White Dove: After his experience, he embarks on a fresh professional journey. The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 marked a turning point as the artist prepared his first studio album, closing a significant two-year chapter and passing the baton as the Benidorm Fest winner. Three months after performing at Liverpool Arena, YOTELE sits down with Blanca Paloma to discuss upcoming music projects and more.
How do you feel as we close this biennial cycle at Benidorm Fest?
I don’t feel the cycle is truly closed until the official baton is handed over in February. I will always belong to the Eurovision family and its Eurofans, but a transition is beginning. Representing Spain at Eurovision brought intense feelings, and now I am focusing on that debut album that excited me and required deep introspection to bring out my best. Many memories and emotions linger, but the process of creating music now calls me to explore new sounds and directions.
Many songs have been written or performed live, while others are still taking shape. The work in progress points toward new horizons through collaborations with different artists and producers. José Pablo Polo remains a steadfast partner, a cornerstone of the team that carried the country to Eurovision, and his collaboration is highly valued along with every member of the team that contributed to that win.
How was the meeting with Mas?
It was a memorable moment at the Benidorm Fest 2024 presentation. Mas carries a magnetic presence, and the chance to meet him face to face offered a deeper sense of his ambition and the music that drives him. His belief in music and the respect shown for the 55 years since the Eurovision victory were evident, underscoring the value of his enduring impact.
Do you see yourself at 55, just like him, fearlessly speaking your mind?
Freedom and respect should go hand in hand. Music thrives when people are genuine and open, and living with that balance is essential. Diverse voices enrich the shared musical world, and the goal is to celebrate that variety while staying true to one’s own voice. Beauty lies in difference, and the future point is clear: more White Doves, always free, always respectful.
What surprised you most about yourself in this introspection project? If you wandered into other genres, which would you explore?
Honesty guides the journey. My voice adapts to many genres, and I love exploring them all. Some styles fit better, and that matters. Eurovision taught me that following a personal path yields pride and satisfaction in the result. The plan is to push forward with the new album, while still embracing electronic elements thanks to the collaboration with José Pablo Polo and other creative partners. The studio will reveal what emerges from this collaborative lab, with fresh ideas and new lyrics that spark curiosity.
Have you set deadlines?
Deadlines matter to keep momentum. The album is slated for release next year, with a single or possibly two before the year ends. Staying connected with fans through new music is crucial, and live performances continue to fuel inspiration. The studio is a vibrant space, and the energy of performances feeds the creative process.
In pursuing new sounds, is it hard to resist Latin rhythms like reggaeton or urban styles?
Exploration is natural, and there are pioneers in every genre who prove quality transcends style. It is not the core of my listening habits right now, but I’m open to future experiments. I wanted roots-inspired songs on this album, and while blending genres is a challenge, a playful openness remains. The studio is a place to experiment, and there is no closing door on different influences as the project evolves.
You spoke about revisiting your performance years later. Do you watch Eurovision again, or is that stage closed?
That moment will always travel with me. I trust my instincts and remain confident in that performance. Watching it again is not necessary, but I’m not afraid to revisit it on screens when required. It felt like a bold leap that paid off, and the support from fans was extraordinary. The win at Benidorm Fest came from a shared effort that nobody could have predicted. The Spain brand is associated with quality, and the journey continues as we explore new musical directions together.
Do you think White Dove will defend the Eurovision project in the future or move away from it?
Victory can be interpreted in many ways. For me, it means delivering a project rooted in our origins while inviting wider audiences to engage with it. This is a meaningful achievement that could resonate for years. Eurovision goes beyond floral or flamenco; it reflects Spain’s diversity, and showing that variety is appealing. The path forward will reveal how long the project endures, but the spirit remains intact.
With the career about to begin, do you feel this is a door that will stay open or a temporary window?
The opportunity to reach audiences here and abroad is inspiring. Support messages have been uplifting, and hope remains strong among fans who want to explore this genre. Over time, pride in the work will endure, and Benidorm Fest serves as a platform to reveal authentic artistry. What matters is presenting something unique and personal, with no visible seams, to captivate listeners.
You already revealed your plaque at the Mirador de la Música in Benidorm. What other recognitions have come from your town?
The reception was overwhelming. Screens lit up everywhere and people celebrated. Returning from Liverpool, souvenirs and photos were proudly displayed on balconies. The community embraced the victory as a shared triumph, not just a personal accolade. The next chapters await, and patience will guide the ongoing exploration of the paths I love and the discoveries ahead.
If TVE offers to host Benidorm Fest again, would you accept?
Honestly, I hadn’t imagined it, but it would be a way to stay involved. If the opportunity arises, I would consider it, as I did when first invited to participate. Television became an ally, a platform to showcase what I have. I would need to leave my ongoing project in good shape first, but I wouldn’t rule anything out for the future.
Would you compete again?
Introducing myself again would be worthwhile. Eurovision was a valuable experience, and I still perform in English to refine my language skills. Beyond the performance, Eurovision is a global stage to reveal the artist and his universe. If I return, I would strive to be even more prepared. Where the next Benidorm Fest journey leads is less important than the overall enrichment the experience provides.