You’ve seen the videos. The grainy footage of a woman with a slightly raspy, unmistakable voice standing on a massive stage at the Santiago Bernabéu, tears in her eyes, singing about roses. It was July 2024. Amaia Montero, the original soul of La Oreja de Van Gogh, hadn't been on a stage like that in years. When she joined Karol G for that surprise duet of "Rosas," the internet basically broke. But that wasn't just a comeback; it was a signal.
Fast forward to right now, early 2026. The rumors that kept Spanish pop fans awake for nearly two decades have finally solidified into a reality that feels both nostalgic and a little bit messy. Amaia La Oreja de Van Gogh is no longer a "remember when" conversation. It’s an active headline. After seventeen years of Leire Martínez holding down the fort, the band officially announced the return of their original frontwoman in late 2025.
But if you think this is just a simple "reunion tour" for the money, you're missing the real story.
The 17-Year Elephant in the Room
Honestly, the way this whole thing went down was kinda brutal for Leire Martínez. For seventeen years—longer than Amaia was even in the band—Leire took the hits. She sang the old songs, recorded new hits like "El Último Vals" and "Jueves," and dealt with the constant, nagging "Where’s Amaia?" questions.
Then came October 14, 2024. The band dropped a statement. Leire was out. They cited "different ways of experiencing the group," which is basically corporate-speak for "we aren't on the same page anymore."
Exactly one year and one day later, they announced Amaia was back. Talk about timing.
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People love a good "original lineup" story, but it’s complicated. While fans were crying happy tears, others were pointing out that Leire basically kept the brand alive while Amaia was struggling with personal health issues and a solo career that never quite hit the same heights. It’s a classic case of nostalgia winning over longevity.
Why Amaia Montero Actually Left in 2007
There’s this persistent myth that Amaia left because she hated her bandmates. That’s not really it. Back in 2007, the band was at the absolute peak of Spanish-language pop. They had sold over 8 million records. Guapa was the best-selling album in Spain in 2006.
The reality? It was burnout. Total, soul-crushing exhaustion.
Imagine being in your early 20s and suddenly becoming the voice of a generation. You’re "very exposed," as Amaia later put it. The pressure to follow up an album like El Viaje de Copperpot—which went 11x Platinum—was immense. She felt she didn't fit into the "group" dynamic anymore. She wanted to see who she was without the four guys behind her.
The 2026 "Tantas Cosas Que Contar" Tour
So, what does the Amaia La Oreja de Van Gogh reunion actually look like? It’s called the "Tantas Cosas Que Contar" (So Many Things to Tell) tour, and it kicks off in May 2026.
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But there’s a massive catch.
Pablo Benegas, the guitarist and the guy who wrote most of those legendary lyrics, isn't going on the road. He’s "stepping back" to focus on family and other projects. This is a huge deal. Imagine Queen without Brian May. Pablo and Xabi San Martín were the architects of that "Donosti Sound."
The tour is essentially a 25th-anniversary celebration of El Viaje de Copperpot. Expect to hear these tracks on heavy rotation:
- "La Playa" (The one everyone cries to)
- "Cuídate"
- "20 de Enero"
- "Rosas" (Technically from the next album, but they can't not play it)
Tickets aren't cheap, either. Prices are swinging between €45 and €72, with VIP packages going as high as €290. People are paying for the 2003 vibes, and the market knows it.
The Health Struggle Nobody Mentions
We have to talk about why this return is so emotional. In late 2022, Amaia posted a black-and-white photo of herself on Instagram looking fragile and exhausted. She admitted she was "destroyed." She spent time in a clinic for mental health support.
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Seeing her back in the rehearsal room in late 2025 wasn't just about music; it was about recovery. The band's official statement from San Sebastián talked about "writing new stories" and "remembering the previous ones." They’ve been hiding out in their hometown for over a year, quietly working on new material and rebuilding their friendship.
Is This the End of Leire's Songs?
This is the big question for the 2026 tour. Will Amaia sing the songs Leire made famous?
Probably not.
The tension between the "Amaia Era" and the "Leire Era" is real. Fans of the Leire years feel like her legacy is being erased. Amaia’s return is heavily focused on the first four albums. If you’re hoping to hear "La Niña Que Llora en Tus Fiestas" with Amaia’s vocals, don't hold your breath. This tour is about the "roots."
How to Experience the Reunion
If you're planning to catch the return of Amaia La Oreja de Van Gogh, you need to be smart about it. The shows in Madrid at the Movistar Arena (May 28-29) and the tour closer in Pamplona on November 20 are expected to be the most intense.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Check the Official Site Only: Scammers are out in force for this tour. Only use the band's official portal for the 2026 dates.
- Listen to the "Reunited" Studio Snippets: The band has been posting clips of Amaia back in the studio. Her voice has matured—it’s deeper, more textured. Don't expect the high-pitched 1998 "Dile al Sol" sound.
- Follow Xabi San Martín: Since Pablo is out, Xabi is the primary creative force on this tour. His social media gives the best behind-the-scenes look at how they're rearranging the classics for 2026.
- Prepare for New Music: This isn't just a greatest hits tour. The band has confirmed they’ve been writing for a year. A new single is widely rumored to drop just before the May kickoff.
The story of Amaia and the band is basically the history of Spanish pop over the last thirty years. It’s a story of massive success, a painful breakup, a long "rebound" that actually worked, and a final, emotional return home. Whether it lasts beyond this tour is anyone's guess, but for now, the "La Playa" era is officially back.