability. [citation: OT 2023]
“I rehearsed with the contestants and thought I had it all under control. Then I cried. The hugs from the team convinced me to pause and let the emotions surface,” he shares. The singer is gradually moving away from a confident, polarizing female persona that once defined him. In Struggle on Antena 3, he confronts fears in prime time, exposing a vulnerability rarely shown. It wasn’t just a bold move for him; it marked a leap into emotionally naked territory, turning what was once a risky spectacle into a meaningful moment. [citation: OT 2023]
Total participation
He was spotted warming up on set before OT 2023’s finale began, keeping nerves in check. He faces the audience, crosses himself, and admits, “I have a fierce internal judge, and that won’t change.” His deep respect for the craft and love for the format keep each week filled with headlines. “I watched 24 Hours, then I went to TikTok, and I learned everything. And I said, keep quiet, because I don’t need a filter. Sometimes the fans haven’t spoken yet,” he recalls. [citation: OT 2023]
Naiara: “I want my voice, my presence and the power I want to convey to stand out”
References to beloved chapters of his past—heartbreaks and the famous tracksuit moment—still surface in the premieres, and he laughs at them. “I laugh a lot; otherwise I won’t survive,” he says, a nod to mental health. “I had it before the meme era,” he adds, recognizing a sharper sense of self‑awareness. “The only meme I missed is the cattle farming one,” he jokes, recalling the finale moment where OT conversations drifted toward playful Galicia callbacks, imagining a Galician cow named Chenoa who could win a major prize. [citation: OT 2023]
Power at 50
Chenoa proves that beauty and stamina can coexist well into the fifties by the standards of newer generations. The message to younger viewers is clear: adulthood does not signal the end of ambition. “It’s important to have more role models, including men,” he notes, touching on tolerance. He reflects on a peaceful, loving relationship between Martin and Juanjo, criticizing online hostility and explaining that as long as no one is harmed, different paths should be respected. Regarding public disagreements, he prefers restraint, explaining that silence at the right moments can keep discussions constructive. He urges young people to learn when to speak and when to listen, taking responsibility for guiding others with kindness and education. “If you catch me drinking like Laura, a rooster might crow—wisdom and humor, both have their place,” he quips, a reminder that wit and restraint go hand in hand. [citation: OT 2023]
He emphasizes how he handles criticism online by choosing to ignore or block it when it crosses lines. This is a principle he applies consistently, especially when situations feel unfair or unjust. He believes that when disagreements escalate, it is wiser to pause and reflect. His stance on public discourse rests on the belief that personal growth comes from learning, listening, and maintaining dignity in a noisy world. [citation: OT 2023]
Return to music
OT also marked his return to the music scene after stepping back to focus on television work eight years earlier. “I don’t dwell on what I’ve lost, only on what I’ve gained,” he notes, satisfied with renewed visibility through jury roles and reality TV challenges. He credits his ongoing influence to a versatile singing identity and the demand for authenticity. “Americans may do as they please, with Oscar winners crossing into music; here, flexibility isn’t always the default,” he laments, yet his voice remains active. [citation: OT 2023]
Music remains a constant in his life. A new single, and more in the works, reflects OT’s home‑grown energy. “The lyrics may not be mine, but the vibe speaks to a familiar pop‑rock essence I’ve always loved. Trends come and go, but the core sound endures. Fans deserve a piece of what I share,” he says. [citation: OT 2023]
‘Zorra’ and feminism
Embracing the moniker that connects him to Eurovision at 55, he notes the thrill of reinventing oneself with age. There’s a veteran aura in his approach, a nod to Alaska and Dinarama’s era. While opinions on messaging may diverge, he argues feminism can be interpreted in many ways. It’s not about choosing sides but about acknowledging a spectrum of views and respecting others’ choices. His stance reflects a broader tolerance that has become part of his public persona. [citation: OT 2023]
His measured kindness remains a defining trait. He insists that reliability is the trait he values most, explaining that public opinion won’t derail his integrity. He cites friendships built on mutual respect and acknowledges that his word should carry weight. In the end, Chenoa remains true to himself, a figure who embodies resilience, a willingness to reinvent, and a steady commitment to his craft. [citation: OT 2023]