They flew the red and gold Spanish flag at Eurovision 2002, 2009, 2014, 2016, and 2017, bringing infectious energy and cheesy smiles from the Iberian Peninsula.
And this week, singers Rosa López, Soraya, Ruth Lorenzo, Barei and Manel Navarro celebrated the rainbow flag as they teamed up with over 70 Spanish celebrities for #WorldPride2017 renditions of “A Quién Le Importa” or “Who Cares”.
Originally released by the pop rock band Alaska y Dinarama in 1986, “A Quién Le Importa” became an anthem for the Spanish-speaking LGBT+ community.
Across the ocean, Mexican pop singer Thalia included her own cover of the song in her 2002 album and filmed an accompanying music video, showing just how far the song had spread.
More than just an electro-disco bundle of camp, though, “A Quién Le Importa” carries a motivational message that has helped it endure over the decades.
The up-tempo song speaks of a person who feels pressured by society to be and act a certain way, but who knows deep down that their destiny and way of life cannot — and should not — change. The chorus asks “Who cares what I do? Who cares what I say?” It’s a timeless — and timely — message for those who feel excluded. It’s also a call for tolerance for everyone.
¡TOMA NOTA! Hoy a las 21:30 estrenamos en https://t.co/PhLfYWx4mj la nueva versión de #AQuiénLeImporta con muchos artistas. #WorldPride2017 pic.twitter.com/VTy1QBp1UR
— Shangay (@Shangaycom) June 28, 2017
“A Quién Le Importa” has adapted to social progress over the decades. Its message is broad enough to have connected with many groups through the years. Yet it’s specific enough to carry a meaningful message for the LGBT+ community today.
“A Quién Le Importa” Music Video
The music video brought over a dozen Spanish singers together, from Ruth Lorenzo to Marta Sánchez, and a rendition of the song on an even larger scale is in the pipeline.
Yes, a spoken rendition of the song, led by the team at shangay.com, brought together Spanish notables from all walks of life: music, television, cooking and even sports. Over the course of the last year, over 70 people dedicated time to spreading the message of acceptance and conviction that “A Quién Le Importa” sends. They’re waving the flag and proud of it!
How are you celebrating #WorldPride2017, and what does the message ‘Who cares?’ mean to you? Let us know in the comments section below, or using the wiwibloggs app!
I feel bad for being straight. So many amazing gay pride events ; (
Nobody feels bad for being straight.
Francesco Gabbani was invited to World Pride as a guest star!!!
I skipped the World Pride. Madrid Pride already was huge and these crowds make me anxious.
World Pride in Madrid scares me too much for too big crowds and for terror threats.