Blog
What is the Spanish version of your favorite singer?
Who is the Spanish Justin Bieber? Are any Spanish singers as famous as Springsteen or Lady Gaga?
If you have a Spanish friend, it is very likely that you have noticed our tendency to look for homegrown equivalents of famous people and artists. Something like, “I think the Spanish Bruno Mars is Xuso Jones.” It’s something we can’t help; that’s why, in case the conversation ever comes up, we bring you some Spanish equivalents of international musicians. Ready to take note?
Bruce Springsteen = Rosendo Mercado.
If we are talking about a lifelong rocker, an author of lyrics with personality that portray the best and worst of a society and who appeals to audiences of all generations, we would be talking about Rosendo Mercado. A song to help you understand what we mean? Without a doubt, “Maneras de Vivir”.
Johnny Cash = Loquillo.
A singer with charisma and experience, with a raspy voice, whose lyrics speak of a disillusioned world that can nonetheless be conquered if you are a tough guy. Such is Loquillo's affinity with Johnny Cash that the Spaniard has gone as far as covering him on several occasions. A fun fact: the nickname “Loquillo” comes from the Spanish name of the main character in the “Woody Woodpecker” cartoons. A song for you to get to know Loquillo? “Feo, Fuerte y Formal”.
Lady Gaga = Mónica Naranjo.
Let's talk about singers with a transgressive hallmark, risky styles, powerful staging, and lyrics that range from the provocative to the vindicatory. Mónica Naranjo, much like Lady Gaga, has devoted followers and unrepentant detractors. Some of her videos, in fact, have been calculatedly controversial. The track that made her famous was “Desátame.”
Justin Bieber = Abraham Mateo.
Lyrics about how to get the attention of the girl he likes, the modulated voice of a good boy, a powerful fan phenomenon. If girls halfway across the world go crazy for Justin Bieber, Spanish-speaking girls are in love with Abraham Mateo. By the way, there was quite a stir on Twitter when the Arctic Monkeys' album “AM” became a Trending Topic and many Spanish fans thought they were referring to the album “AM” by Abraham Mateo.
What did you think of these comparisons? Do you think there is any Spanish singer who fits their Anglo-Saxon equivalent better? What other examples can you think of? Tell us! And let the party begin!