…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Blanca Paloma, who is representing Spain at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, has praised the welcome that Liverpool has given to the Ukrainian community.
Paloma’s participation in the contest with the song Eaea, which is a favourite among bookmakers, has granted her a free pass to the grand final on Saturday, as Spain is one of the “big five” countries that contribute the most money to the contest’s organisation.
Liverpool is hosting this year’s contest after the UK was chosen to host it on behalf of Ukraine, which won the previous contest.
Paloma has described Liverpool’s welcome to the Ukrainian community as “like a hug from us to Ukraine”.
The singer, who hails from Elche near Alicante, sees similarities between Liverpudlians and the people of Spain, noting that both are “very warm and nice”.
She has also struck up a close friendship with the UK’s entrant, Mae Muller, who is competing with the track I Wrote A Song and also gets a free pass to the grand final.
Paloma’s song is partly inspired by her relationship with the women in her family, and its artwork features a photo of her late grandmother, Carmen, who introduced her to flamenco.
She sees the song as having “universal ingredients” that show “how powerful women are but also to show our fragility”.
Vulnerability, she believes, is where women learn to be strong.
Paloma’s comments reflect the importance of cultural exchange and mutual respect between nations, particularly during a time of political uncertainty and global challenges.
The Eurovision Song Contest is a platform that celebrates diversity and brings people from different countries and cultures together through music.
Paloma’s friendship with Muller also highlights the personal connections that can be formed through shared experiences and interests, transcending national borders and cultural differences.