A hard-fought final left little room for a decisive outcome. The top lines stayed razor-close, and a collapse in one of the three vote blocks could have tipped the Bronze Mic toward any contender. The result earns Spain a spot in the 2024 International Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö.
Four names began as clear favorites, each offering a distinct interpretation. Jorge González surprised many with a staging that recalled a Chanel-like spectacle in the semi-finals. Slow motion and the theme of filling the gap clashed with a minimalist approach. Peter led most of the rankings, while two foreign entrants and Angy Fernández presented bold, rock-inflected performances with the refrain, I know who I am.
Nebulossa: the last dream of a couple in love
Yet one entry captured Eurofans from the first moment. Nebulossa carried a bold message, elevating the term Bitch into a broad social campaign advocating feminism that is both striking and empowering. The paper described it as “wrinkly feminism,” highlighting how often the youngest voices push such messages into the spotlight. María Bas crafted a new way to amplify the sound, pairing refinement with a raw energy that elevated the ordinary word.
Still, Benidorm Fest has taught audiences that virality alone rarely translates to victory; it grants influence that does not always convert to votes. Looking back, memorable moments from Rigoberta Bandini or Vicco Night Light show how a song can linger on stages long after the festival, yet fail to secure a ticket to Eurovision. Nebulossa, however, defied the odds and earned the Bronze Microphone, securing direct passage to Malmö.
Although more than four entries were discussed, the final featured eight artists. María Peláe, Almácor, Miss Caffeina, and Sofia Coll fought to keep the competition unpredictable. Peláe and Miss Caffeina demonstrated why they are central figures in Spanish music across multiple genres, while Almácor and Sofia Coll sought to dispel lingering doubts with polished, fearless performances that underscored vocal clarity and stage presence.
grand final
Blanca Paloma from Elche was invited to open the grand final with María Peláe’s song, positioned based on the entry draw. Her performance exuded a quiet confidence, and she conveyed stories through her sound. The Malagueña character on stage revealed a steadfast commitment to reconnecting national flamenco folklore with Eurovision, delivering a track that carried a social message about freedom and the fear of losing it. Yet the selection on this night suggested the winning tune needed a sharper edge than last year’s entry, Eaea, to resonate with a broader audience.
Next to perform was Born in Tenerife, St. Pedro. A striking contrast on a sleek stage, her presence combined a rose-tinted warmth with a stark, dark ambiance that intensified the impact. The piece blended bolero influences with a minimalist frame, avoiding boredom and keeping the audience engaged through a refreshed sound.
Angy Fernández returned to the stage, shedding her inner doubts with a performance that mixed assertive energy with a sharp political edge in its commentary. Her two natural sides shone through, signaling a strong return to form and proving that experience and a loyal fan base still carry weight in this arena.
Almacor pursues a Spain-wide Eurovision entry with a contemporary edge
The night solidified the belief that the first impression was near-spot on. Jorge González and his dancers delivered a robust, confident routine, executing a demanding choreography with a smile. His vocal performance remained strong, adding an extra layer of intensity to the overall show.
When the Ondara duo returned for the finale, Nebulossa again proved its refined pop credentials through synth-laden tunes that could transport listeners back in time. The new approach inside their set allowed the audience to experience the journey with even greater immersion.
Sofia Coll faced the challenge of smoothing out the imbalances from her previous performance. Despite determined effort, the public response did not fully align with the judges. Miss Caffeina did not need to prove anything more; their song Dot dot dot delighted at first listen, though its broader appeal remained a point of debate. Their second Benidorm appearance showcased seasoned execution and a steady command of the stage.
The night’s controversy centered on Almácor. All eyes were on him, and he did not falter. He delivered perhaps his strongest performance to date, moving with the ensemble in a display of cohesion and dedication. The glittering platinum onstage amplified the moment, but a broadcast issue left some of the magic hidden from the viewers, limiting the full impact of the special effects on the audience.
moment of truth
The question was clear: which bid could most effectively represent Spain at Eurovision? It was necessary to see whether the impressions created by Sofia Coll and Almácor in their semi-finals would translate to the grand final. Neither entry managed to captivate the home crowd as hoped, and Nebulossa emerged as the winner of the Benidorm Festival. With the jury vote tied, St. Pedro struggled to keep pace with a more far-reaching proposition. Jorge González, by contrast, continued to face jury skepticism over his fiery presentation. In Benidorm Fest, the jury’s verdict remains a decisive element.
Alicante will again carry Spain’s Eurovision representation, following Blanca Paloma’s entry in Liverpool. The presenter of the prize to the winner of the event remains a key figure in the Ondara calendar, with the next stop in Sweden on May 11.