Soraya Arnelas: "I've had to distance myself from people I initially thought could continue on my path, but they've fallen behind."
Soraya Arnelas (43) started 2026 with a different vibe. In February, the singer released her eighth studio album, in March she announced she would begin therapy with a psychologist , and she's currently shining at the Teatro Príncipe Pío in Madrid with Flashback Show Europa, a musical brimming with nostalgia and good vibes. "It's a really cool project. People come to have a great time, they sing along to all the songs , and the theater turns into a dance floor. It's more of an experience than a concert, and I think it has a lot to do with my profile as an artist. I give 1,000% to the show, and I think if there's one thing that defines me, it's 'party,'" the singer tells LOC.
Question. She has a busy summer ahead: she's continuing with 'Flashback Show' and will also be going on tour in May. How will Soraya manage to do it all?
Reply. [Laughs] I can... I can! Flashback is once a week, and luckily, that allows me to continue with my project. I have concerts until the end of November. But this time, I'll stay in Spain and won't visit other countries because I believe this is my territory.
Q: Would he have liked to cross the pond?
R: Yes, but just when things were falling into place, I got pregnant with my first daughter, and it wasn't possible. But now, I'm really happy because I feel like I've finally achieved a balance both personally and professionally. For example, if I go on tour, I can bring my family with me on weekends. And although I've had to sacrifice some things, I've managed to find a balance.
Q: What do Manuela and Olivia think when they see their mother on stage?
R: Let me tell you something: sometimes, they don't come to see Mommy, they come to see the dancers [laughs]. They like to go up on stage during soundchecks and they're naturally enjoying everything, which is what I wanted for them. And I don't know if they'll be interested in music in the future. But I can tell you that Manuela likes to dance, like any little girl. And Olivia likes everything. And if one day they decide to be singers, I'll always support them. I'll tell them the good things and the not-so-good things. Because I've been through it all. I'm a woman of black and white. I've never liked half measures. I believe that you either leave your mark or you die.
Q: And that's precisely what people like about you.
R: I don't know. Because sometimes I'd like to be a little less conspicuous. And I'm learning how to do it. I've regretted things I've said a few times, especially now that I'm getting older. I think I often let my youth, my inexperience, and my adrenaline get the better of me. And now, being a mother, I not only take care of my projects, I also try to be careful about what I say, because my daughters are my biggest fans. They're there, they listen to me, they follow me, they want to be like me.
Q: Can we say that it has entered a more serene era?
R: You know what? I'm at a point where I'm thinking about what Soraya will be like in the coming years. I'm weighing things up and letting go of a lot. Friendships, even. Something I never thought I'd do. But I've had to distance myself from people I initially thought could continue on my path, and they've fallen by the wayside. And the Soraya of today is happy with that. Because this Soraya is reflective. I'm constantly evaluating everything that happens to me.
Q: Does this have anything to do with the fact that I've started therapy with a psychologist?
R: Yes. It's something I decided to do because I felt that, at times, I lacked the tools as a mother and as a professional in this world we live in. And I think the healthiest thing is always to go to a professional who can help and guide you. It's true that I used to have a coach, but it's not the same as a psychologist.
Q: May I ask what you would like to achieve with this therapy?
R: For example, knowing how to deal with new things. In my profession, there's been a generational shift... and let's just say I belong to a generation of less novice artists, so I have to face changes. On the other hand, my parents are getting older, and I'm very afraid of death. I feel like I'm not so young anymore. And, even though I'm 43, I'm already past the halfway point in my life... and my ambitions used to be one thing, and now they're another. I've even considered moving back to Extremadura, because I'm aiming for a quieter life. But I'm not sure.
Q: You're outgoing and have strong opinions. Would you like to have a podcast?
R: I don't know, because... [She pauses] Look, I'm going to confess something: I haven't done many interviews lately because I haven't felt ready. I think we're at a point where everything is questioned and challenged, and I don't feel as confident as I used to be about certain topics. I used to share my thoughts naturally, and now I notice there's a lot of criticism surrounding them. So I've become more vulnerable... and I think that in the future I'll be in the spotlight when I'm on stage and in the background in everything else. Also, for my mental health.
Q: Even so, he released a new album a month and a half ago. He still has a thirst for music.
R: Yes, it's called Ilúmina. It's a danceable electronic album... and I believe you can touch people's hearts through dance. And that's what I want to do now. All the questions I'm asking myself today started three years ago when I lost a baby, and the whole process I've been through is recounted in Ilúmina. That's why it's such a magical album... and that's why I didn't want to promote it. I felt vulnerable when I released it, but now I'm clear that what I need to achieve is to feel like I have control over my life and my project. Until now, I've often spoken out when I didn't feel like speaking... and now I won't speak out when I don't feel like it.
Q: Do you feel you have learned to say no?
R: It's not that easy... because you tend to try to please everyone. And I've always felt I owed a lot to the market, because they gave me an opportunity on Operación Triunfo. I've always wanted to please everyone. But I've finally come to understand that you can't please everyone. So my message is, "Whoever wants to join Soraya's party, let's party! And whoever wants to come and forget their troubles, come on my tour. I'm here."