RTVE, the Spanish national broadcaster, has revealed that they will select their Junior Eurovision 2022 representative through open auditions.
María Eizaguirre, Director of Communication and Participation for RTVE, confirmed to ESCPlus that the Spanish representative for Yerevan would be chosen through open auditions. The application window for anyone wishing to audition is intended to open in mid-August and will remain open until September. Since their return to the contest in 2019, RTVE selected all their entrants completely behind closed doors.
Eizaguirre stated that this new selection method intends to give young artists a platform that provides them with more tools and opportunities to develop their careers. The process will also provide more transparency to artists. It is hoped that Spain’s third place finish in Eurovision 2022 will inspire many young artists to audition.
Eizaguirre also stated that RTVE wants to continue to increase interest in Junior Eurovision in Spain and develop the selection process.
“Although this casting will take place behind closed doors, we are working on evolving and developing the format for the years to come.”
RTVE will publish the full list of rules for the selection soon.
Levi Díaz represented Spain in 2021 with “Reír” scoring a total of 77 points and finishing in 15th place. The result is the worst to date for Spain in the contest and is the first time they have finished outside of the top 5.
Junior Eurovision 2022
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022 will take place in Armenia, following the country’s victory at the 2021 contest in Paris. This is the second time Armenia has won the contest, the first being in 2010. To date, the following countries have confirmed participation or expressed their interest:
- Albania
- Armenia
- Bulgaria
- France
- Georgia – Mariam Bigvava
- Ireland
- Italy
- Malta
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia – Lara & Irina
- Poland
- Portugal
- Serbia
- Spain
Image Source: Andres Putting/EBU | Source: ESCPlus
Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest
Spain first took part in the contest in 2003 and participated every year between then and 2006. In 2004, María Isabel brought Spain their only victory so far with “Antes muerta que sencilla”. After an absence of 13 years, Spain returned to the contest in 2019 with “Marte” by Melani García. Spain had finished in the top 5 up until the 2021 contest when Spain finished in 15th place.
