Spain’s RTVE mocks Eurovision representative Melody on live TV with satirical subtitles. Singer responds by embracing competitor network amid ongoing broadcaster conflict.
In Spain, Eurovision may last only one week, but the drama that follows can persist far longer. Singer Melody, who represented Spain at Eurovision 2025 and finished in a disappointing 24th place, has spent recent months embroiled in a media storm with Spain’s national broadcaster, RTVE. This week, during New Year’s Eve celebrations, the conflict exploded once again before the entire nation.
The “me, me, me” that irritated Spain
Since returning from Basel with a low score, Melody has adopted a consistent narrative: “They didn’t let me do what I wanted.” In press conferences and interviews, she repeatedly emphasized that the screens weren’t what she requested, decisions were made over her head, and delivered her now-famous line on the talk show “El Hormiguero”: “I would rather finish 24th with my own mistakes than with someone else’s mistakes.” This self-focused approach, where she repeatedly emphasizes “I,” has become a subject of ridicule among parts of the Spanish media, who see it as an inability to take responsibility and evidence of an inflated ego.
Revenge on live television on New Year’s Eve
The climax came on December 31, when Spain’s La 2 channel (part of RTVE) aired the satirical program “Cachitos.” Known for its cynical subtitles overlaid on archival footage, the show decided to settle scores with Melody live on air. During segments featuring her, the subtitles openly mocked her “me” obsession. “She managed to infiltrate every media outlet, but in the end she was a bluff,” appeared on screen.
But the next jab was crueler and more sophisticated: the subtitles decided to mock Melody’s fixation on the word “yo” (Spanish for “I”), referencing her many interviews where she repeated “I wanted,” “I decided,” “I knew.” The on-screen text played with words containing this syllable, emphasizing it repeatedly in capital letters (ApoYO, MaYOría) to paint her as narcissistic: “She had the support (ApoYO) of the majority (MaYOría), but in rehearsals (EnsaYOs) she spun around herself like a yo-yo (YOYO).” The message was sharp: the problem wasn’t the production, but the artist’s ego that sees only herself.
Inside the conflict: Melody and Broncano
The tension between the parties didn’t begin on New Year’s Eve. The relationship between Melody and the broadcaster has been defined as cold and awkward for some time, especially after she refused to appear on David Broncano’s successful late-night show “La Revuelta.” The singer claimed she needed a “mental break,” a move perceived as a cold shoulder to the established broadcaster and intensifying the disconnect even before this latest incident.
The response: warm embrace of competitors
While the national broadcaster mocked her on live television, Melody chose to fight back in a sophisticated and elegant manner. That same evening, she posted a smiling photo to her Instagram story congratulating host Cristina Pedroche and wishing her success with her holiday broadcast. The sting? Pedroche is the star of direct competitor channel Antena 3 (part of Atresmedia). Melody didn’t stop at personal well-wishes but made sure to tag the competing network in her story – a move interpreted in the industry as a subtle yet clear message: Melody is choosing to embrace the competitors of those who sent her to Eurovision, and doing so with elegance and a broad smile.
Not just ego: RTVE’s hypocrisy
The broadcaster’s attack on Melody appears especially ironic given that RTVE itself chose to “break ranks” and withdraw from Eurovision 2026. As reported here last December, the Spanish national broadcaster officially announced it would not participate in the Vienna contest in protest of Israel’s participation. The same broadcasting body now mocking Melody for “failure and unprofessionalism” is the one that chose to wage an aggressive political campaign instead of focusing on music. In an October interview, Melody herself admitted that “Eurovision is political,” after experiencing firsthand how her broadcaster dragged her into an impossible situation, threatened withdrawal, and even projected political messages during the Grand Final. It appears that Melody, who tried to be “just an artist,” found herself trapped within a broadcaster that prefers politics and settling scores over fair competition—and has now become its scapegoat in prime time.
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, placing 21st, and only 10 points from the televotes, placing 22nd. In the last 20 years, Spain managed to finish only 3 times in the top 10.
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.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +072-50-9441919
Noy Yehoyada is an Israeli journalist and content creator at the EuroMix team since 2024, bringing a personal, feminine, and LGBTQ+ voice into the Eurovision sphere. A devoted Eurovision fan since the age of 16, she plays an active role in covering the contest—including on-site reporting at Eurovision 2025 in Basel and across European pre-party events. Alongside her writing and commentary, Noy plans the editorial schedule for the website, closely tracks national selections and song reveals, participates in live broadcasts, and creates digital content focusing on representation, musical diversity, and emotional connections.
Beyond her work at EuroMix, Noy has over six years of experience in the cosmetics and pharma industries, with a background in sales, personal consulting, and managing beauty departments. She enjoys pop, rap, contemporary art, and traveling in Europe—and especially loves songs that make her want to dance, as well as those that tell a story.
