Eurovision is all about bringing artists from different countries together through music. And although this year’s acts haven’t been able to get physically close to each other, that hasn’t stopped the musical collaborations. Spain’s Eurovision 2021 star Blas Cantó has brought on board the United Kingdom’s James Newman for an acoustic version of “I’ll Stay”.
“I’ll Stay” is the English-language version of Blas’ Eurovision 2021 entry “Voy a quedarme”.
The Spanish star previously released a solo rendition of “I’ll Stay”. Now, Blas has decided that it would also sound great as a duet.
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James Newman has the honour of starting things off. Blas joins him for the chorus and then takes over for the second verse.
The pair predominantly sing in unison during the chorus, but with Blas singing an octave higher than James. They add in some harmonies for the final few notes of the song.
This collaboration keeps the acoustic style of Blas’ solo version. The two Eurovision stars are largely accompanied by piano with the addition of some string instruments from the second verse onward.
Blas Cantó (feat. James Newman) – “I’ll Stay”
The accompanying music video features Blas and James singing from different locations. James performs in front of a series of vertical bars that give off a cool pale blue light. Meanwhile, Blas goes for a slightly warmer aesthetic and sings in the studio with some gold fairy lights in the background.
The emotion is perhaps more evident in Blas’ eyes than James’. But considering it’s the Spanish singer’s song, it would be natural for him to connect with it more on a personal level.
Nevertheless, this acoustic rendition of “I’ll Stay” is still touching and it nicely blends together the different vocal styles of the two Eurovision stars.
What do you make of this Eurovision collaboration between James Newman and Blas Cantó? Which other artists from this year’s contest would you like to see team up and release a song together? Let us know in the comments below!
Gorgeous version of already a gorgeous song.. Thank you Blas and James.. 🙂
It’s always sweet seeing these collaberations and connections, it matters more than any result. Think back to 3JS (last in semi) enjoyed jamming with silver medallist Raphael Gualazziin 2011 (they toured together afterwards, or Dowue Bob’s bar in 2016.
Leroy Sanchez must be so proud that the song he co-wrote is representing Spain at Eurovision and being sung by two amazing artists. He’s come so far as a YouTuber!
Beautiful song and brilliant duet ?
This reminds me a bit of what ZiBBZ and Cesar Sampson did in 2018. If you haven’t seen it, you should look up a cover of both of their songs which I think they called ‘Nobody But Stones’
They make such a lovely couple. Hopefully they can be together after the pandemic ends 😉
Someone listened to Anna Odobescu.
I THOUGHT EXACTLY THE SAME
Virtual high five
Off topic but I was sitting on my bed thinking about last night’s semi and then I thought that we have so many records broken or created this year! Australia got their 1st NQ ‘Technicolour’ was the 1st song performed outside the Eurovision arena Ukraine became the only country with no NQ’s North Macedonia had their 1st NQ with a male ballad Portugal chose the 1st song entirely in English in all their history Romania also had their 1st NQ with a pop ballad Eden now holds the record for the highest note sung I think it was the 1st… Read more »
was macedonia 2015 not a ballad?
No, more like ethnic pop I guess
In 2013 though, where Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia and North Macedonia all didn’t make the final. Greece, Romania and Hungary did, but I’m not sure whether those count as ‘Balkan’, and those were in SF2 back then.
Greece is located at the Balkan peninsula so I think it’s a Balkan country, Romania may be a Roman country but it’s Balkan as well
But if those countries (HUN, GRE, ROM) were in another semi then I made a mistake
I love this version and the collaboration! This is what ESC is about: sharing cultures through music. The lyrics of the song in English sound amazing too, by the way. It will surely help people understand the emotion and quality behind this song.
It’s cute. 🙂
So glad you’re back again properly 🙂 — and I hope Joe returns too now.
Who’s Joe? (no cringe Joe Mama jokes allowed)
He was a very regular commenter on wiwibloggs until a few months ago. Loved a good Eurovision fact and had a great memory for the tiny details of each year!
Oh, such a shame he left
I have so much work to do nowadays, I only have precious time to comment. Life has taken an interesting turn over the past few weeks. Basically my music career has been over since COVID, so I have two other different jobs now.
Completely understandable. I really do hope it’s all manageable for you Purple, and that the UK arts sector can recover as quickly as possible too, with more music work on the horizon if you wish to return to it.
They will be together again at the foot of the scoreboard on Saturday night. Deservedly in the case of the UK
agreed about the uk they really messed up the staging
They booed you for being right.