How do the artists who attended the previous two editions of Benidorm Fest feel? How has your life changed since then? If one word could describe what they feel A big band on stage is nostalgiaespecially when they return to the tourist capital where some of their dreams come true. The first of these was the one who chose to represent Spain at Eurovision. But they go further: The music competition boosted all of their careers, and they wish him a long life.
Castell de Benidorm was the scene of the meeting of some participants in previous editions. Together with RTVE Communications Director, María Eizaguirre, Aritz, E’Femme, Fusa Nocta, José Otero, Megara, Meler, Sharonne, Twin Melody, Sara Deop, Xeinn, Vicco, Varry Brava and Rayden sat at the table. The latter also participates in the music competition as an advisor.
The artist explains that the role he has taken on this year is “very different” and that “it’s the calm side”. Regarding the Benidorm Festival, he underlines that it has not changed much, on the contrary, it is a “more specialized” event and says: “Rather than changing, the perspective has broadened.” Participants in previous editions showed off their impressions after traveling to Benidorm a year or two after taking to the stage to show off their offerings. Some claim that they are jealous of those who will be doing it this year, but also that they feel homesick because the feeling that comes out of their performances is so positive, despite the nerves they experience.
One of them is Vicco. Her song after her participation in the Benidorm Festival Night light It has almost become an anthem that never stops playing. The competition was a “second chance” for him in his career: “When I came to Benidorm I was a girl dreaming about it and when it happens you call it a surprise. I’m happy”. “I see myself reflected” in artists, the singer assures, “and it makes me jealous.” So much so that from the moments from the hotel to the rehearsals, “I wish I was in that position again because it’s so cool.”
Varry Brava shares this feeling with Vicco: “We came with excitement and we are really excited. We have only words of gratitude to this city and the Benidorm Festival.” They came to the competition “with a career, but this has been a big breakthrough. “We always wanted more music on television and that’s what happened.” The music community does not miss any event related to this festival, no matter where it is, because “we feel very comfortable” and “we love talking about music, meeting people who have this passion.”
Meler, who won the demoscopic voting, said, “We are very happy to be here and we feel nostalgic. We see the contestants and when we look back, we think about our nerves.” For them “It finally paid off. We had an incredible year.” Twin Melody feels the same: “It’s nice to come together to experience once again what we experienced last year. Xeinn also feels the same: “In my case, it’s been two years since I joined. Benidorm Fest has reached an incredible level, the highest level and an increasingly advanced point.” For Megara, he said: “This year we see it from a different, calmer perspective, but with longing. And a little jealousy. Because they are angry but beautiful. You go through tough times, but it’s so rewarding.”
Visibility for artists
José Otero emphasizes that Benidorm Fest gave him “the opportunity to start working in Spain, in my home country and in a growing format” and “opened the doors to an audience that I had not had the opportunity to work with”. “Rayden stands out as Benidorm Festival in this sense”It puts you on the map. It serves to bring combined courses closer to a more general audience. All add up”. According to Sara Deop, Benidorm Festival “brought me good things and helped me grow.” Aritz assures that since entering the competition, “I have been researching what I want to be as an artist.”
So what is it about Benidorm Fest that attracts everyone who passes through its stage? Megara puts this on the table: “We are a stage band, but this is something different. Even if you have a ‘bad ass’ enough to do a concert live. A stage of this size and that team is very strong.” But everything gets very frustrating, they say, but “the song starts playing and you get into character. These three minutes are mine.”
For E’Femme, experiencing another edition up close, even offstage, is “like a gift, like remembering it right where it was.” For them, the festival “has opened a lot of doors for us, and we come to represent the artists.” They are just starting out independently, where it is difficult to bring offers to such a large format But we did it with great excitement. Sharonne also adds: “It creates this aura of mystery about what’s going to happen on stage, what’s on offer, and where everyone is looking for what the artists will contribute. It’s a very interesting festival.”
However, the artists who are already experiencing the excitement of the semi-finals or finals emphasize that Benidorm Fest is an “s”.“identity that democratizes access to the music industry”, Rayden explains. Thus, they underline that ultimately the public will choose the option they like the most and that this is very important. Now we have to wait to see who will be selected for Eurovision. Something that will become clear next Saturday.