The Spanish pop landscape experienced a seismic shift this past weekend as Amaia Montero officially returned to the stage with La Oreja de Van Gogh. The reunion, which has been the subject of intense speculation for years, culminated in a high-stakes performance in Bilbao that left audiences divided and ignited a firestorm of conversation across social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter).
On Saturday, May 10, 2026, approximately 15,000 fans gathered at the Bizkaia Arena to witness the first comeback concert of the legendary quintet. The event was not merely a musical performance but a deeply emotional encounter, marking the first time Montero has shared the stage with her former bandmates since her high-profile departure years ago. The atmosphere was described as a mixture of euphoria and tension, as fans waited to see if the magic of the band’s early era could be recaptured.
For a generation of listeners, Montero’s voice defined the sound of Spanish pop in the early 2000s. Her return represents more than a professional reconciliation; it is a cultural touchstone for millions who grew up with the band’s anthems. However, the digital reaction to the concert suggests that the reunion is as much a subject of scrutiny as it is of celebration, with the “broken” state of Twitter reflecting a clash between nostalgic loyalty and critical expectations of vocal performance.
The Bilbao Return: A Night of High Emotion and Vulnerability
The concert began with an immediate surge of energy as the band opened with “20 de enero,” a choice that signaled a direct return to their roots. The lineup featured the historic core of the band: Xabi San Martín on keyboards, Álvaro Fuentes on bass, and Haritz Garde on drums. Notably, the group performed without their long-time guitarist Pablo Benegas, who was replaced for this engagement by Imanol Goikoetxea.
The setlist was a curated journey through the band’s most influential years, consisting of 25 songs. The evening functioned largely as a massive collective sing-along, with the crowd dominating the vocals on timeless hits such as “Rosas,” “La playa,” “Cuídate,” “Puedes contar conmigo,” and “Soledad.” In a nod to the band’s continued evolution, the group also performed two tracks from the era featuring Leire Martínez, acknowledging the chapter of the band’s history that occurred during Montero’s absence.
Beyond the music, the evening was punctuated by raw, candid moments from Montero. Addressing the crowd, she spoke openly about the personal struggles that had kept her away from the spotlight. “I thought I would never set foot on a stage again,” Montero admitted during the show. “I was lost, completely lost, to the point of not recognizing myself. There were many dark days, when I thought it was all over. I have been to hell but, with my scars, after fighting a lot, I am here.” She further emphasized the weight of the moment, stating, “This is much more than a concert.”
The Digital Divide: Euphoria vs. Vocal Criticism
While the physical crowd in Bilbao was largely celebratory, the digital aftermath on Twitter revealed a more complex narrative. The hashtag associated with the reunion quickly trended, splitting the fanbase into two distinct camps: those focusing on the emotional triumph of Montero’s return and those criticizing her current vocal capabilities.
Critics pointed out that Montero’s voice appeared to have lost some of the power and tonal consistency that characterized her early recordings. This tension peaked during the performance of the band’s newest track, “Todos estamos bailando la misma canción,” which had been released on New Year’s Eve. The song proved to be one of the most challenging moments of the night, with Montero herself acknowledging the struggle. She apologized to the audience, admitting she had “done it terribly” and noting that she was aware of the performance’s shortcomings.
This polarization highlights a common trend in modern celebrity reunions, where the desire for emotional closure often clashes with the technical expectations set by archived, studio-perfected recordings. For many, the “scars” Montero mentioned were visible in her voice, adding a layer of human vulnerability to the performance that outweighed the technical flaws. For others, the decline in vocal precision was a disappointment that overshadowed the nostalgia of the event.
Reunion Tour Details and Setlist Composition
The Bilbao show served as the opening salvo for a highly anticipated series of dates. The band’s strategy appears to be a balance of legacy and new direction, though the legacy material remains the primary draw for the audience.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Bizkaia Arena, Bilbao |
| Attendance | 15,000 |
| Total Songs | 25 |
| New Material | 1 track (“Todos estamos bailando la misma canción”) |
| Key Anthems | Rosas, La playa, 20 de enero, Cuídate |
| Band Lineup | Amaia Montero, Xabi San Martín, Álvaro Fuentes, Haritz Garde, Imanol Goikoetxea |
Next Stop: Barcelona and the Palau Sant Jordi
As the band processes the mixed reception from Bilbao, the focus now shifts to Catalonia. Barcelona is preparing for what is expected to be one of the most emotional milestones of the 2026 musical calendar. The group is scheduled to perform multiple dates at the Palau Sant Jordi, one of Spain’s most emblematic venues.
The Barcelona residency is scheduled for November 6, 7, and 26, 2026. These concerts are framed as a celebration of the band’s entire history, aiming to reconnect with a fanbase that has followed them for over two decades. The upcoming shows will likely serve as a litmus test for Montero’s vocal recovery and the band’s ability to maintain their chemistry over a longer tour cycle.
Industry analysts suggest that the Barcelona dates will be critical for the band’s long-term viability. While the nostalgia factor provided a massive initial boost in Bilbao, the sustainability of the reunion will depend on whether the group can evolve their sound to match their current artistic maturity while still delivering the “timeless anthems” that their audience demands.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Emotional Resonance: The reunion is centered more on emotional healing and nostalgia than technical perfection.
- Lineup Changes: While the core members have returned, Imanol Goikoetxea is filling the role of guitarist in the absence of Pablo Benegas.
- Mixed Reception: Social media reactions indicate a divide between fans celebrating the return and those concerned with vocal quality.
- Upcoming Dates: Barcelona fans can expect the band at the Palau Sant Jordi on November 6, 7, and 26, 2026.
The return of Amaia Montero to La Oreja de Van Gogh is a reminder of the enduring power of Spanish pop and the complex nature of fame, and reconciliation. Whether the tour continues to “break Twitter” for its drama or for its music remains to be seen, but the cultural impact of the reunion is already undeniable.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the band will be their arrival in Barcelona for the November residency. Updates regarding ticket availability and potential additional tour dates are expected to be released through official channels in the coming months.
Do you think the emotional weight of a reunion is more important than the technical quality of the performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on our social media channels.