The orange carpet guides attention toward Eurovision. Benidorm is dressing for a decisive week to determine which artist will represent Spain at the international Eurovision Song Contest. The orange carpet was rolled out at the legendary Benidorm Palace on Sunday, January 28, to welcome the program’s 16 participants: Almacor, Angy Fernández, Delacruz, Jorge González, Lérica, Mantra, María Peláe, Marlena, Miss Caffeína, Nebulossa, Noan, Quique Niza, Roger Padrós, Sofia Coll, St. Pedro and Yoly Saa.
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There was no shortage of presenters this year. As an innovation, Eurovision star Ruth Lorenzo has been revealed as the first face of a trio of presenters who complement Marc Calderó and Ana Prada on Spain Direct, Morning.
The jury, comprising four Spanish and four international representatives, plays a crucial role. Its spokesperson will be singer, songwriter, actress and dancer Beatriz Luengo. The panel also includes Angela Carrascosinger, an actor and vocal coach; Carlos Bautesinger, a songwriter, actor and presenter; Guille Milkway, a music producer and singer from the well-known band La Casa Azul; Lee Smithhurst, Head of the British delegation to Eurovision and executive producer of the 2023 contest in Liverpool; David Tserunyan, head of the Armenian delegation and member of the Eurovision reference group, who produced Junior Eurovision 2022 in Yerevan; Marta Piekarska, head of the Polish delegation; and Nikolin Refsing, creative director of artistic performances and music tours.
Former contestants like Varry Brava, Vicco, Fusa Nocta, Sara Deop, Xeinn, Megara, Aritz, Sharonne, E’Femme, and the last winner Blanca Paloma drew attention on the orange carpet. The event was hosted by Inés Hernand and Jordi Cruz, both known for their television roles.
The tourism hub of Costa Blanca dedicated itself to the third edition of the television competition, preparing for a week where pleasure and entertainment meet with moments of tension and sadness. The first semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, with eight artists or groups competing. Four will advance to the grand final.
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The second semi-final will be held on Thursday, February 1, to determine the last four finalists for the final gala on Saturday, February 3. All premieres take place at the Palau de Llan, Benidorm, which features a renovated television set and stage designed to thrill both participants and viewers.
Opening Benidorm Fest 2024 is the Lérica duo. Nebulossa, the Alicante group, will close the first semi-final with a track described as a viral phenomenon since its debut. During the intermission, Noan, Sofia Coll, the Mantra group led by Carlos Marco, Miss Caffeína, Quique Niza, and the popular Angy Fernández will perform their sets.
In the second semi-final, Almacor, Delacruz, Jorge González, María Peláe, Marlena, Roger Padrós and Yoly Saa will compete. At the gala where María Peláe will begin with her song Sender and the Villenero artist Almacor will close with a concluding line that promises glittering moments.
[Citation: Official Benidorm Fest communications, with contributors and delegation heads summarized for accessibility]