Nobody says "wow" quite like Amaia Romero. Her expressions are sweet and striking: "Wow, we're having such a great time." At the age of 26, Amaia stands out as a remarkably complete artist in the national scene. The Navarra native dazzled last night at Madrid's Tomavistas festival. Her 75-minute performance was a whirlwind of talent, showcasing her skills as a singer, dancer, skilled pianist, and adventurous harpist and guitarist. Most importantly, Amaia's effortless stage presence left an indelible impression.

Amaia's festival version was a condensed rendition of the magical concerts she delivered in February in Barcelona and Madrid. The formula remained consistent: an elegant and lively visual presentation, a collection of notable songs, and a carefree attitude peppered with her unique phrases. It's not just what Amaia says, but how she says it—like she's chatting with a friend late at night on a doorstep.

The concert began with "Tocotó" ("run, run, little horse"), primarily featuring tracks from her third album, "Si abro los ojos no es real." Songs like "Magia en Benidorm," "M.A.P.S.," "Auxiliar," and of course, "Tengo un pensamiento," which she performed on the well-known pre-Christmas program "La revuelta," resonated with the audience. Her rendition of "Santos que yo te pinté," originally by Los Planetas, was a highlight as she sang atop a high platform, gripping the microphone stand with violin and guitar accompaniment, stirring emotions in both herself and the audience.

Amaia radiates an ever-growing sense of artistic ambition from the stage, leaving many wondering how far she can go. She's crafted an on-stage persona closely tied to her everyday self, a rare feat as most artists juggle multiple personalities. Amaia's authenticity shines through—if an instrument digs into her shoulder, she mentions it; if a note is off, she acknowledges it. "Oh my, these shoes are going to leave me bleeding," she lamented about her high heels. Regarding her tight dress, she quipped while adjusting it: "I'm about to be exposed..." She even reinvented Tierno Galván's famous phrase to "now let's get a little tipsy and have fun."

Toward the end, she performed "Me pongo colorada" by Papá Levante, infusing it with a deep drama from her core. The concert concluded triumphantly with "Bienvenidos al show," as Amaia and her five musicians danced a samba to close the festivities. They were seen jumping and hugging backstage, aware of the splendid show they had delivered.

Amaia was the star of the opening night of the ninth edition of the Tomavistas festival at Madrid's Caja Mágica, a celebration with a clear female focus. The event featured artists like Xenia, Ganges, Jimena Amarillo, María José Llergo, Judeline, Amaia, and Mala Rodríguez, among others. Young women, with Mala also standing strong at 46, are at the forefront of the invigorating new Spanish pop scene. The festival boasts three stages, ensuring seamless transitions between performances.

After Amaia's concert, Mala Rodríguez's iconic lines from "Tengo un trato" echoed through the venue, marking the beginning of her illustrious career with her debut album "Lujo ibérico." Celebrating 25 years since that groundbreaking release, Mala Rodríguez, at the age of 20, broke into a predominantly male hip-hop scene, transcending genre boundaries with her vivid lyrics and flamenco-infused voice.

It's essential to recognize that before Lola Indigo, Bad Gyal, La Zowi, or Rosalía, there was María, delivering powerful lines like: "Do you doubt me? You know little. If I say this, it's this, not that," from "Tambalea," performed last night while dancing on the DJ's table and inviting the audience to join her on stage.

Mala Rodríguez's songs are a non-negotiable declaration of independence, advocating for female empowerment and personal resilience. Her verses from "La cocinera" resonated with self-affirmation: "Polish and sand, rap without frills. Give me back what they take. Not all hens lay golden eggs. If life doesn't smile at me, I tickle it." Dressed in a short black outfit adorned with silver straps and fringes, the Sevillian was commanding with her flow, comfortable on stage, rapping with the defiant edge that has defined her career.

The festival continues with two more days, Friday and Saturday, with tickets still available for bands like Caribou, Love of Lesbian, Doves, Romy, Mogwai, or Biznaga.