Blas Cantó Spain Eurovision 2021

Blas Cantó will represent Spain at Eurovision 2021 with his song “Voy a quedarme”.

Blas was originally due to sing “Universo” at Eurovision 2020. However, the contest was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, just like several other countries, Spain opted to stick with its singer for Eurovision 2021. “Voy a quedarme” was chosen from two songs that were presented to the Spanish public in Destino Eurovisión. The other track was “Memoria”.

And now we’ve compiled 10 facts you need to know about Blas Cantó. Let’s do this!

Spain at Eurovision 2021: Facts about Blas Cantó

1. He’s a small-town boy

Blas Cantó Moreno was born on 26 October 1991 in the small municipality of Ricote. It’s located in the Murcia region, in the south-east of Spain. The village has a population of just over 1,500. Some scholars believe that it lent its name to the character of Ricote in Don Quixote — one of the most influential works in Spanish literature.

2. He attempted Junior Eurovision

Aged 12, Blas took part in EuroJunior — Spain’s multi-show selection for Junior Eurovision 2004. He competed with two songs “Cantaré” and “Sentir”, the latter of which qualified for the final. The selection was won, however, by María Isabel with “Antes muerta que sencilla”. She went on to victory at Junior Eurovision too, becoming one of the contest’s most iconic winners. Mirela — a fan favourite to represent Spain on multiple occasions — was among the other notable EuroJunior 2004 participants.

3. He was in a boyband

From 2009 to 2016, Blas was a member of the chart-topping boyband Auryn. They were made up of five members, all of whom had previously appeared on various talent shows in Spain. They became popular through their YouTube covers of hits like Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Los Secretos’ “Déjame”. The group’s name was derived from the AURYN talisman which features in the The Neverending Story novel and films. The charm was supposed to grant one the opportunity to fulfil all one’s wishes.

4. He’s a chart-topping award winner

Blas enjoyed much success with Auryn. The group released four albums – three of which reached number one in Spain. They also had seven top ten singles. In 2013, they won  “Best Spanish Act” at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Auryn were also chosen to sing “Cuando te volveré a ver” (When Can I See You Again) for the Spanish version of the Disney animated film Wreck-It Ralph.

5. He tried out for Eurovision before

Auryn themselves have some Eurovision pedigree, taking part in Spain’s 2011 national selection. They reached the superfinal of the contest. Each act had to sing three original songs, with the jury picking one original song from each artist. Auryn sang “Evangeline”, “El sol brillará” and “Volver”. However, Auryn ultimately lost out to Lucia Perez and “Que me quiten lo bailao”.

6. He went solo in 2016

Auryn officially split in July 2016. Blas signed with Warner Music Spain soon after. He released his debut album Complicado in 2018. It reached number one and was reissued as Complicados a year later. The record spawned five singles. “Él No Soy Yo” is his biggest hit song. It has over 43 million Spotify streams and almost 75 million views on YouTube. It went on to achieve a PROMUSICAE (Spanish Music Producers) platinum certification.

7. He had a very tough year in 2020

The past year has been tough for us all. But Blas had it particularly hard, and we’re not just talking about Eurovision being cancelled. In the space of just a few months, he lost both his father and grandmother. His Eurovision 2021 song “Voy a quedarme” is directly inspired by them. “It’s a super special song”, he told RTVE. “I wrote this one at the most difficult moment of my life. I wrote it at the time my father was passing away. Then I recorded it when my grandmother was dying from COVID and it was a very hard moment. In fact, the emotion is noticeable in the voice, I think. It is a song that gives off sensitivity and a lot of strength at the end. What happens is that you always put the beginning, which is how slower and so on, but then it grows in a brutal way”.

8. He’s a film star

There is apparently no end to Blas’ talents. Because he’s also dabbled in acting. He is the voice of the wickedly handsome Lou in the Spanish dub of the animated film Ugly Dolls. The villanous role was played by Nick Jonas in the Hollywood original.

9. He’s collaborated with some big divas

Throughout his career, Blas Cantó has worked with some of the biggest female names in music — both in Spain and beyond. While still with AURYN, he and his bandmates collaborated with US singer Anastacia on “Who’s Loving You?”. More recently, Blas has released singles with Spain’s Eurovision 2012 star Pastora Soler and the original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. In January of this year, he released “Cúrame” with NIA, the reigning Operación Triunfo champion.

10. He loves his dogs

Blas is a huge dog lover and owns two Pomeranians — Leo and Tirma. The adorable pair even have a joint Instagram account of their own. @leo_y_tirma has over 3,000 followers.

 

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Are you excited to finally see Blas on stage in May? Are you moved by his song? Let us know in the comments.

Read more Eurovision 2021 artist facts here.

12 Comments
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Pastora Soler
Pastora Soler
2 years ago

And he was the winner of My face sounds familiar (Tu cara me suena) , like Edurne or Ruth lorenzo did before.

raylee
raylee
3 years ago

Good luck to this talented and hot man ! 🙂

NickC
NickC
3 years ago

I actually like his song more and more though initially i was unimpressed. The song grows on you, but unfortunately in Eurovision only first impressions matter. Therefore, this song needs a real “wow” moment more than any other song in the competition, something like Jamala’ s tree of life. If they stage this well, and if the stars are aligned and they get a favorable running order, it “may” achive the best Spanish result of the century.

Last edited 3 years ago by NickC
Yanis
Yanis
3 years ago

I really like his song this year, but since it’s not really high on top lists I’ve already accepted that he might not do as well as I would want to. Only thing I wouldn’t keep is the acapella part, mostly because it really doesn’t need it. Other than that good luck for Spain and Blas!

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
3 years ago

He looked like Mans when he was in AURYN

Maria Pita
Maria Pita
3 years ago

Who cares about this guy who will probably close the scoreboard. Boring. Next.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
3 years ago

11) He was my “Mister Eurovision 2020” in the voting and will become it in 2021, too 😀

impressiveinstants
impressiveinstants
3 years ago

I don’t think he’ll fare as poorly as most think

Eurovision2016>
Eurovision2016>
3 years ago

i kind of feel like auryn was robbed actually.

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
3 years ago

He is a perfect artist, but this song is not my cup of tea sadly. Universo was great in my opinion, that’s why I had it on most of my playlists in digital music platforms

Eurovision2016>
Eurovision2016>
3 years ago
Reply to  notyourtoy

Universo was brilliant but voy a quedarme is different gravy.

Eurovision2016>
Eurovision2016>
3 years ago

i get downvoted even when i say a song is good.