Here they are! After first dropping nine demos and then streaming a couple of rehearsals with dodgy sound, Spain’s RTVE has finally released the studio versions of the nine songs which will compete in Operación Triunfo’s ‘Gala Eurovision’ on Monday.
All nine tracks were officially released on January 29, so some fans have had access to the songs for several hours — Monday comes sooner in Australia and New Zealand!
However, now that it’s past 00.00 CET, most of us can now listen to them without regional restrictions.
And here’s a handy playlist to do just that:
Operación Triunfo ‘Gala Eurovision’ Playlist
The full studio cuts reveal more shades to the songs, which now feel richer. For instance, Alfred and Amaia’s “Tu canción” finishes with an impressive string-filled crescendo.
The same goes for Aitana’s “Arde”. The third minute no longer sounds like a demo. Its climax features Aitana’s long note, a piano and some more strings, which altogether create a much needed wow moment.
Another entry which has seen a lot of changes is Alfred’s “Que nos sigan las luces”. The track is much more laid back with a rockier edge.
Alfred – “Que nos sigan las luces” second rehearsal
In some instances, the higher production values are clear. For example, with Miriam’s solo effort “Lejos de tu piel” and Aitana and Ana’s bop “Lo malo” you can tell that both songs were ready to go in English and were translated especially for Operación Triunfo.
Ana War’s “El remedio” features new sections and backing vocalists. Earlier this week, Ana wasn’t particularly comfortable with the track — too many lyrics and not enough time to breathe. Solution? Add a chorus where she yells “sí, sí, sí”!
Miriam and Agoney’s “Magia” conveys the duo’s real-life chemistry. They were BFFs inside the academy, and now they are a perfect match for this musical theatre flavoured pop-rock track.
Miriam and Agoney – “Magia” second rehearsal
Another entry with a theatrical feel to it is Amaia’s “Al cantar”. Her soft vocals dazzles — have you ever heard a sweeter “la la, la la”?
The group entry “Camina” has also been re-recorded for the occasion. It now features just five vocalists, compared to the original’s 16. Which one do you prefer?
Operación Triunfo’s Eurovision gala airs on Monday 29 January at 22.35 CET. After all the songs have been performed, the three most popular entries will qualify to a super final. Another round of voting will ensue, after which the Spanish entry for Eurovision 2018 will be selected.
The show will also feature appearances from Eurovision 2014 winner Conchita Wurst, Eurovision 2017 winning-composer Luisa Sobral and Eurovision 2017 singer Manel Navarro.
Are you excited for tonight’s show? Who is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
Right now Spain is 6th in the betting houses, without having chosen the song
To be honest, I’m bit disappointed by Spain this year. “Tu canción” is really good and sweet. I really like this duet. It needs a beautiful presentation. “Arde”: really beautiful voice. Love it. The song itself isn’t in my favourites. “Que nos sigan las luces”: not a fan. It sounds dated. “Lejos de tu piel”: not a fan. “Lo malo”: now we’re talking seriously. Sounds good, it’s up-beat and it’s sth I would expect for Spain in Eurovision. “El remedio”: I’ll agree it’s a guilty pleasure. Fresh, up-beat and dance. “Magia”: not a fan. “Al cantar”: really beautiful voice, Amaia… Read more »
Why does that playlist not work for me? Is it because I’m American (i.e. blocked here)? I just now signed up for Spotify to listen to this playlist, but all I’m getting is that the playlist is empty and zero songs are in it. I also looked at Wiwibloggs’ U.K. playlist and that one is empty too.
Is the playlist in the above article working for those of you in Europe?
http://www.rtve.es/television/20180123/conoce-canciones-pueden-ir-eurovision/1665576.shtml
http://www.rtve.es/television/20180127/escucha-canciones-ot-para-eurovision-versiones-definitivas-primer-minuto/1668580.shtml
Thank you, but I can’t find the complete studio versions there, just one-minute versions. (I don’t understand Spanish, however, as I’m using Google Translate to fully understand those web pages, so maybe they are there and I can’t find them.)
Yes Matt is blocked. I follow OT and also, I live here in USA and Spotify and Itunes have restricted acces to almost most of this songs. Its annoying! The only way is using YouTube.
Arde or Tu cancion.
Arde is a good song, Tu cancion is also good and very sweet and it matters a lot the chemistry, like The Common Linnets.
I would be happy if Spain sends any of them.
Al Cantar is probably gonna win because Luisa Sobral is gonna make a guest appearance and I love the haunting violin sound on the second verse. Lo Malo is my personal favorite though. Its the most modern sounding but its gonna need to rely on the staging and vocal performance of the duo to sell.
I love those comments from European fans supporting Lo Malo, the worst song of all, with the goal that Spain carries the worst song of all. It’s the worst song and they know it.
Lovely
they both have boyfirends, if im not mistaken. And they are not even “super good friends”. This was just a duet made by the TV. In fact, i predict they’ll clash sooner or later due Aitana is very childish and spoiled and Ana is very cocky and self-centered. They will end up fighting each other (with aitana crying in the process XD).
