Pastora Soler, the Spanish contestant in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, was told by broadcasters not to win, as the cash-strapped country slips deeper into financial meltdown.
Ms Soler, who will compete alongside over 25 other countries in Baku, Azerbaijan, this weekend, was told in jest by broadcasters TVE not to win, as the country may not be able to afford to host next year's competition, as it costs so much money.
"If we won, I think it would be impossible to stage the next edition," Ms Soler told Spanish radio.
The 33-year-old singer, who will aim to be the first Spanish winner since 1969, has been quoted as saying that "I think it is not the moment, neither for Spain nor for the Spanish public, to win Eurovision."
The rules of the contest decree that the winning country's public broadcaster hosts the next year's edition, something that would be incredibly difficult for the country, which has had to cut back significantly on public television funding.
The country is currently in the midst of a financial storm as the eurozone looks increasingly unstable. Shares in the Spanish bank Bankia, which was downgraded earlier in May, have been suspended on the Spanish stock exchange, ahead of a suspected plea for a government bailout.
Sixteen Spanish banks were recently downgraded by rating agency Moody's, as well as the UK branch of Santander.