In general, Spain’s performance at Eurovision at the beginning of the 21st century, hadn’t been too bad, but in 2005 after they placed 21st, it was time to call in some big names. Chart toppers, Las Ketchup were badly needed to improve things in 2006.

As it turns out Spanish television also had their eye on previous Spanish entrants, Azucar Moreno and David Civera. However, on 27 February 2006, it was announced that Las Ketchup would be the Spanish representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006.

The song chosen was the title track of their sophomore album, Un Blodymary, or in English, A Bloody Mary. Performing in 6th position out of 24 entries on May 20, 2006, the song was awarded, 12 points, by the second jury, neighbours Andorra and looked set for a good result. However, only Albania, towards the end of the voting, gave the song a further 6 points, leaving Las Ketchup with 18 points, and a second 21st finish for Spain, in a row.

Un Bloody Mary – opinions from fans

In order to find out what Eurovision fans today think of this Spanish entry from 2006, we asked our Eurovision Fan Panel. It includes team members as well as fans from all over the world.

Michael O. – I don’t know, but there just seems to be something missing with this song. It almost seems as if it’s lacking any energy. As it turns out, the song didn’t really leave much impact on me, nor did it seem for the jury either. Disappointing from a group who had had such success years earlier.

Quique B. – Fiasco. Being famous can be important for a contestant, but it’s not all, although you can invite your sister for a travel. Everything was bad for that entry, the song, the arrangement, voices, dresses, dancers even the Ikea chairs (there are others in the catalogue nicer and less cheap). In the Spanish line of the last 30 years…

Stine F. – Ouch! I’m sorry, but this is a total cheesefest to me! Everything feels just uninspired, like the office chairs and the bad choreography. It would, however, be great in a school play!

John D. – It was a disappointing pitchy performance on the night but this ‘jazzy lesbian chic’, as I remember it being described as at the time, was never in the running against Lordi or my favourite Leila from Bosnia which finished third. Greece put on a great show and their entry from Anna Vissi was a showstopper compared to these four dolls in red screeching about Bloody Mary. Bloody awful and forgetful unfortunately.

Mihai D. – Spain is a country that usually comes with consistent moments. The big names in Spanish music were not missing: Raphael, Massiel, Salomé, Julio Iglesias, Pastora Soler, etc. In 2006, the presence of Las Ketchup was unconvincing to me. A group of four pretty girls tried to find the vocality of the girls from Azucar Moreno but without consistency. The song was a decent one but the stage presentation, the choreography (which choreography?) threw Spain’s presence into something indefinite, bland, pale, colourless and clumsy. A moment destined to be forgotten. I love Spanish music, the Iberian people are very talented and musical but this presence was a great disappointment for me. Maybe because I have high expectations from Spain.

Charlotte J. – Aserejé! I love The Ketchup Song from 2002, but I probably had too high expectations for them to repeat that hit in 2006. Un Blodymary doesn’t have the same instant hook. It’s a nice enough cute pop song, but it lacks the charm which would make it stand out. This is ‘too harmless’ to a degree where you almost loose interest in it.

Gunec G. – Spain is one of my favourite Eurovision countries. And I was a fan of Asereje by Las Ketchup. But Bloody Mary is not my cup of tea. I expected much more from them.

Frank S. – So, Las Ketchup representing Spain in 2006. I was really looking forward to this as I loved “Asereje” (like we all did I guess) and then they came with….this Bloody Mary. I cannot say how disappointed I actually was when I heard it the first time. And it never grew on me in all these years. I am so sorry for not coming with any more positive comments. Sorry…

Alvaro S. – This song was just a mess! They improved from their performance when they were announced as the Spanish act. And somehow it is a guilty pleasure. It makes me laugh when the girls ask “un bloody mary por favor” and let’s not forget the “duty free” part.

You can watch the video of the Spanish 2006 entry below, and then read a brief biography of Las Ketchup beneath.

Las Ketchup – a brief biography

Las Ketchup comprises of the four Muñoz sisters, Lucía, Lola, Pilar and Rocío. All four ladies were born in Córdoba, Spain.

In 2002 as a trio, minus sister, Ricio, the group scored a world wide number one hit with, The Ketchup Song (Aserejé), which sold over 7 million copies. The chorus was loosely based on Rapper’s Delight, a 1979 hit by the Sugarhill Gang. A follow up album, Hijas del Tomate featuring three versions of the single, sold 2 million copies, but after that, the groups career appeared to stall.

Spending the next few years promoting their debut album and single, it wasn’t until 2006, when they appeared with new material, and were announced as the Spanish representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006.

The title track of their second album, Un Blodymary was picked as the Eurovision entry. After Eurovision the ladies ended the Las Ketchup group.

However, in 2018, the original trio decided to try again, and although no music has appeared, the ladies continued to perform around Spain, until Covid-19 put a halt on the shenanigans.