Massiel’s Eurovision Victory and Her Refusal to Honour Franco
Massiel brought Spain its first Eurovision victory. She then refused to let her success become a propaganda photograph for Franco’s regime.
On 6 April 1968, 20-year-old Massiel took the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall and beat Cliff Richard by just one point with “La, la, la.” It was Spain’s first Eurovision victory. For Franco’s dictatorship, it also offered a valuable opportunity to present the country abroad as a modern, accepted European state.
After the victory, Massiel was offered the Order of Isabel la Católica, to be presented by Franco. She refused to go to El Pardo Palace and pose for a photograph that would serve the dictator’s propaganda. Years later, she explained the decision plainly: she knew that image would follow her for the rest of her life and did not want the regime to appropriate her achievement.
The price: being kept off TVE
Her refusal came at a price. According to Massiel’s own account, she was kept off Spain’s state television broadcaster, TVE, for roughly a year. No formal ban was publicly announced, but under the circumstances it amounted to a television blackout.
What makes the 1968 story memorable is more than the victory of “La, la, la.” At the brightest moment of her career, Massiel chose her principles over the advantages of appearing alongside those in power. She was consequently remembered in Spain not only as a Eurovision winner, but also as an artist who could remain independent in the face of authority.
- El País — in-depth interview with Massiel
- Eurovision — official London 1968 results
- RTVE archive — Massiel’s career and 1968 victory
- Wikimedia Commons — Massiel archive photographs
The account of roughly a year away from TVE is based on Massiel’s own recollection. Unproven allegations that the contest result was bought are not presented as fact in this feature.