Betty Missiego (born January 16, 1938) is a Peruvian-Spanish singer who gained international recognition for her involvement in Latin American and European music. Born Beatriz Teresa Missiego Campos in Lima, Peru, she initially trained as a dancer before transitioning to a singing career due to an injury. She became a Spanish citizen in the 1960s after moving to Spain, where she established herself as a prominent figure in the Spanish music scene.

Missiego was born in Lima, Peru, and initially pursued a career in dance, performing on various stages in Peru. However, after suffering an injury that halted her dancing career, Missiego shifted her focus to singing. Her powerful voice and versatility allowed her to transition smoothly into this new path, and she soon became a popular singer in her home country.

In the mid-1960s, Missiego moved to Spain, where she continued her musical career and gained Spanish citizenship. Her move to Spain opened new opportunities, leading her to perform on Spanish television and in concerts across Europe. She became known for her performances of romantic ballads and traditional Latin American songs, which resonated with both Spanish and Latin audiences.

Missiego's big break came in 1972 when she represented Peru at the OTI Festival (Organización de Televisión Iberoamericana), where she placed fourth. This success introduced her to a broader audience in the Spanish-speaking world, and she continued to build on this momentum throughout the decade.

In 1979, Missiego was selected to represent Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest after winning the national final with the song "Su canción" ("Your Song"). The performance was memorable for featuring four children on stage, each representing different nationalities, which contributed to the emotional appeal of the song. Missiego's heartfelt performance earned her second place in the contest, just behind Israel's winning entry. The song became a hit in Spain and across Europe, solidifying her as one of the most beloved Eurovision contestants of that era.

Following her success at Eurovision, Betty Missiego continued to release music and perform in concerts across Spain and Latin America. Her repertoire during this period consisted mainly of romantic ballads, boleros, and traditional Latin American music. Songs like "Yo te quiero" and "Te amaré" became popular among her fans, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries.

In addition to her music career, Missiego also appeared on Spanish television shows and variety programs, where she was celebrated for her distinctive voice and her ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she remained active in the entertainment industry, releasing new albums and touring internationally.

While Betty Missiego gradually reduced her public appearances in the 2000s, she remains a beloved figure in both Spain and Peru. Her Eurovision performance continues to be fondly remembered, and she is regularly invited to participate in retrospectives and documentaries about the contest. In recent years, Missiego has focused more on personal projects, including mentoring young singers and sharing her experiences through interviews and special events.

Despite her limited activity in the music industry, Missiego remains a respected and admired artist whose legacy continues to influence both Spanish and Latin American music. Her unique contributions to Eurovision and her successful career as a singer have ensured her place in the history of popular music. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.