An era on Spanish television has come to an end. Risto Mejide, the man who turned judging talent shows into true art and drama, has announced his departure. After two decades as the country’s strictest and most straightforward critic, he has decided his mission is complete. The news, which he shared on his social media, shocked millions of viewers and colleagues, marking the end of a whole chapter in the history of Spanish entertainment formats.
He accompanied his decision with a brief but meaningful phrase about the “last dance” he is performing during the filming of the current season. Mejide confirmed that his farewell will take place on “Got Talent España,” a project he considers the best in its genre. Over twenty years, he has evaluated the performances of more than four and a half thousand artists across the broadest range of broadcast formats. This journey, he admitted, has been incredibly emotional, and ending it at its peak, on such an iconic show, feels like the right step to him.
His career as a judge began back in 2006 on the show “Operación Triunfo.” It was then that viewers first encountered his uncompromising style, hidden behind those dark sunglasses that became his signature. Mejide radically changed the way the role of a judge was perceived on television. He stopped being just someone who gave out scores and transformed into a full-fledged personality whose caustic comments and sharp observations added intrigue and tension. Over the years, he worked on “Tú sí que vales,” “Factor X,” and “Top Star,” but it was on “Got Talent,” where he judged from 2017, that his authority peaked. For many contestants, receiving that coveted “yes” from him was tantamount to victory.
Mejide’s departure comes amid significant changes at the Mediaset show itself. Not long ago, other veteran judges also left the project, including Edurne, Tamara Falcó, and Florentino Fernández. In the new season, the only remaining judge, Paula Echevarría, will be joined by newcomers Carlos Latre and Lorena Castell. In effect, the channel is completely overhauling its jury lineup.
It is worth noting that Mejide had considered leaving before. Back in 2024, he hinted that he was tired of having to constantly deliver verdicts. He shared that being a judge had become an exhausting task for him and that this chapter of his life was over. He now finds it much more comfortable to listen rather than judge. These words have now taken on their full meaning. The communicator intends to focus on projects where dialogue prevails over criticism. His interview program “Viajando con Chester” on Cuatro is a clear example of this.
Risto Mejide leaves just as he arrived—true to himself, seeking no approval and offering no apologies. His farewell is free of drama; it is a thoughtful and mature decision. However, for Spanish television, this is a significant loss. Filling the void left by his departure will be incredibly difficult. His irony, calculated provocativeness, and ability to voice what others remain silent about were often the main driving force of the show. For producers, finding someone of equal stature and charisma will be a real challenge.
