Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015

{{main|Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest}}

Prior to the 2015 contest, {{lang|es|Televisión Española|i=no}} (TVE) until 2006, and {{lang|es|Radiotelevisión Española|i=no}} (RTVE) since 2007, had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest representing Spain fifty-four times since TVE's first entry in {{Escyr|1961}}.{{cite web|title=Spain Country Profile|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/history/by-country/country?country=5|access-date=12 February 2015|publisher=EBU}} They have won the contest on two occasions: in {{esccnty|Spain|y=1968|t=1968}} with the song "La, la, la" performed by Massiel and in {{esccnty|Spain|y=1969|t=1969}} with the song "{{lang|es|Vivo cantando|i=no}}" performed by Salomé, the latter having won in a four-way tie with {{esccnty|France|y=1969}}, the {{esccnty|Netherlands|y=1969}}, and the {{esccnty|United Kingdom|y=1969}}. They have also finished second four times, with "{{lang|es|En un mundo nuevo|i=no}}" by Karina in {{esccnty|Spain|y=1971|t=1971}}, "{{lang|es|Eres tú|i=no}}" by Mocedades in {{esccnty|Spain|y=1973|t=1973}}, "{{lang|es|Su canción|i=no}}" by Betty Missiego in {{esccnty|Spain|y=1979|t=1979}}, and "{{lang|es|Vuelve conmigo|i=no}}" by Anabel Conde in {{esccnty|Spain|y=1995|t=1995}}. In {{esccnty|Spain|y=2014|t=2014}}, RTVE placed tenth with the song "Dancing in the Rain" performed by Ruth Lorenzo.

As part of its duties as participating broadcaster, RTVE organises the selection of its entry in the Eurovision Song Contest and broadcasts the event in the country. RTVE confirmed its intentions to participate at the 2015 contest on 15 September 2014.{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=15 September 2014|title=Spain: TVE confirms participation in Eurovision 2015|url=http://esctoday.com/86757/spain-tve-confirms-participation-eurovision-2015/|access-date=12 February 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}} In 2014, RTVE organised a national final featuring a competition among several artists and songs to select both the artist and song. For its 2015 entry, the broadcaster opted to select both the artist and song via an internal selection.

In December 2014, Spanish media reported that RTVE had selected singer Edurne to represent Spain in Vienna.{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=10 December 2014|title=Spain: Will Edurne represent Spain in Eurovision 2015?|url=http://esctoday.com/86757/spain-tve-confirms-participation-eurovision-2015/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}} Edurne previously participated in the fourth series of the reality television music competition {{lang|es|Operación Triunfo}} where she placed sixth. Edurne also participated in the third season of reality television music competition {{lang|es|Tu cara me suena}} where she was the winner.{{cite web|last1=Escudero|first1=Victor M.|date=14 January 2015|title=Edurne to sing for Spain in Vienna!|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=edurne_to_sing_for_spain_in_vienna|access-date=28 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} Other artists rumoured in the Spanish press included Diana Navarro, Marta Sánchez, and Pablo Alborán.{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=9 January 2015|title=Spain: TVE evaulating (sic) various options; big names interested|url=http://esctoday.com/92933/spain-tve-evaulating-various-options-big-names-interested/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}}

On 14 January 2015, the broadcaster held a press conference at the RTVE Torrespaña premises in Madrid, hosted by Ignacio Gómez-Acebo, where they confirmed Edurne as its entrant.{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=14 January 2015|title=Spain: Edurne will represent Spain with Amanecer in Vienna!|url=http://esctoday.com/92933/spain-tve-evaulating-various-options-big-names-interested/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}} During the press conference, it was also revealed that Edurne would sing the song "{{lang|es|Amanecer|i=no}}", written by Tony Sánchez-Ohlsson, Peter Boström, and Thomas G:son. Sánchez-Ohlsson and G:son had previously co-written the Spanish entries in {{esccnty|Spain|y=2007|t=2007}} and {{esccnty|Spain|y=2012|t=2012}}.{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=14 January 2015|title=Spain: TVE reveals more details about Edurne and Vienna|url=http://esctoday.com/93352/spain-tve-reveals-details-edurne-vienna/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}} The official video of "{{lang|es|Amanecer|i=no}}", directed by David Arnal and Germán de la Hoz, was filmed in January 2015 in Valencia.{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=27 January 2015|title=Spain: Edurne has recorded Amanecer; videoclip in the making|url=http://esctoday.com/94306/spain-edurne-recorded-amanecer-videoclip-making/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}}{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=30 January 2015|title=Spain: Edurne will look like a Hellenic Warrior in Amanecer's videoclip|url=http://esctoday.com/94502/spain-edurne-will-look-like-hellenic-warrior-amanecers-videoclip/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}} The song premiered on 1 March 2015 on RTVE's website, while the video was released on 9 March 2015.{{cite web|last1=Escudero|first1=Victor M.|date=1 March 2015|title=Listen to the Spanish song!|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=listen_to_the_spanish_song|access-date=28 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} The music video served as the official preview video for the Spanish entry.{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=9 March 2015|title=Spain: Edurne releases the official videoclip of Amanecer|url=http://esctoday.com/97433/spain-edurne-releases-official-videoclip-amanecer/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}}

