Soraya Arnelas (born 13 September 1982, Valencia de Alcantara, Cáceres, Spain), better known by her stage name Soraya, is a popular Spanish singer. Soraya represented Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia with the song La Noche Es Para Mí (The Night Is For Me) finishing 23rd with 23 points.
Soraya Arnelas |
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Biography
Early life
Arnelas was born in Valencia de Alcantara, Cáceres, Spain on 13 September 1982. At the age of 11, she left for Madrid. She wanted to study drama but soon started working as a flight attendant for Iberworld[1], where she travelled around the world. She speaks five languages and is a Real Madrid C.F. supporter.[citation needed]
2005: Operación Triunfo and "Corazón De Fuego"
Soraya participated in the fourth series of the Spanish television series Operación Triunfo in 2005 where she came second overall. Her début album "Corazón De Fuego" was released on 5 December 2005 produced by Kike Santander. The album got Platinum status.
2006: "Ochenta's"
On 21 November 2006, Soraya released her second album. It was her first English language album. The first single was a cover of Laura Branigan's Self Control. The remainder of the album was a mixture of 80s cover versions and new songs. The song reached Gold Status in the Promusicae Digital Songs charts and peaked at number 1 on the Spanish Cadena 100. The second single from Ochenta's was a cover of Spagna's "Call Me". 'Ochenta's' is one of the most successful albums of 2007 in Spain and achieved platinum after many weeks charting in the top ten albums chart.
2007: "Dolce Vita"
Soraya released another album with more 80's hits. The lead single was "La Dolce Vita". The album includes 80's hits, in the likes of Kylie Minogue's "I Should Be So Lucky", Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", Eurythmics's "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This" and the lead single, "Dolce Vita", a cover from the Italian singer Ryan Paris. The album shot straigh inside the Spanish Top 5 Albums Chart, peaking at #5, and getting Gold certificacion in the following weeks.
The album was released in the United Kingdom via iTunes UK and 7digital[2][3].
2008: "Sin Miedo"
Sin Miedo was Soraya's fourth released album. Leaving the 80's covers behind, this album contains 12 original tracks; 10 in Spanish and 2 in English [4]. The album was produced by International DJ DJ Sammy[5] and includes a duo with Kate Ryan (the song Caminaré).[6] The first single of the album was Sin miedo (Without fear).
The album debuted on the Spanish Albums Chart at a low #21, becoming her worst position for a studio-album. The album has spent 21 weeks on chart so far. However, the album saw a Top 40 reentry at #32 thanks to a brand new edition of Sin Miedo.
2009: Eurovision and other television projects
By the end of 2008, she submitted one of the songs from her latest album, La Noche Es Para Mí, to the Spanish preselection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Russia, being considered the early favourite to represent the country.[7] She was finally chosen to represent Spain on 28 February 2009.[8]. She also recorded songs with a 2009 Andorran Eurovision candidate Jack Lucien. Their first duet was called Anaesthetic[9], but was on neither of their 2008 albums. However, 2009 brings news that they have recorded a duet for Lucien's approaching 2nd album[10].
Previously to her Eurovision experience, she participated in the reality talent contest La Batalla de los Coros, the Spanish version of Clash of the Choirs.[11]
Controversy came in late June 2009, when her label, Vale Music, did not want to pay the video for her single "Caminaré". Soraya stated on her official facebook that she will make the video on her own, without the support of Vale Music"[12][13]. However, as of September 2009, no news about the release of the video has been made. As well, the single release has been cancelled by her label.
After visiting more than 20 cities, Soraya ended her Sin Miedo Spanish Tour 2009 on September 13, 2009. She will be heading to New York to study and to keep training professionally herself. Also, she will be touring and promoting her music around South America in October.[14].
Discography
Albums
Year | Title | Chart positions | Sales and certifications |
---|---|---|---|
SPA | |||
2005 | Corazón De Fuego
|
13 |
|
2006 | Ochenta's
|
5 | |
2007 | Dolce Vita
|
5 | |
2008 | Sin Miedo
|
21 |
|
Singles
Year | Single | Chart Positions | Album | Certifications | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SPA | SPA DL | SWE | ||||
2005 | "Mi Mundo Sin Ti" | — | — | — | Corazón De Fuego | |
2006 | "Corazón De Fuego" | — | — | — | ||
"Self Control" | — | 10 | — | Ochenta's | Spa: Gold | |
2007 | "Call Me" | — | 14 | — | ||
"La Dolce Vita" | — | — | — | Dolce Vita | ||
2008 | "Words" | — | — | — | ||
"Sin Miedo" | 32 | — | — | Sin Miedo | ||
2009 | "La Noche Es Para Mí" (ESC 2009) | 9 | — | 25 | ||
"Caminaré (feat. Kate Ryan)" | Cancelled | |||||
2010 | "Live Your Dreams" (feat. Antoine Clamaran) | TBR | — | — |
- Until Jan. 2009, when the official Spanish Top 50 Singles started, the official Spanish Singles Chart was based on physical singles and Soraya did not release any. However, from 2007 to 2009 there was an official Digital Downloads Top 20 where some of her singles charted.
As featured performer
Year | Single | Chart Positions | Album |
---|---|---|---|
SPA | |||
2006 | "No Debería" (with Antonio Romero) | — | Antonio Romero |
"Fruto Prohibido" (with Santa Fe) | — | Fruto Prohibido | |
2008 | "Tonight We Ride/No Digas Que No" (feat. Kate Ryan) | — | Free |
References
- ^ Soraya Arnelas biography
- ^ Soraya Arnelas - Dolce Vita UK release
- ^ Soraya Dolce Vita at 7 Digital store
- ^ http://www.cronicalocal.info/noticia.asp?ref=224021
- ^ SORAYA VISITARA LA ACADEMIA EL 14 DE JULIO |
- ^ http://www.valemusic.com/noticia.php?id=1379
- ^ http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/12726
- ^ http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/13397
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLA8whz6MRM
- ^ http://www.168ora.hu/cikk.php?cikk=24582
- ^ http://www.vertele.com/noticias/detail.php?id=21276
- ^ Valemusic will not pay Soraya's new videoclip
- ^ Soraya's label won't pay her new video
- ^ Soraya goes to NY & South America
- ^ http://www.soraya-arnelas.com/discosinmiedo.htm
- ^ http://www.myspace.com/sorayarnelas
- ^ http://www.soraya-arnelas.com/discosinmiedo.htm
- ^ http://www.myspace.com/sorayarnelas
- ^ http://www.soraya-arnelas.com/discosinmiedo.htm
- ^ http://www.myspace.com/sorayarnelas
- ^ http://www.soraya-arnelas.com/discosinmiedo.htm