Amaia Montero has officially rejoined La Oreja de Van Gogh as the band’s lead vocalist. Her return, announced on October 15, comes amid significant controversy surrounding the departure of her predecessor, Leire Martínez, in 2024.
The news of Montero’s reunion with the Spanish pop-rock group has reignited a complex narrative that began with Martínez’s sudden exit. Leire Martínez fronted the band for 17 years before her departure.
Martínez’s separation was communicated via a brief social media statement on October 14, 2024. Notably, she did not sign the announcement, a detail she has since highlighted in interviews.
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Earlier this year, Martínez expressed deep concern over the timing of events. She stated in an interview, "If it is confirmed that this is the case [conversations with Amaia Montero before her exit], it would hurt me to know that they set me up." She added, "I would live and feel it as a betrayal."
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Fans reacted to Martínez’s 2024 departure with surprise and indignation. Many commented on the cold, almost administrative nature of the farewell. Some immediately speculated that Amaia Montero’s return was already being arranged behind the scenes.
Amaia Montero, who was the band’s original vocalist from its inception until 2007, had previously denied any plans to rejoin. Days after Martínez’s exit in 2024, Montero spoke to the Spanish television program TardeAR.
She explicitly stated that Martínez’s situation had "absolutely nothing to do with her." Montero also dismissed rumors of her return at that time.
"That is what I ask myself. That’s why I don’t say anything, because no one has given me a role in this funeral, nor do I want one," Montero emphasized during the call. She described the speculation as "madness" and "dementia."
Leire Martínez also shared her feelings of being marginalized during months of uncertainty. She told media outlets, "It seems everyone forgets that there is a singer in the group. I don’t deserve that."
Montero’s official re-entry was announced with a video showing the group rehearsing and a poetic message: "Playing together again… closing our eyes to listen better."
Adding another layer to the band’s changing dynamics, founding guitarist Pablo Benegas will temporarily step back. Benegas, a key creative force, will not actively participate in the 2026 tour or new recordings.
The official statement notes that Benegas will "take a season off." He plans to focus on his family and explore new personal challenges.
The sharp contrast between Amaia Montero’s triumphant return and Leire Martínez’s unsigned departure fuels continued speculation. Many believe Montero’s comeback was underway long before Martínez’s exit. Some fans are upset, alleging Martínez was "sabotaged" to facilitate the transition.
However, other fans defend Montero’s right to return to the band she helped establish. Social media is filled with nostalgic comments for the "Montero era" and messages of solidarity for Martínez.
The formal lineup for La Oreja de Van Gogh is now confirmed as Amaia Montero, Xabi San Martín, Haritz Garde, and Álvaro Fuentes. Despite Benegas’s temporary absence, Montero’s return marks a fulfilled dream for many long-time fans.