Spanish singer Natalia has launched her new single, Soy Yo, a track confronting ageism as she prepares for a 30-concert summer tour across Spain.
The 43-year-old artist, who was born in Cádiz in 1982, asserted that women over the age of 40 have the right to dress however they please, direct their own careers, and embrace getting older without facing social scrutiny.
Celebrating nearly 25 years in the music business, she revealed that she still wears the exact same trouser size today as she did when she first joined the television talent show Operación Triunfo as an 18-year-old contestant.
Natalia Rodríguez first rose to national prominence in 2001 as the youngest contestant on the debut season of Operación Triunfo, Spain's landmark music academy reality television series. Born in Cádiz, an ancient port city in the Andalusian region of southwestern Spain, she was selected directly after graduating from high school for a televised experiment that transformed Spanish music and launched her career.
Addressing Social Media Criticism
Addressing the social pressures placed on female performers, Natalia explained that she first began noticing negative reactions on social media platforms after turning 40. She noted that certain online commentators expressed annoyance over how she chooses to dress or dance during her performances.
However, the singer emphasized that online criticism does not influence her daily routine or self-image. She questioned what kind of person is so thoroughly bored with their own life that they spend time criticizing others from their sofa, describing such behavior as extremely sad.
Natalia added that she maintains a strong personality and has always looked after her health through physical exercise and balanced eating habits, noting that she has never followed a formal diet in her life.
Building an Independent Music Career
Reflecting on her start in the industry, Natalia admitted that she was entirely unprepared when she entered the competition straight out of high school. She recalled having no prior stage experience, feeling terrified before singing, and fearing that she would not measure up to expectations.
Instead of formal training, the artist explained that she learned her profession by performing live on stage over many years, noting that an unimaginable number of unexpected events can occur during live shows.
She expressed deep pride in every stage of her path, stating that while she values her successful moments, she is even prouder of the difficult chapters. According to Natalia, those hard experiences made her stronger, provided valuable lessons, and gave her the momentum needed to reinvent herself in a challenging music industry.
Describing herself as a self-reliant worker who operates like a hardworking ant, Natalia emphasized that she does not like receiving handouts and that every step of her career has been achieved through personal effort without major external backing. She credited her father with teaching her financial thrift from early childhood, which has enabled her to self-fund all of her music projects since 2009.
Production Details and Future Prospects
In addition to managing her musical projects, Natalia takes a direct role in her live show production by using her own sewing machine to craft the costumes for her backup dancers. She described sewing as a wonderful way to relax, calling it a form of personal therapy.
Characterizing herself as highly punctual and methodical, the singer highlighted her love for improvising on stage and interacting with concert audiences. She recalled an instance where a concert promoter was left stunned after she personally cleaned up and organized her entire dressing room before departing the venue following a performance.
Natalia stressed that remaining in the spotlight, becoming major news, or reaching number one has never mattered to her. She stated that her primary focus is simply working as a singer and paying her bills, noting that while talking about money can feel uncomfortable, her career has paid off continuously for nearly 25 years.
Looking ahead, the artist revealed that she has previously turned down invitations to participate in television reality shows that did not feel suitable for her. She concluded by stating that she intends to leave the music industry only when she begins to feel ridiculous on stage.
