Amaia Montero has stepped back onto concert stages across Spain for La Oreja de Van Gogh tour, drawing immediate scrutiny from critics and audiences alike as she returns to the band that originally made her famous.
Thousands of fans have packed venues since the tour began, watching the Donostia-San Sebastián group perform live after years of absence. Early appearances drew pointed critiques regarding the singer’s vocal control.
Israel del Amo, who served as the vocal director for Spain’s Eurovision delegation in 2024, voiced sharp concerns in a video released back in January. “Se la escucha descontrolada y con una técnica vocal un poco descuidada,” del Amo said.
Months later, the former vocal director noted clearer decisions and improvements made by the band. By November, his assessment had shifted to recognize a much more positive trajectory.
“Se la ve muchísimo más segura encima del escenario. Vocalmente también ha habido una evolución bastante notoria, aunque, siendo objetivos, tampoco podemos pedirle mucho más a Amaia porque jamás ha ofrecido una técnica vocal increíble,” del Amo stated.
The musical expert examined recent footage showing the artist introducing unusual vocal turns that depart from standard song versions.
“Hay que entender que esto no es simplemente cantar mal o desafinar. Está modificando con su voz el arreglo original de la canción introduciendo una serie de recursos vocales que dan como resultado ese sonido tan característico,” del Amo explained. He said that these intentional adaptations can sound striking during live performances.
Those stylistic choices risk sounding harsh and even comical while the singer enjoys herself with the songs, as thousands of people record every moment on stage.
“Sabe que ese tipo de momentos en el escenario donde la están grabando miles de personas genera muchísima conversación. No descartaría que esto forme de una estrategia de márquetin para que se siga hablando de ella y del grupo,” del Amo concluded.
