Spain: Melody addresses Eurovision result, creative disagreements, and support from fans

Esa Diva finally tells her side of the Eurovision story.

After weeks of relentless speculation and a wave of fake news, Melody has decided to put an end to the rumours and publicly address her participation and results at Eurovision. Representing Spain, Melody finished 24th overall in Basel — just two spots away from last place. Despite delivering a flawless vocal performance, she failed to climb higher than 21st with the jury and secured only 10 points from the public televote.

Speaking live from RTVE’s studios in Madrid in one of the most anticipated press conferences of the season, Melody returned to the spotlight to face the media. Following the contest, she had chosen to step back and cancel all scheduled appearances with RTVE, opting instead to rest and spend time with her family.

Melody on Eurovision 2025

Following a disappointing result, Melody took a break from public appearances, which fuelled speculation about internal conflicts. Today, she clarified: “I wasn’t running away. I was exhausted and needed time with my family. I had prioritised this [Eurovision] for months.”

Visibly emotional, she thanked her fans and the media for their support, while firmly rejecting reports of backstage drama.

“I’ve always treated my team with respect. The rumours about me throwing people out of dressing rooms or being difficult to work with are just not true,” she said.

“Reading lies about myself was painful. I would never behave that way. That’s simply not who I am.”

During the press conference, she was presented with a bouquet of twelve roses from RTVE — Spain’s symbolic “twelve points.” Melody laughed and accepted the gesture with grace, rewatching her performance with a proud smile.

“There were a lot of challenging elements — choreography, wardrobe changes, complex staging — but I pushed through and gave it my all.”

“I would have done things differently”

When asked about the low result at Eurovision, Melody refrained from political commentary — quite literally, as she held a copy of her RTVE contract on her lap, noting she was forbidden to speak about political topics.

RTVE later clarified: “at no time has any representative of Spain in Eurovision been banned by contract to make political comments. It is the rules of the EBU that state that songs, and songs alone, must not contain political content.”

However, Melody didn’t shy away from pointing out artistic disagreements with RTVE’s team.

“There were things I didn’t agree with. I wanted a more impactful staging. Some of the camera shots, some entry moments — they just didn’t land, and those decisions weren’t mine to make,” she said.

“What frustrates me most is feeling like I couldn’t give my full potential as an artist. And when you don’t have full control, there’s only so much you can do. That said, I won’t use that as an excuse for the final result.”

For instance, one specific camera angle she wanted — showcasing a dress transformation moment with her dancers — never made it to the final cut. A clip of this moment surfaced on X, showing the potential visual impact that was lost.

Melody also revealed that she couldn’t see her [planned] camera shots until a day before rehearsals and that her iconic swing from the Benidorm Fest performance had to be cut. 

“They [Spain’s team] told me starting from above didn’t feel ‘positive or remarkable enough.’ Yet, some artists did start from above” – Melody said. 

“If I ever return, It’ll be on my terms”

Despite the result, Melody highlighted the overwhelming support from the public. “Children are singing my song in the streets. That, to me, is the greatest prize.”

She also took aim at certain media outlets and fellow artists for questioning her mental health and professionalism.

“There’s been a real lack of empathy. I’ve always shown up. I’ve always delivered. Using my wellbeing as clickbait is deeply unfair.”

When asked about a potential return to Eurovision, Melody was measured in her response: “Not anytime soon. I need to heal first. And if I ever come back — it’ll have to be on my terms.”

Ana María Bordas, RTVE’s Head of Delegation, praised Melody’s performance, calling her “vocally brilliant,” and reaffirmed the broadcaster’s support: “She gave everything on that stage. The result does not reflect the caliber of artist she is.”

Melody closed the event with a heartfelt message:

“Eurovision is about connection, peace, and music. I’m an artist, not a politician. Above all, what matters is respect — for the public, for music, and for each other.”

Spain and the EBU

Questions also turned to RTVE’s stance on broader Eurovision issues — particularly regarding Israel’s participation and Spain’s televote results.

Last week, RTVE officially requested an audit of the televote and opened a formal discussion with the EBU around voting reform and Israel’s inclusion in the competition. So far, no response has been issued directly at RTVE.

RTVE’s Head of Communications, María Eizaguirre, emphasised the need for reform:

“The contest should reward talent and artistry — not other factors. We’re not alone in this. Many delegations see Eurovision’s Achilles’ heel and want a system that truly supports the artists.”

As for Spain’s future participation linked to Israel’s presence, Spain’s HoD Ana María Bordas remained noncommittal:

“It’s too early to say. These are decisions that fall to RTVE’s board of directors. But I expect many discussions to take place — across delegations and within the EBU — in the coming months.”

Were you disappointed to see Melody finish 24th at Eurovision 2025? Would some of her suggested staging elements helped push Spain up the leaderboard? Let us know in the comments.