Mónica Naranjo has returned to television with Cover night, the new musical talent from La 1 that is broadcast on Saturdays from today and in which more than 120 singers from 17 to 70 years old offer great musical themes on stage with the aim of reach the final and win a cash prize of 100,000 euros. The artist from Figueres is part of the jury along with Chanel, Miguel Bosé and Juan Magán, “the three best travel companions she could have and with whom I have a few laughs every week.”
Is it more difficult to assess a performance when there is already a great song with which to compare?
No, because in the end they are versions. Throughout the program we have heard versions that have been very beautiful and successful. Although, of course, I always tell the participants to choose the songs well because there are some that are very difficult, practically untouchable for those who don’t have enough experience to be able to defend them.
As a judge for a program like Cover night , is it difficult to separate the feelings and good intentions that the participants generally convey from the reality of their performance?
You have to get away from it. For many years I have the rule of never having contact with the participants of a talent show precisely so that it does not influence me later when evaluating. If I know the person, I like him and I take care of him, it is more difficult for me.
In an interpretation that you pay more attention to: the voice, the acting…?
In everything, in everything.
Both positive and negative?
There is nothing negative because in the end everyone also comes here to learn. It is as if they made a master. I believe that participating in a program like this is always very positive for your future. The criticisms that both my colleagues and I give are from respect, generosity, cordiality and above all good vibes. Because we want them to continue to form. It is also true that I have met, although only a couple of times, with people who already see that no matter how hard they try, things will not work.
After more than 25 years of musical talent shows on television, how do you see the level of the participants of Cover night?
We have come across, especially since the third program, which is the one we broadcast this Saturday, with artists who have asked ourselves: “And this person, where has he been all this time until now?”. They even have more talent than many of the artists out there today. Now the good part begins. It is also wonderful that people between the ages of 17 and 70 participate in this program because in the end music is everyone’s heritage.
Do you notice notable differences between the youngest participants and the most veteran ones?
People of a certain age are more controlled emotionally and nervously. And there is also one thing that I love and that is that they come to have a good time and to live the experience, to share and tell stories. And that’s fantastic because with that base they come they already step on stage with another energy.
What is your opinion of the artists that have emerged from television talent shows?
We have to be thankful that many of the artists we currently have have emerged from this type of space. Without going any further, we have a David Bisbal there, who is a wonderful international representation, but there are many more. In addition, participating in a talent show for three months or at a certain time, such as Cover night, does not give you a career but a small boost to start working. Because careers are built over many years. I’ve been in show business for 33 years and I’m still building my career because everything evolves very quickly and you can’t stop learning and you can’t adjust. You have to be living in discomfort in order to be better every day.
On television we have also seen her in reality shows such as La isla de las temptaciones and Amor con fianza. What attracts you to this genre? Where are you most comfortable?
I like both, but I also have to say that the world of the couple hypermegafascinates me. I think the couple is a mystery to discover. And working with couples is wonderful because it’s like doing a master’s degree, especially to learn what not to do (laughs).
