Call it the breakout moment of the season. Lucas Curotto, a 23-year-old Uruguayan living in Catalonia, became the darling of OT 2023. He entered the year with long hair and a warm voice that many believed would carry him far. He didn’t just stay in the competition; he kept growing, advancing to the finals after a dramatic showdown with a fan-favorite partner, Chiara. He finished in fifth place, ahead of charismatic rivals like Martin. The achievement reflected a lot of hard work and a positive mindset more than luck.
“The first nomination felt like a signal that OT would be both enjoyable and demanding. My goal was simple: see how long I could last, and push a little further with every premiere. When I was nominated alongside Chiara, I saw how crazy fans were for her. Many posters shouted her name. Then I realized I could outpace Violeta in that moment, and I told myself I was leaving today only if I chose to,” he recalls. The pressure to perform never fully disappeared, but he believes that discipline, effort, and progress pay off.
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During the week between rounds, he used the time to grow. “I felt more confident at galas thanks to the outstanding guidance from the teachers. The tension never fully goes away, but having the right support brings peace of mind,” he explains. Only one person truly unsettled him: Buika, the toughest and most unpredictable judge, who ultimately understood where he stood. “What happened with Buika was intense. Her opening remarks were hard, yet I greeted them with constructive feedback. Then she said, ‘Lucas, Lucas, Lucas.’ It became clear that everything was going well,” he reflects.
A revolutionary haircut
A pivotal moment in the show came with a bold haircut that reshaped his image. The change brought unexpected strength. “I didn’t fully understand it from the inside, but there was a moment when Noemí Galera told me I had revolutionized Spain with my haircut. Many people liked the look, even those who preferred the long-haired style,” he notes.
Lucas valued the experience of living together, including the authentic dynamics with the gay contestants, which helped audiences see a new form of masculinity and compassion. “The most important thing is the human quality. They are amazing people,” he says. He recalls forming a close bond with Martin and Juanjo, even contributing music to their love story. “Whether the song is released or not, I offered it because that’s what they shared with me,” he adds.
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He also built a strong friendship with partner Naira. “When we started talking, we found many common ground. We clicked, and when things got tense, we looked at each other and understood. We grew incredibly united,” he says with a spark in his eye. “In good times and bad, he was always there to share laughter and tears. That foundation is timeless. This friendship will stay with me for life,” he insists, quelling romance rumors that simmered from their onstage chemistry while performing Hungry Heart.
There was talk of Claudia, his girlfriend, influencing his songs. Lucas even crafted a ballad for her during the Academy years. “Maybe,” he says with a hint of mystery. “There will also be another, more sensual song.” The narrative weaves a theme of heartbreak and resilience, acknowledging the emotional journeys that accompany a reality-competition arc.
The importance of networks
Compositional work became more demanding after the show as commitments piled up. “They stay in my mind, and I’m careful to balance the pace with strong work,” he notes. While the schedule can be exhausting, audiences’ support makes it easier. “It’s odd to walk into a place and see fans waiting, but the energy is real,” he says. The social media presence proved essential, even if it could be draining. “I used to be a barber; now networks matter for an artist,” he admits, smiling at the shift.
Among the finalists, the group photo shows Juanjo, Lucas, Martin, Naiara, Paul Thin, and Ruslana, a reminder of the shared journey. The reality of life beyond the stage demands balance, and Lucas emphasizes gratitude for those who support him. He accepts that not everyone will love him and that adaptation is part of the process. Behind closed doors, where sleep and daily life unfold, is where the real work happens; online noise is fleeting and often inconsequential.
living with ADD
For Lucas, ADHD is now a chapter he’s moved past. He describes a tough school period and the early friction of teamwork, but he views those experiences as essential lessons. Childhood often hides the struggle, but music eventually provided a clear purpose. He has learned to embrace different rhythms and to work with them rather than against them. He believes this perspective can guide younger people through their own journeys, urging them to keep trying and to find their pace. In time, progress follows.
In closing, Lucas emphasizes the value of perseverance. He reminds fans that life is a marathon, not a sprint, and that personal growth often hides behind ordinary days. The message to aspiring artists is simple: push forward, stay grateful, and trust the process. The path may be winding, but the destination can be bright and enduring.