Edurne's pre-contest promotion for "{{lang|es|Amanecer|i=no}}" was focused in Spain, including a performance of the song on the talk show Alaska y Segura on La 1 on 6 April.{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=7 April 2015|title=Spain: Edurne performs Amanecer live|url=http://esctoday.com/100090/spain-edurne-performs-amanecer-live/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}} On 15 April, it was announced that "{{lang|es|Amanecer|i=no}}" would be the official song of the 2015 Vuelta a España.{{cite web|last=Méndez|first=Fernando|date=15 April 2015|title=Spain: Amanecer, the soundtrack of the Vuelta Ciclista|url=http://esctoday.com/100645/spain-amanecer-soundtrack-vuelta-ciclista/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}} On 22 April, a promotional symphonic version of "{{lang|es|Amanecer|i=no}}" was released, which was recorded with the RTVE Symphony Orchestra and chorus at Madrid's Teatro Monumental.{{cite web|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=22 April 2015|title=Spain: Edurne releases the Symphonic version of Amanecer|url=http://esctoday.com/101066/spain-edurne-releases-the-symphonic-version-of-amanecer/|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Esctoday.com}}

File:20150517 ESC 2015 Edurne 0803.jpgAccording to Eurovision rules, all nations with the exceptions of the host country and the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) are required to qualify from one of two semi-finals in order to compete for the final; the top ten countries from each semi-final progress to the final. In the 2015 contest, Australia also competed directly in the final as an invited guest nation.{{cite web|last1=Siim|first1=Jarmo|date=10 February 2015|title=Australia to compete in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=australia_to_participate_in_the_2015_eurovision_song_contest|access-date=22 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} As a member of the "Big Five", Spain automatically qualified to compete in the final on 23 May 2015. In addition to their participation in the final, Spain is also required to broadcast and vote in one of the two semi-finals. During the semi-final allocation draw on 26 January 2015, Spain was assigned to broadcast and vote in the first semi-final on 19 May 2015.{{cite web|last1=Escudero|first1=Victor M.|date=26 January 2015|title=Allocation Draw results: Who's in which Semi-Final?|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=DJP_allocation_draw_results_whos_in_which_semi-final|access-date=26 January 2015|website=Eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

In Spain, the semi-finals were broadcast on La 2 and the final was broadcast on La 1 with commentary by José María Íñigo and Julia Varela.{{cite web|date=14 January 2015|title=Eurovisión 2015 - TVE anuncia que emitirá las dos semifinales de Eurovisión 2015|url=http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/eurovision-2015/tve-anuncia-emitira-dos-semifinales-eurovision/2951167/|access-date=14 January 2015|publisher=TVE|language=es}}{{cite web|date=28 April 2015|title=Julia Varela acompañará a José María Íñigo como comentarista de TVE para Eurovisión 2015|url=http://www.rtve.es/television/20150428/julia-varela-acompanara-jose-maria-inigo-como-comentarista-tve-para-eurovision-2015/1135950.shtml|access-date=28 April 2015|publisher=TVE|language=es}} RTVE appointed Lara Siscar as its spokesperson to announce during the final the Spanish votes.{{cite web|last1=Roxburgh|first1=Gordon|date=23 May 2015|title="Good evening Vienna" - Voting order revealed|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=good_evening_vienna_-_voting_order_revealed|access-date=23 May 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=EBU}}

File:20150520 ESC 2015 Edurne 2295.jpgEdurne took part in technical rehearsals on 17 and 20 May, followed by dress rehearsals on 22 and 23 May.{{cite web|last1=Leon|first1=Jakov I.|date=17 May 2015|title=Edurne (Spain): My 'Eurovision dream' is coming true!|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=edurne_spain_my_eurovision_dream_is_coming_true|access-date=22 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}{{cite web|last1=Leon|first1=Jakov I.|date=20 May 2015|title=Edurne's Spanish 'drama' erupts on Eurovision stage|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=edurnes_spanish_drama_erupts_on_eurovision_stage|access-date=22 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} This included the jury final on 22 May where the professional juries of each country watched and voted on the competing entries.{{cite web|last1=Roxburgh|first1=Gordon|date=22 May 2015|title=Decision night for the 40 juries around Europe...and beyond|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=decision_night_for_the_40_juries_around_euopeand_beyond|access-date=22 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} After technical rehearsals were held on 20 May, the "Big 5" countries, host country Austria and guest country Australia held a press conference. As part of this press conference, the artists took part in a draw to determine which half of the grand final they would subsequently participate in. Spain was drawn to compete in the second half.{{cite web|last1=Omelyanchuk|first1=Olena|date=20 May 2015|title=LIVE: Day 10 at the Wiener Stadthalle|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=57whats_on_today_at_the_wiener_stadthalle|access-date=22 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} Following the conclusion of the second semi-final, the shows' producers decided upon the running order of the final. The running order for the semi-finals and final was decided by the shows' producers rather than through another draw, so that similar songs were not placed next to each other. Spain was subsequently placed to perform in position 21, following the entry from Romania and before the entry from Hungary.{{cite web|last1=Storvik-Green|first1=Simon|date=22 May 2015|title=Running order for Grand Final revealed!|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=running_order_for_grand_final_revealed|access-date=22 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

