Do you admire countries for sticking to their own languages? Or do you wish they can all sing in a tongue you can understand?
Our friends in Spain have – almost without exception – always had their national language in their song. That’s some record, even when all around them succumb to English. When the free language rule seemed to rule, they even held their nerve. Today’s birthday girl Beth (née Elisabeth Rodergas Cols) had won her way through a proper talent competition and could speak fluent English, which is more than can be said for some singers who choose to sing in English. In that mega contest in Riga she finished eighth, and this is still the last time her country has had a single-digit finish. As we always say, anyone can win our favourite TV show, and maybe one day that winner will be in Spanish.
Beth is 39 today.
Feliz cumpleaños, Beth!