Today we are heading south to the sunny shores of Spain for our 8th interview in our series of the 2014 ESCToday Eurovision Interviews. Our next stop brings us to Barcelona where we meet up the 2014 Spanish Eurovision representative Ruth Lorenzo, who speaks about her musical career, Eurovision entry Dancing in the rain and  forthocoming plans.

How did you decide to represent Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest and enter the Spanish national final?

It was a last minute decision! It wasn’t really in my plans but the opportunity came up and my team started conversations with TVE. When the idea of a pre-selection came up, at first we said no because I did not want to start my career in Spain competing with other artists, but 2 days before the closing date I just decided to try and go for it.

At the Spanish national there was a draw between you and Brequette, you won the public televoting and thus won the right to represent Spain in Denmark. How did you feel after the Spanish audience voted for you and you were the nation’s favourite? Does this put more preassure on you when you take the Eurovision stage in May, in order to achieve a good result?

It’s an amazing feeling! I mean, I accepted to be in the national pre-selection because of all the comments online, and they were the ones that really believed in me and, at the end of the day, gave me my place in Eurovision! I don’t feel pressure, I just want to make them feel proud!

 You co wrote your Eurovision entry Dancing in the rain. Can you tell us the story behind your entry. What was the inspiration behind the song?

I wrote ‘Dancing in the Rain’ in my worst moment in London. I thought everything was lost and I was considering quiting music. But then I just thought, “it’s raining, I’ll just dance in the rain”! And that’s how I came up with the lyrics of the song.

How are you planning to stage your song in Copenhagen? Can you reveal some details regarding the staging of the Spanish entry?

We’re still on it!! I can’t reveal too much…

Can you tell us something about the dress you will wear in the Eurovision Song Contest? Who has designed it?

All I can say is that I want to shine like a diamond…

Rumours and media reported that the BBC approached you to represent UK at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, could please comment something on this. Is it true ?

Yes, of course. I would never lie about anything. There were conversations with my manager, but when he asked me how I would feel representing a country that was not mine I decided that if I ever went to Eurovision it would be representing Spain.

How has your life changed since you were selected to represent Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest?

It’s mad!! I have literally no time to rest! Interviews, travelling, dress fittings, photoshoots… But I love it!!!! I don’t want this to end!

You shot to fame in the UK when you competed in the X Factor. Could you tell us more about your experience in this show? How was it?

It has been so far the best experience of my life. I learned so much of the music industry and about television. It’s amazing!

What made you kick off your career in the UK instead of Spain?

I just thought it could be an amazing opportunity! I packed my suitcase and travelled to the UK for the castings of The X Factor. And it all went amazingly well!! I would have never imagined it!

You are all set to release a new album and kick off a musical career in Spain in the coming months. How different is the music industry in Spain in comparison to the UK?

We are focusing in Spain and Latin America, which are completely different markets to the UK. They are both really demanding though…

How is Ruth behind the scenes? In every day life? What are your hobbies?

I love adventure sports!!!! When I have free time I love to go scuba diving, skydiving…

Have you spoken to any of the former Eurovision participants from Spain? If so what advice have they given you?

Yes! I’ve spoken to Pastora Soler in many ocasions and her piece of advice is to enjoy the whole experience! It is a competition, but she says I have to enjoy everything that comes with it.

Have you heard any of the competing entries in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?

Yes! I love the UK and Irish entries, as well as Conchita for Austria!

Do you have a message for your fans in Europe and our readers at esctoday.com?

Thanks so much for reading my interview! I hope you like my song ‘Dancing in the Rain’! See you in Denmark!!!!! xx

Esctoday.com would like to thank TVE and Ruth Lorenzo for this interview. We would like to wish Ruth Lorenzo and Spain the best of luck at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest on 10 May.