White Dove heads into the final act of Eurovision 2023, preparing for the grand stage in Liverpool after a triumph at Benidorm Fest. More than three months of preparation, rehearsals, interviews, and commitments have led the singer to take Spain to the Liverpool Arena with the song Eaea, a performance that bears some notable evolution from the festival version. YOTELE spoke with Blanca Paloma about the countdown to her last Liverpool appearance and a wide range of topics surrounding the experience.
Today promises to be a very special moment. It marks a purification of Europe with the performance. How does she feel?
With a lot of anticipation, she missed every moment away from the stage. She wants to return to feel that the moment is real again. She imagined performing with a team of top professionals who would make everything smooth at this wonderful event, and now she understands it by stepping on stage in front of a massive audience. Sharing the moment with genuine enthusiasm is the goal.
Are there more nerves or more security given that this is a performance long in the making?
Zero nerves. The Benidorm Fest performance is behind them. They had already achieved a level of precision that even Eurovision teams noticed and aimed to match, to meet high expectations. The aim now is to savor the experience, a rare opportunity to appear before a large crowd. The day approaches, and the realization hits: this moment may not come again. They intend to learn and grow with every step along the way, turning each day into an adventure.
Fans also asked about the controversial overhead shot after the first chorus at Benidorm Fest. What is her take on that moment?
She loves it. It adds a Eurodrama that keeps the performance lively. It is a small difference, but it signals openness to surprises. She does not believe it makes sense to compare Benidorm Fest with Eurovision. They are two distinct contexts, both successful in their own right. The team was able to realize the details they wanted, and everyone is happy. Let people discover and be surprised.
Are you happy with how things have turned out?
Certainly. Everything needed has been achieved. The journey has been about preserving a clear identity and concept that the team wants to honor. When ambition grows, the core concept can blur, so the focus remains on the proposal and its authentic roots. A complex project drives the entire team, and the inspiration comes from artistic and emotional references that are familiar yet unique. It is a tribute to visual art and set design, drawing from iconic influences, which made the nomination a special experience.
At the Benidorm Fest press conference, a sense of confidence was evident. Do you visualize winning Eurovision on a Saturday?
Yes, it is essential to visualize victory. Competing is not about fear; it is about going on to win. They will visualize the moment and prepare for what must happen. She already feels like a winner, able to perform what she loves and surrounded by a strong support system.
If the outcome did not favor you, who would you want to see win?
There is enormous talent. Loreen and Käärijä stand out for taking bold risks. They have charisma and can deliver a powerful message to the world. Loreen carries an ethereal voice and a memorable performance, reminding everyone of the importance of staying true to oneself and connected to others. Käärijä embodies a free-spirited personality that encourages people to be themselves without fear. Eaea embodies unity, sharing, love, and feminine empowerment; these values feel particularly relevant today.
If Saturday ends with a win for Si, what promises would be made and what would be the first thing to do?
Home comes first, in comfy pajamas, tending to flowers, and calling family to say that the journey home has begun.
Where would the trophy be placed if the victory arrives?
At a small altar created for Granny Carmen, next to a bronze microphone and a glass trophy awaiting its place. It is a personal tribute that keeps the memory close, a quiet reminder of the journey and those who supported it from the start. (Source: YOTELE)