Agoney’s Benidorm Fest moment: a bold sound and fearless energy set to ignite the first semi-final
In Benidorm Fest 2023, five artists who had fallen short faced the cameras with a mix of nerves and relief. They fielded the big question of whether the eliminated acts might return to the festival, and though some asked for time to consider, none ruled out a future return. This set the stage for renewed curiosity about what lies ahead for each performer, both on and off the festival stage.
Even a few hours after their elimination, the mood remained electric. Sofia Martin from Alicante, for instance, spoke candidly about her own possibilities: “I would go back,” she said, describing Benidorm Fest as a massive platform that connects artists with audiences far beyond television, through vibrant networks and live energy. She added that the experience is a chance to grow as an artist, though she did not commit to a specific timeline for a possible return.
Raising eyebrows and smiles alike, the crowd wondered how these artists would pivot in the weeks that follow. Jonathan, Javier, Lorenzo, and Sofia’s fellow participant from Alicante expressed a shared sentiment: the festival may be over for now, but the door remains ajar. Their outlook was pragmatic and hopeful, emphasizing preparation for what comes next rather than dwelling on the past. Aritz also indicated openness: “Yes, I would go back without thinking twice; this is an opportunity.”
Cristóbal Garrido, who performs under the stage name Sharonne, called Benidorm Fest a life-changing chance that artists should seize. He reflected that the experience is something worth embracing fully, a moment that should not be dismissed because you never know when such a rare stage might come again. Twin Melody echoed the sentiment, describing the festival as a crucial platform for discovery and exposure, and confirming they would participate again if given the chance.
Five artists shared their initial impressions after stepping onto the festival’s expansive 3,500-square-meter stage. Meler admitted feeling a tangible sense of relief after months of intense preparation, stress, and hard work. The team recalled how recording and rehearsing had felt overwhelming at times, yet the live performance proved to be a profoundly rewarding culmination of those efforts.
Blanca Paloma and her ‘Eaea’: the song’s message and the Elche singer’s Benidorm Fest moment
As for the eliminated contestants, Meler planned to enjoy the moments with colleagues, embracing the Benidorm experience without the heavy pressure of the competition’s final day. The people of Benidorm, they observed, were incredibly welcoming, making the experience feel like a dream come true. Twin Melody described the adrenaline rush as authentic and invigorating, vowing to keep pushing forward, continuing to cultivate music and networks in the city they adore, Alicante.
Sofia Martin spoke with pride about her performance, noting that mistakes are merely lessons along the way. She warned against complacency, promising to work harder than ever as the journey stretches beyond Benidorm Fest. For her, the road continues; this festival is a stepping stone, not a conclusion.
Martin also expressed a determination to revisit the spotlight, remarking that she felt almost like a superstar on stage. Between performances, she planned time to rest and write new songs, saying she was inspired to create more and to sharpen her craft. While she finished last in that moment, she carried with her a sense of achievement and a strong sense of pride.
Aritz, too, described a page-turning experience: the joy of performing, the energy of the audience, and the belief that hard work pays off. He committed to improving and delivering his best as he continues to grow as an artist. Sharonne, recalling a moment of doubt about his vocal strength caused by the cold, shared that adrenaline carried him through and that the effort was worth every moment on stage.
He spoke of the public support as a powerful force: the love from fans felt like a gift that keeps on giving, and he emphasized the unique opportunity Benidorm Fest offered—an arena that sometimes compressed into intimate moments, even as it showcased drag performers and other vibrant performances on a grand stage.
Mónica Naranjo and the essence of ‘Diva’
Among the most anticipated moments was Mónica Naranjo’s standout performance in the first semi-final. The event’s host and venue, Castell de Benidorm with a dramatic skyline, provided a backdrop as she delivered a memorable rendition of ‘Diva,’ originally a 1998 Eurovision-winning song by Dana International. The choice carried personal resonance, linked to Naranjo’s family history and the broader Eurovision repertoire that has shaped her artistic sensibility.
The reaction from the hall was electric. RTVE’s communications director, María Eizaguirre, praised the moment as a testament to Naranjo’s power and presence. The performance earned enthusiastic applause from the audience, underscoring the artist’s ability to connect with viewers through a carefully chosen tribute that honored past greatness while showcasing her own formidable stagecraft.
The radical look of Benidorm Fest’s diva Mónica Naranjo
In discussing the performance, Naranjo explained that Dana International’s era left a lasting impression on her childhood. Recalling those early Eurovision days, she described the tribute as a heartfelt moment designed to honor the music she grew up with. The process was challenging, but the aim was to create something special that would resonate so deeply with fans and newcomers alike.
That night, Naranjo admitted to a blend of excitement and nerves. Sleep rarely comes easy after such experiences, she noted, and even as years pass, the nerves remain a familiar companion on stage. Her counsel to peers was pragmatic: talent must be matched with relentless work. She reminded performers that the biggest mistake is stopping work altogether and urged continuous reinvention in order to stay relevant in a fast-changing landscape.
Tears over controversy and hate on social media
The conversation around the festival inevitably turned to online reactions. Twin Melody and Aritz spoke candidly about facing harsh comments and the emotional toll of social scrutiny. They urged supporters to focus on building each other up and protecting mental well-being rather than feeding negative energy. The moment of vulnerability—sharing tears during a press conference—highlighted the real strain that online hostility can place on young artists who are still finding their footing in the public eye.
As the press conference closed, the performers acknowledged the cruelty that sometimes accompanies fame. The twins embraced and offered a message of resilience, inviting fans to rally around the constructive voices that encourage growth rather than tearing others down. The persistence of these artists suggested that Benidorm Fest was less a curtain call and more a launch pad for ongoing careers anchored in community support and creative ambition.
The broader conversation about online hate continued to surface, with viewers reflecting on the impact of digital platforms on personal lives and careers. The performers asserted that they would not be deterred by negativity but would instead channel their energy toward creating more music and cultivating their fan networks. The festival, they affirmed, remains a powerful stage for expression, connection, and renewal in the months ahead.
In sum, Benidorm Fest 2023 proved to be a crucible of courage, collaboration, and comeback stories. The eliminated contestants hoisted new ambitions; the established stars reinforced their legacies; and the audience witnessed a festival that blended celebration with candid conversations about resilience in the modern music landscape. The journey does not end here; it simply continues in new songs, new stages, and new connections that will shape the next chapter for every participant.