The Spanish performance featured Edurne on stage wearing a long red cloak which was removed to reveal a gold dress designed by José Fuentes, joined by dancer Giuseppe Di Bella.{{cite web|date=9 April 2015|title=Giuseppe Di Bella, el bailarín que acompañará a Edurne en Eurovisión|url=http://www.rtve.es/television/20150409/giuseppe-di-bella-bailarin-acompanara-edurne-eurovision/1125429.shtml|access-date=9 April 2015|work=RTVE.es|language=es}} The performers did an acrobatic dance routine choreographed by Miryam Benedited Arce, which included Edurne beginning the performance by laying down on a pedestal at the centre of the stage and holding Di Bella in her arms. In regards to the performance, the head of the Spanish delegation Federico Llanos stated: "The moment captured by Edurne's song "{{lang|es|Amanecer|i=no}}" is sunrise. Last minutes of a battle between the darkness and the light. She thinks about all the memories, fighting against all the bad things happened in her life. So, she struggles with her past, hoping to be able to continue with her life. It's all about the battle, right before the sunrise. That excitement is what the song and her performance is all about." The stage lighting transitioned from dark colours to bright yellow, and the LED screens displayed rain, waterfalls and arid landscapes. Spain placed twenty-first in the final, scoring 15 points.{{cite web|last1=Storvik-Green|first1=Simon|last2=Roxburgh|first2=Gordon|date=24 May 2015|title=Sweden wins 2015 Eurovision Song Contest|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=sweden_wins_2015_eurovision_song_contest|access-date=22 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}{{cite web|title=Grand Final of Vienna 2015|url=https://eurovision.tv/event/vienna-2015/grand-final|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328101755/https://eurovision.tv/event/vienna-2015/grand-final|archive-date=28 March 2021|access-date=28 March 2021|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

Voting during the three shows consisted of 50 percent public televoting and 50 percent from a jury deliberation. The jury consisted of five music industry professionals who were citizens of the country they represent, with their names published before the contest to ensure transparency. This jury was asked to judge each contestant based on: vocal capacity; the stage performance; the song's composition and originality; and the overall impression by the act. In addition, no member of a national jury could be related in any way to any of the competing acts in such a way that they cannot vote impartially and independently. The individual rankings of each jury member were released shortly after the grand final.{{cite web|last1=Bakker|first1=Sietse|date=1 May 2015|title=Exclusive: Here are this year's national juries!|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=exclusive_here_are_this_years_national_juries|access-date=22 December 2015|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

Following the release of the full split voting by the EBU after the conclusion of the competition, it was revealed that Spain had placed twentieth with the public televote and twenty-fifth with the jury vote. In the public vote, Spain scored 27 points and in the jury vote the nation scored 6 points.{{cite web|last1=Quinn|first1=Angus|date=24 May 2015|title=Eurovision 2015 Split Results: Who Did the Jury Hurt?|url=http://wiwibloggs.com/2015/05/24/eurovision-2015-split-results-who-got-hurt-by-the-system/96383/|access-date=22 December 2015|website=wiwibloggs.com|publisher=Wiwibloggs}}

Below is a breakdown of points awarded to Spain and awarded by Spain in the first semi-final and grand final of the contest, and the breakdown of the jury voting and televoting conducted during the two shows:

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The following members comprised the Spanish jury:

• Jacobo Calderón (jury chairperson){{snd}}songwriter, producer
• Daniel Diges{{snd}}singer, actor, represented Spain in the 2010 contest
• Rosa López{{snd}}singer, represented Spain in the 2002 contest
• Ruth Lorenzo{{snd}}singer, represented Spain in the 2014 contest
• Pastora Soler{{snd}}singer, represented Spain in the 2012 contest

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest}}

{{Eurovision Song Contest 2015}}

2015

Category:Countries in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015

Eurovision

Eurovision