Spain’s Eurovision 2020 and 2021 representative Blas Cantó has revealed on Instagram that he’s been having a hard time during quarantine. Anxiety has been hitting him since the contest was cancelled, and he’s needed to step away from the limelight.
On Saturday, Blas shared a message on his Instagram account a few hours after he shut down his Twitter. The singer had been in the midst of a social media storm after he refused to sing at Eurovision Spain’s online PrePartyES last weekend.
According to his message “the situation was taking over him” and he “needed to stop”.
“One of my dreams had come true: Eurovision. As real as Cinderella’s dress… But then it was midnight, the spell broke and I couldn’t live it. My heart broke to pieces, and I came back to the start. I had to begin from zero. As much as I convince myself it will happen in 2021, I feel so much angst that I can’t even think clearly,” he wrote.
As days went by, he became more overwhelmed: “Then there was insomnia, bad moods, sadness, skin welts, difficulty speaking, hand tingling, breathing difficulty, dizziness…”.
He kept on working and followed his pretty packed schedule, which included releasing two collaborations with Pastora Soler and Kelly Clarkson, until one day he begged his managers to cancel everything.
Blas Cantó – “Universo” music video
At the end of his message, Blas said he was very sorry to not be able to perform at PrePartyES, as well as not being able to promote his single with Pastora Soler.
“I know we’ll get over this, and those who suffer (from anxiety) like me will be free and breathe normally again. There’s not much time left. And then I will sing… I will sing”, he wrote.
What’s your take on Blas’ message? Have you been experiencing something similar during quarantine or self-isolation period? What are your tips for getting through? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
So devastated he just recorded a song with Kelly Clarkson .. we call this Alligator Tears.
And that makes you what then?
I imagine his collaboration with Kelly Clarkson was something that had been planned for a while , pushed by the label and that he couldn’t really postpone/cancel. He might not have handled this in the best possible way, but I can understand and relate to his anxiety and his unwillingness to do most things. These are hard times.
How can a lot of pverzealous Spanish Eurofans be this abusive? Have they ever tried looking at themselves in the mirror?
Tips for coping with anxiety that have worked for me: – Focus on what you can control (eat well, sleep well, take exercise when you’re allowed) – don’t fester on those things you can’t control – Switch off the news or limit yourself to 20 mins per day – Write down 3 good things about your life each day – if you look hard enough, I’m sure you’ll find something, even if it’s that you’re still breathing. – Come on to the Wiwibloggs site and share your love of all things Eurovision! Seriously, active distraction is really important, so do… Read more »
Very well said, Kosey. Can I also just say that you are one of my favorite contributors on this site, and I really have been enjoying reading your reviews of the 2020 ESC songs. 🙂 With regards to Blas, my heart goes out to him. It’s pretty evident that Eurovision is a long-time dream of his, and to have that dream taken away is heart-breaking (and is probably compounded by the current devastation the pandemic is having in his immediate surroundings, in his country). The good news is that he is one of the lucky ones who will have his… Read more »
The “Wiwibloggs site” step is questionable as comments sometimes happen to be toxic here.
As I can understand from his words, he’s having anxiety for years and this lockdown just activate it again… he’s not literally anxious just because of Eurovision, as someone is suggesting it in comments (like, he should be happy because he will have chance next year). Well no… cancellation was just one of the reasons for him to feel bad but clearly it’s not the only issue. He looks like a quite hypersensitive person and he needs to prepare for another round of critics from spanish fans next year, all over again. I hope that he’ll find a way how… Read more »
Mandando mucho amor a Blas.
On a positive note, as an artist, I’m sure he will be able to make of these negative feelings a good song.
i’m sure blas was stoked for eurovision and were really proud of universo, and it must’ve more than crushing for him to have to experience having it all taken away from him and to all over again, he deserves more sympathy :c
At least he’s back next year… Think about people who won’t ever perform during ESC because of this cancellation
I can relate with him sooo freakin much! I had to go through a very tough time of depression and anxiety. I’ve never ever been in such a bad Situation in my intire life… But I promise you: it will get better! Wherever you are right now, there is hope! Please remember that! I know it, I experienced it myself, that there his hope at the end of the tunnel. That it will get better und you will be relieved. You are precious, you are loved, you are not alone!
You’re absolutely correct! Was at the same place as you for over 6 months! Now when i look back at this awful times, i just laugh at myself thinking I’d never be able to get over it! So yeah, it does get better sooner or later.
Stay strong Blasito.
Sorry but spanish fans are disgusting.
Well, some of us fans from Spain are pretty normal, but I admit the fanbase is very toxic. On one hand there’s a puerile campaign in English speaking forums every year to make the song liked while in the Spanish ones all is crap directed to our song and performer. And the most toxic part of it is TVE clueless degation.