Spanish singer Amaia Montero has faced a wave of criticism on social media following La Oreja de Van Gogh's concerts during the 2026 Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza. While the band's return to the stage with its former lead vocalist attracted considerable attention, discussions surrounding the performances extended beyond the music, with Montero's appearance, clothing and singing becoming subjects of online debate.
The controversy intensified following the group's second concert at the Pabellón Príncipe Felipe on Saturday, 10 October, when Montero appeared in a fitted black dress with puffed sleeves and a large bow at the back, paired with fluorescent yellow boots. Images and videos from the performance circulated across social media, prompting both criticism and messages of support for the singer.
Amaia Montero's Outfit Becomes a Talking Point
La Oreja de Van Gogh performed on Friday, 9 October, and Saturday, 10 October, as part of Zaragoza's Fiestas del Pilar celebrations. Both concerts attracted large audiences at the Pabellón Príncipe Felipe, with considerable interest surrounding Montero's return to the group.
However, following the Saturday performance, particular attention turned to her stage outfit.
The black dress and brightly coloured boots prompted numerous comments on social media. Some users questioned the styling choices, while others directed personal remarks towards Montero's physical appearance.
Among the comments highlighted in Spanish media were comparisons with other public figures, criticism of her stylist and suggestions that she should reconsider her return to the stage.
Not all reactions were negative. Other social media users came to her defence, objecting to the personal nature of the comments and arguing that criticism of an artist's performance should not become an excuse for attacking their appearance.
Criticism Also Focuses on Her Singing
The discussion surrounding Montero was not limited to her clothing.
Videos recorded during the Zaragoza concerts circulated online, with some viewers questioning her vocal performance and pointing out moments they considered out of tune.
The comments added another dimension to the reaction surrounding La Oreja de Van Gogh's reunion tour, which has attracted significant public interest since Montero returned as the band's lead vocalist.
It is important to distinguish between criticism of a live musical performance and personal attacks against an artist. Both became part of the online conversation following the Zaragoza appearances.
Amaia Montero Responds to the Comments
On 13 October, Montero appeared to address the criticism through a post on her Instagram account.
Rather than directly confronting individual users, the singer shared a selfie accompanied by a line from Joaquín Sabina's well-known song 19 días y 500 noches.
Her caption read: "Siempre tuve la frente muy alta, la lengua muy larga y la falda muy corta."
The lyric, which translates as "I always held my head high, had a sharp tongue and wore my skirts short", was widely interpreted as an ironic response to the comments about her appearance and clothing.
The publication received supportive reactions from fans and several public figures. Among those expressing their support were actress Paula Echevarría, presenter Alejandra Prat and model Jon Kortajarena, who responded with a brief message of encouragement.
Her sister, Idoia Montero, who is also involved in her styling, showed her support through reactions to the post.
A Debate That Goes Beyond the Stage
The reaction to Amaia Montero's Zaragoza performances has once again highlighted the scrutiny public figures face on social media, particularly when discussions about their professional work become intertwined with comments about their physical appearance.
While audiences are entitled to express opinions about live performances, the response to Montero demonstrates how quickly online criticism can move beyond music and into personal territory.
For the singer, her Instagram publication offered a brief but pointed response to the discussion, while the concerts themselves marked another important moment in La Oreja de Van Gogh's return to the Spanish live music scene.