Edurne García Almagro, Spain’s entry into this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, said studying singing and general English at the University of the Arts London’s Language Centre has helped her record songs in English.
Almagro will compete against 27 other national representatives at the 60th annual Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on Saturday.
Despite representing Spain by singing her song “Amanecer” in her native language, Spanish, Almagro has recorded songs in English since studying at the Language Centre in 2009.
“The experience was just three months but for me it was incredible because all the teachers were so good”
“The experience was just three months but for me it was incredible because all the teachers were so good (…) I’m so happy that I chose this school; it’s perfect,” she said.
Almagro, whose boyfriend is Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, rose to fame in 2005 when she competed in Spanish talent show Operación Triunfo.
As contestants from France, Serbia, Norway and Sweden compete on Saturday night, Almagro will have fans cheering for her in both London and Spain, including her former English and singing teacher Gareth Eldridge.
“Edurne was a joy to teach, I wish her every success at Eurovision, we will all be rooting for her!” he said.
UAL’s Language Centre in central London teaches 45 nationalities of student catering for up to 375 in the summer.