Spain: Commentator José María Íñigo Has Died Aged 75

José María Íñigo, the Spanish commentator at the Eurovision Song Contest has died aged 75, having stepped down from the commentary both this year.

José María Íñigo who was the Spanish commentator from 2011 to 2017 has died at the age of 75. The news of the commentators death was announced at the start of a television broadcast this morning.

He was not due to be in the commentary booth in Lisbon, Portugal. He was replaced from his role as commentator following comments about “Tu canción”, this years Spanish entry. Taking over from the former commentator are Tony Aguilar and Julia Varela.

Amaia and Alfred were selected to represent Spain through the Eurovision Gala of Operación Triunfo. Amaia went on to win the show outright the following week. She will be the first winner of Operación Triunfo to represent Spain since Rosa López, who represented Spain in 2002.

As a member of the Big Five, Spain are directly qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest. The country joins France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the host nation of Portugal as directly qualifying for the final. Spain will be voting in the first semi-final of this year’s contest in Lisbon.