Goodnightmoon
Tu cancion maybe good song in studio version, but we saw clip for rehasal is not that good in live.
Tu Cancion prediciton, best for that song, postion like Georgia 2013
For me best choice for Spain is La Malo (with that song they have chance to bei in TOP 10, in TOP 6 with televote, with juries from 16 to 20 place)
“Tu cancion maybe good song in studio version, but we saw clip for rehasal is not that good in live.”
I completely disagree with your opinion. The live version sounds much better in my opinion. The connection between them makes this song even much more special and kind of emotional. That’s adorable the way they look at each other and sing it.
That’s not true, it was very good on the rehearsals and it will be probably way better with good sound and the whole production finished tonight in the preselection.
Is there anything like Criminal by Natti Natasha there, or are they all in the style of Contigo/Amanecer/Quédate conmigo?
Oh yes! Natti natasha!… known at her home at lunch hours… (facepalm)
LOL Natti Natasha has a song with more than 1.000.000.000 views on youtube, just so you know.
And yes, Lo Malo is more like Natti Natasha’s style.
Bottom five CANCELED! (Watch them send that other duet tho.)
Very nice songs. Great job, Spain. Good luck
1. Aitana – “Arde” 9/10
2. Amaia & Alfred – “Tu canción” 7/10
3. Agoney & Miriam – “Magia” 7/10
4. Amaia – “Al cantar” 7/10
5. Aitana & Ana – “Lo Malo” 6/10
I didn’t really feel any of the songs are original enough to hand Spain a left side result!! Lo Malo will go unnoticed I feel!! Tu Cancion and Arde might pick up jury points though and help Spain avoid a last place finish possibly
Absolutely love these songs. I feel like this is the best Spanish preselection in many years. Can’t wait to see what will happen. Good luck from Russia.
1. Arde
2. Tu canción
3. Al cantar
4. Magia
5. Lo malo
My favorite is “Arde”, I’m really in love with it. Not an easy song to translate to all kinds of audiences on Eurovision, but I would vote for it anyway. I think the winner it’s between “Tu Canción” and “Lo Malo”. I really like both songs, so either way spanish voters decide to go I’m on board. If they want something sweet and romantic, Amaia and Alfred have it. If they want to dance and have fun, Aitana War can deliver. I like “Al Cantar”, but it makes no sense to send it when you also have “Tu Canción”. I… Read more »
Sabrina, I really like your reviews. And I generally agree with them. 🙂
Thank you Nick 🙂 I’ve also noticed that we’re usually in the same page about the contestants. It’s always good to know there I probably won’t be alone if I decide to support a very hated song here haha
Hahaha, at least you’re a very imaginative troll. I would love to be in Spain though.
my top 3:
1. lo malo
2. tu cancion.
3. que nos sigan las luces.
would be really happy if one of these win : )
Great preselection, Finally Spain taking the serious way. No song is really bad and for my taste i would be happy if i watch my top 4 or 5 in Lisboa on May. My top 9 is: 1.- Arde (touching song, you feel the sweet warm on it.) 2.- Tu cancion (a little bit sugary and corny, but also SO BEAUTIFUL. This song requires chemistry between both singers) 3.- Lo malo (urban and ear-worm song. SO catchy) 4.- Al cantar (I love it. Retro-feel sentiment. but the first minute lacks catchiness) 5.- Que nos sigan las luces ———— 6.- Lejos… Read more »
Not available in my country.
Oh well.
Let me know if they become available on Youtube!
I love „Lejos de tu piel“. By far the best!!
I’m getting serious winner vibes from that studio version of Tu Canción, Spain may be a huge surprise this year.
Camina- ESC 2018 alert! I’m just kidding but this song is the anthem of ESC 2015 (Building Bridges)?
Al Cantar- Disney princess singing, Cinderella maybe? But it’s a good song but the way she sings is so Disney princess
Arde- meh
Que Nos Sigan Las Luces- its ok
Lejos de Tu Piel- Beyoncé feat Ruth Lorenzo nah
El Remedio- guilty pressure?
Tu Cancion- Beautiful song.
Lo Malo- cringe, LAS DIVINAS?
Magia- “magia” means flop (Portugal 2004 – also the portuguese singer was the winner of the Portuguese OT)
*winner alert
I will vote for Almaia, I don’t mind if we get another bottom, I will be very proud of them
Please DON’T send that boring ballad. Send Lo Malo, we need some songs like that in Eurovision.
I’m really tired of you guys always saying the same. No matter what we send, it will always be critizised, or dont you remind when we chose Ruth, the load of wiwibloggers saying another bottom for us? I dont care about the position our representant gets. I only care about being proud of the singer and the song. I was proud in 2012, in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. And this year again, I’ll be proud of whoever wins tomorrow night. My favourite are Aitana and Ana War or Almaia, and even if they become 26th in the final, I’ll… Read more »
Not really, I want to see Spain in the Top 10. Latin nations together!!! Spain-Portugal-Italy-France-Romania!
can portugal win again? 🙂
we will beat ireland first of sweden :~)
That’s what I think. All of the songs are good. My favs are “Tu Canción”, “Arde” and “Lejos de tu Piel”, but I would be happy with any of them.
