It cannot continue like this. Lérica, Noan, Mantra, and Quique Niza were the four artists who failed to reach the Benidorm Festival grand final after performing in the first semi-final. Their spirits were mostly bright, grateful for the chance to perform before an audience that had not previously followed their careers. Yet for one of them, the path forward felt heavier; Mantra, the trio consisting of Carlos Marco, Paula Pérez, and Charly Weinberg, watched tears of joy from others as they learned they would not be on stage next Saturday. After missing the top four, they admitted tasting a bittersweet note, even if it was a touch sweeter overall.
They spoke with composure on Wednesday. After hearing the votes on Tuesday night, the protagonists were moved to tears. The final public vote tallied 40 points for the bloc, but that did not secure a fourth place, leaving them seven points behind Miss Caffeina. RTVE’s Communications Director María Eizaguirre offered more details: between televotes, messages, and calls, the tally reached 12,275. Mantra attracted the most support with 7,020 votes, accounting for 57 percent of the total.
The trio reflected on the experience: “The scoring process isn’t simply understood,” they said. Still, they emphasized that their balance is positive and that the real value lies in people hearing them and voting. They managed to top the televote segment, a moment they described as meaningful: “We knew people were following us, but not to this extent.” So, the final taste remains bittersweet.
Young artists who attended the press conference at Benidorm El Castell, alongside the other semi-finalists who would not perform in the final, shared feelings about the night described as magical. For Lérica, opening the first semi-final felt like a gift. “We said we would dance tonight and we did.” They viewed it as a career milestone, and they signaled that Lérica is here to stay.
Nebulossa queens at the Benidorm Festival
According to Noan, the only sensible move after the show is to smile. “I’m happy and excited; I released the song and it’s done,” he stated. His Benidorm Fest performance is described as a magical moment he will carry for life. He also noted an outpouring of messages from new fans who discovered him through the festival, a source of gratitude and motivation.
The trio described the moment they heard the audience singing along before they took the stage as something truly beautiful. They felt loved and supported. They added that Benidorm’s bustling energy will not change their path; they plan to keep working on the music they have already been making and the songs to come.
Quique Niza, who is also known for his portrayal of Danny Zuko in a revived musical, explained: “I am very pleased with the Benidorm experience because it will open many doors. People who don’t know us will recognize us through this.” He sees a long road ahead, a first step into the broader world of music.
One of the performers expressed critical self-reflection about the night: “The song aimed to be exciting, committed, with a message and bold staging. I recognize we had stronger transitions in the past, which felt thorny this time around.” He reminded audiences that artists are human and have good days and bad days.
Staging
Four artists explained the message behind their Benidorm Fest performances. Quique Niza spoke about a moment when he appeared alone at the piano, representing calmness and self-reflection: the headspace can overwhelm with negative thoughts, then the act of returning to the piano and finding calm again becomes a message of resilience.
For Noan, the staging symbolized his journey from adolescence, surrounded by posters and vinyl, to the rehearsal room and the final rhythm of a group performance. Lérica described bringing the party to the stage, aiming to transport the audience to a joyful, carefree realm. Mantra emphasized staying true to their vibe, delivering good energy and authenticity without hiding their essence and with a sense of shared purpose.