Hours remain before the first Benidorm Fest semi final, with details beginning to surface about how the top four semi-finalists will be chosen and what the premiere will look like this Tuesday. To begin, what order will the performances follow? Nine artists out of eighteen compete for the chance to become Spain’s next Eurovision representative. Additionally, the organizers announced invited performers: Edurne, Mónica Naranjo, and Leo Rizzi.
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Who will make it onto the Benidorm Fest stage at Palau d’Esports l’Illa and who will close the semi-final rounds? This is one of the day’s most anticipated questions. The order was revealed by RTVE’s communications chief María Eizaguirre, speaking from El Castell de Benidorm, alongside the semi-final hosts Inés Hernand and Rodrigo Vázquez, and the team behind the program “La Noche del Benidorm Fest.” Miki Núñez, a singer and Spain’s Eurovision entrant in 2019, joins as a guest commentator with Aitor Albizua.
The semi-finals will begin with Sharonne, followed by Aritz, Sofia Martin, Suffering, Megara, Alice Wonder, Angels, and will conclude with Fusa Nocta. The presenters chose not to disclose the exact lineup, but Vázquez offered a playful note: “It doesn’t matter how the fruit salad is arranged; it’s all delicious.” Hernand added: “Opening with Sharonne and closing with Sayonara is impressive.”
Edurne and Leo Rizzi, both Eurovision participants in 2015, will appear as guest artists during the Palau premiere, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the night.
Rizzi reflected on Benidorm under bright sun, noting that his performance will be emotionally charged and supported by a strong team of dancers. When asked about a potential Benidorm Fest appearance, he replied with a hint of possibility: “I haven’t thought about it yet, maybe later, who knows.” He described the festival as a powerful springboard that has evolved into a complete and professional competition with a diverse lineup. He even suggested a future collaboration inspired by past experiences with artists like Alice Wonder, which drew applause from the audience.
As for the first semi-final, Eizaguirre affirmed that surprises will surface and that every contestant has delivered strong performances. She stressed that each Benidorm Fest edition is unique, with a show that grows bigger in scale and detail as the festival evolves, promising a more flamboyant presentation with a larger stage and more polished production.
Following the announcement, Eurofans awaited early impressions from the hosts. Hernand arrived with a playful mood, joking about the vibe and fashion selections, including a nod to Palomo Spain’s styling for Rita Ora at a different awards show. The moment captured the light, friendly atmosphere surrounding the festival and its presenters.
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The on-stage banter among the hosts underscored a friendly rivalry and a shared mission: to present a show that blends powerful performances with a warm, celebratory mood. The team behind the semi-finals offered insights into rehearsals, emphasizing that the process has produced a strong, varied repertoire and a show that feels fresh with each edition. Viewers can expect a show that leverages a larger stage and more elaborate staging while keeping a focus on the artists’ craft and storytelling.
The other host, Rodrigo Vázquez, noted that nightly rehearsals have gone well and highlighted the positive energy throughout the crew. He emphasized the depth of talent on display and the supportive atmosphere that characterizes Benidorm Fest as a week-long artistic journey, culminating in a grand finale that aims to captivate audiences across the country.
Núñez and Albizua will have additional roles, keeping an eye on applicants before and after performances and providing updates from multiple vantage points to convey the festival’s atmosphere to audiences who cannot attend in person.
An international majority jury
María Eizaguirre outlined the jury framework for this year, detailing a mix of five international representatives and three national ones. Last year’s lineup leaned more towards local professionals, but the new approach emphasizes an international perspective to reflect Eurovision’s global audience. The aim is to show not only what is popular locally but what resonates beyond borders, providing clear criteria that can be understood by audiences worldwide.
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The RTVE spokesperson clarified that the jury will follow criteria centered on staging, song quality, and all elements feeding into Eurovision’s broader criteria. The panel’s expertise covers performance, arrangement, and presentation, shaping the final selections with a balanced, informed outlook.
Miki Núñez, the experience of participating in Eurovision
Speaking from his experience representing Spain in Eurovision 2019, Núñez described the Benidorm Fest journey as a fresh start that reconnects him with the emotional side of live performance. He emphasized the importance of supporting artists on a human level, noting that contestants are deeply affected by public commentary and media coverage. Núñez believes the festival offers a rare opportunity to witness genuine growth and professional development, both for contestants and the teams backing them. He remarked that the staging and overall event quality are outstanding and worthy of the attention they attract.