Eurovision 2008 - Spain

Baila el Chiki-chiki
Rodolfo Chikilicuatre


History (1956 to 2007):

Spain's previous appearances: 47 year(s) out of 52
Years participated: 1961-
Best result: 1st (1968, 1969)

Spain's level of success at Eurovision hardly befits its 'Big 4' status. It won the 1968 contest with the lyrically-challenged 'La La La' by Massiel, shared victory with three others in the infamous 1969 competition (the not very memorable 'Vivo cantando' by Salomé), and has avoided victory ever since. There have been a few close shaves - Mocadades' 'Eres tu', from 1973, is regarded as a Eurovision classic, but could only manage 2nd place, despite ending up as a massive worldwide hit. Further 2nds followed in 1979, with Betty Missiego's 'Su canción' natrrowly losing out to Israel's 'Hallelujah'; and in 1995 with the memorable 'Vuelve conmigo' by Anabel Condé. However, Spain struggled in the early years of televoting, and had to rely on its 'Big 4' status to avoid relegation - after finishing 16th in 1998, 23rd in 1999 and 18th in 2000, David Civera's 6th place in 2001 marked a welcome return to form. In 2002, Spain decided that a change of selection procedure was in order, and introduced the 'Operación Triunfo', Fame Academy-style format. Rosa's irritatingly upbeat 'Eu-ROPP's living a celebration' finished a very respectable 7th, while the same formula produced a solid 8th place for Beth's 'Dime' in 2003, and an unexpectedly high 10th place for Ramón in 2004. Though the 'Operación Triunfo' format failed to deliver a Spanish victory, it at least saw an improvement in the country's Eurovision fortunes. However, the 2004 season was much less successful in the TV ratings than its predecessors, resulting in Spain's decision to dispatch with the reality format for 2005.

After a rather underwhelming National Final, the winners were three ladies calling themselves Son de Sol, with a sound and image reminiscent of Baccara and Las Ketchup. However, a lively performance of their song 'Brujeria' was not enough to prevent Spain finishing with just 28 points and 21st place, the only consolation being that the other Big 4 countries (UK, France and Germany) achieved even worse results by ending up 22nd, 23rd and 24th respectively. In qualification terms, of course, none of this matters, given that Spain and its Big 4 colleagues are guaranteed places in the Final anyway. However, with the Big 4 status being seen as increasingly questionable (42% of Soult.com Eurovision voters saying that the Big 4 should now take part in the Semi Final if they fail to reach the Final on their own merits), Spain could really use a good result in 2006.
In 2006 Spain was represented by the girl band ,,Las Ketchup", while in 2007 the boys band ,,D'NASH" got the ticket for Helsinki.


This year's entry:




My opinion & prediction:

I can’t take it anymore. Another comedy act, the song attacks the politics in Venezuela so the lyrics have to be changed. Overall, this song along with the Turkey, are the best comedy acts of the night.

My prediction for the Semi Final: N/A
My prediction for the Final: 1st to 5th, possible winner