Valeria Castro Named Finalist for 2026 Princess of Girona Arts Award

Valeria Castro has reached a major milestone in her career: the singer-songwriter from La Palma is a finalist for the 2026 Princess of Girona Foundation Arts Award. This prestigious honor recognizes the impact of young creative talent and includes a 20,000-euro prize, serving as a key indicator of the country's rising artistic stars.

The winner will be announced on April 29 in Granada during the "Talent Tour," an event dedicated to showcasing the potential of Spanish youth. Castro will compete against fellow finalists: pianist Juan Floristán, tenor Xabier Anduaga, filmmaker Gemma Blasco, and photographer César Dezfuli. Queen Letizia will attend the announcement, which precedes the official awards ceremony held on July 14 at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona.

Born in 1999, Castro’s rise is a perfect example of how digital platforms can launch a professional music career. After building a loyal following online, she has successfully transitioned to the global stage. Her latest album, El cuerpo después de todo, produced by Carles Campi Campón, supported a tour across 17 countries, proving that her music—deeply rooted in her island heritage—resonates with audiences worldwide.

Her success is also marked by impressive collaborations with established artists like Alejandro Sanz, Natalia Lafourcade, and Sílvia Pérez Cruz, showcasing a rare ability to connect across generations. Ingrid Aznar, the Foundation’s Director of Awards, confirmed that the finalists will present their work to a panel of experts in Granada. This final step will determine who succeeds previous winners of the award, which continues to highlight the next generation of Spanish cultural leaders.