Spain will send what Spain want. We aren’t here to amuse you (or at least is not our main goal), but to send something we are proud of. This year we have the opportunity to be proud with all the entries. And I will be proud even with a flop or a 26th placing as some gurus here predict.
Marco and Hector, I love the way you guys think. Every country should send the song that made them proud. After all, I bet it feels much better to be in the bottom with a song that moves you then to be high placed with an act that you can’t care about it. I know it’s easier to say than to do, but don’t worry about the trolls here. Spain should be proud about this final.
Thank you Sabrina! I like the way you reviewed the songs above. That’s how it should be. Respect. 🙂
Marco: wiwibloggs ranked Ruth 7th her year…wiwibloggs.com/eurovision-previews-reviews-all-songs/
i have this feeling with UK. everyone is crazy about “legends” and man… it just screams bottom to me, specially in lisbon 2018, where “fast food music” will be pointed with the finger XD
I agree too. Legends should, and will flop badly. Spain May grab few votes here and there.
My heart is divided between Aitana’s “Arde” and Amaia & Alfred’s “Tu Canción”! Both of them sound beautiful to me! May the best win! (:
At this rate, I wonder if people have a Eurovision candidate they actually LIKE. I personally dig ’em – truthfully, I’d be pleased if Camina made it just because I’d be delighted to see all the finalists get a chance at Eurovision glory, but the best song is definitely Tu Cancion. Wishing them the best of luck at the contest, no matter what they send.
blocked in america 🙁
Oh! That’s because the songs appeared Monday 00:00h CET and I believe it’s still blocked in some countries due to time zone. Hope you can listen to them asap! <3
My top:
1.- Tu Cancion
2.- Lo Malo
3.- Que Nos Sigan Las Luces
4.- Magia.
5.- El Remedio
From what im reading in internet, i feel Arde is a bit overrated by spaniards… i have it in a 8th position and most people from spain have it as a clear contender for the win…O_o. i’ll never understand how spaniards vote…
I really miss the old Spain that sended masterpieces such as Quédate Conmigo, Dancing in the Rain, Amanecer and Say Yay. 🙁
The new Spain is trying so hard to be the new Germany.
Do you mean the same Spain that was placed in the bottom 5 or was underrated with Pastora and Ruth? Whatever we do, it will be appreciated exactly in the same way. We are not Sweden, sadly
Dude, this is the best spanish preselection in decades
The best preselection in decades?! Nice joke!!
Can you name one entry of these 9 that could bring a TOP 10 place for Spain, or that could even bring Spain to the left sife of the scoreboard?!
I wish I could mark this message to display it to you again when the Eurovision final ends
Sorry Marco, I can really understand you. Both Amanecer and Say Yay were quality entries, and deserved a TOP 10 place, but yeah, unfortunately Spain is always really underrated in Eurovision.
But, listening to these songs makes me just sad, since I’ve known Spain always for their masterpieces, and now there is not even one single entry that could bring Spain a respectable result. I really hope that I’ll get surprised in the end, since Spain is one my favourite ESC countries.
Sorry, but these songs make me miss Do it for your lover. I mean they can be good singers, but these are all really bad entries.
The only songs that could work are Lo Malo and Tu Canción. And since I like Ana Guerra, I would pick Lo Malo.
Are you really comparing the songs with Do It For Your Lover? Dude….
Have you listen to more than 15 seconds of any of the songs?
I know nothing about OT, haven’t been following the competition and this is the first time that I heard the songs. My fav is:
– Arde by Aitana.
P.Ss.:
– El Remedio wants to be the new “Bandido”. Didin’t work;
– Tu Canción reminds me Spain 2013, sorry;
– Lo Malo is a Shakira-wannabe;
– Spain is heading for another bottom 6.
How come Tu Canción reminds you of Spain 2013? Didn’t you mean Que Te Sigan Las Luces by chance? That would be far more logical.
I don’t really remember their 2013 entry, so I’m guessing is something like Tu Canción lmao.
You make comments and you don’t even know what are you talking about. Nice one, mate! They don’t have anything in common, but the 3min they last.
I said it “reminds me”, somehow…
2013’s “Contigo hasta al final” is a little more upbeat while Tu cancion is but slower in tempo.
Tu Cancion to win! So captivating and endearing. I love it!
Tu Cancion all the way! Such a beautiful son and performance
Oh they already had a son?? ? I didn’t know Amaia was pregnant!!
Only “Arde”!
1. Lo Malo
2. El Remedio
3. Tu Canción
I definitely agree with your top 3!
“Lo Malo” ….well done ladies, very cool 😀 my favorite today, tomorrow i don’t know, good luck Spain 🙂
Thank you! Gracias!