Eurovision 2022 star Chanel, who represented Spain, publicly comes out as bisexual, reigniting the conversation about LGBTQ+ visibility in European pop culture.
Spanish singer Chanel, who represented Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 and finished in third place, has openly identified as bisexual for the first time. The revelation came during an interview published on June 27 in Vanity Fair magazine. The interview coincided with the release of her new single “Zakaza”, but quickly shifted from music promotion to a more personal tone. “I clearly said I’m bisexual. My fight has only grown stronger,” she said.
Personal Freedom or Public Statement?
According to Chanel, her decision to come out was not driven by the desire for headlines, but by a personal need for authenticity. She emphasized that she doesn’t see herself as a role model, yet cannot ignore the responsibility that such openness entails. In recent years, more artists have come out publicly, including the representative of Malta in Eurovision 2025, but for someone who stood on the Eurovision stage before hundreds of millions, Chanel’s declaration is still a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community.
Fans on social media highlighted how important it is to feel represented. For many, a figure like Chanel – talented, charismatic, and widely recognized – can serve as a source of strength for young people navigating self-discovery and acceptance.
From Eurovision to Real-Life Spotlight
After achieving third place with 459 points in Eurovision 2022 for her performance of “SloMo”, Chanel rose to fame as a leading figure in Latin pop. Alongside her success, however, came online attacks and increasing anxiety. In the same interview, she revealed that she has suffered from severe anxiety attacks in recent years, which have affected her ability to function as an artist.
Out of these struggles, she said, came the understanding that she needed to speak openly – both about mental health challenges and her sexual identity. For an audience that knows her primarily from glamorous stages, this candidness helps broaden the social dialogue around the complexities of identity and mental well-being in the entertainment industry.
A Growing Sense of Representation – Also in Eurovision?
In recent years, Eurovision has clearly embraced increased LGBTQ+ representation, both among artists and within the songs themselves. From Conchita Wurst’s “Rise Like a Phoenix” to JJ’s “Wasted Love”, many artists have expressed complex and unapologetic identities. Chanel now joins this evolving narrative at a time when European audiences increasingly expect not just vocal talent, but authenticity.
Reactions to Chanel’s revelation have been pouring in on social media. While some fans celebrate it as a positive step for bisexual visibility, others reflect on its broader cultural impact: will pop stars help bring about a deeper shift in public perception?
Spain in Eurovision 2025
“Esa Diva” (in English: “That Diva”) is the title of the song performed by singer Melody, who represented Spain at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.
Spain finished 24th with 37 points – 27 points from the juries (21st place) and only 10 (22nd place) from the televotes. In the last 20 years, Spain managed to finish only 3 times in the top 10 – in 2012, 2014 and 2022.
Eurovision 2025: This was Spain’s 65th participation in Eurovision. Spain joined the competition in 1961 and won it twice consecutively in 1968 and 1969. Spain has hosted the contest on its territory only once in 1969 and since then holds the longest waiting time since its last victory – 56 years.
