Benidorm Fest 2023: a showcase of emerging and seasoned Spanish talent

No time to read?
Get a summary

A look at the Benidorm Fest 2023 lineup reveals a mix of familiar faces from reality and talent shows, along with a new generation of Spanish artists. The roster includes former contestants from Operación Triunfo, Factor X, Fama a Bailar, and Drag Race España, plus a finalist who first appeared in TVE’s preselection. The big question before the event was: who earned a spot among the approved Benidorm Fest 2023 participants?

Benidorm Fest 2023: Exhibitors list

Agoney is confirmed for Benidorm Fest 2023. This caption accompanies his participation and signals a prominent presence on the stage.

A singer, musician and composer, a sixth finalist of Operación Triunfo 2017, Agoney has played trumpet since age six and began formal singing studies at fourteen. After an early tour in 2018, he released his first single, Maybe, showcasing his breadth. In 2019 he introduced Black, Libertad and Más. His debut album Libertad topped nationwide sales charts. In March this year, Bangover hit No. 1 on iTunes in Spain, Argentina and Chile, and Cachito premiered in July. He is currently participating in Incredible Duos on La 1 and preparing his second studio album.

Alfred García, alongside Amaia, represented Spain at Eurovision 2018, marking another high-profile entry for Benidorm Fest. He is part of a generation of artists who blend storytelling with modern sounds, a trend seen across the Benidorm lineup.

She became the first Spanish artist to place 16 tracks from her debut album 1016 in both Spotify Top 200 and Itunes Top 100 on the album’s release day, earning five gold and five platinum certifications. A multi‑instrumentalist, composer, producer and vocalist, she was a finalist on Operación Triunfo 2017 and contributed to Spain’s Eurovision 2018 entry with Amaia. About two and a half years later, she returned to the stage in October with the album 1997, which has sold more than 150,000 copies and generated over 200 million plays across digital platforms.

Her emergence signals a clear shift in Spanish music, with a 23-year-old artist delivering work that combines youthful maturity with bold experimentation. In May 2021 she released her debut album, Que Se Joda Todo Lo Demás, entirely in Spanish, followed by a tour that drew millions of streams and frequently sold-out venues.

The singer, dancer and actress began training early in artistic disciplines, performing in national and international musical productions and TV series. She has starred in musicals and series, and made a notable run on a reality show where she placed second. Beyond dancing, she trained as a singer with renowned mentors and has built a substantial following—nearly two million across social networks, with strong TikTok and Instagram presence.

Blanca Paloma, seen at Benidorm Fest 2022, is once again noted for a strong voice and captivating stagecraft that blends tradition with contemporary flair.

Her career features a distinct path as a vocalist with roots in regional influences, aiming to push the envelope in live performance. The May release of a bold new single, Niña de fuego, reflects a daring reimagining of tradition with avant-garde vocal techniques. A June tour across Spain supported the rollout of her forthcoming debut album.

A Madrid-origin girl group, formed in 2019 by Sandy, Melania, BUBU and Lottie, with producer Luki, has pursued a philosophy of art as a holistic concept—music, sound, rap, dance, visuals and fashion. They have earned substantial streaming and social growth and continue advancing through multiple singles and videos, seeking a lasting impact in the music scene.

A Spanish vocalist and songwriter of Nigerian descent, based in Madrid, joined Operación Triunfo 2018 and has since balanced theater work with a rise in a new music project fusing urban, Afrobeat, reggaeton and pop influences. Her ongoing development mirrors a wider shift in the urban and pop landscape across the country.

Miriam, known as Fusa Nocta, emerged as a leading figure in the urban scene after a televised audition on The X Factor propelled her into the spotlight. She has graced major festivals and tours, growing a dedicated audience online. Work on a fresh project is underway as she readies new material for the coming season.

Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this artist earned a prestigious BRIT School scholarship in 2012 and later moved to Mexico, where she reached the top three on La Voz 2019. Her first single has since accumulated over 11 million streams across platforms and continues to build momentum.

Starting in 2012, a move to Malta sparked collaborations with international musicians and the crafting of a self-released debut album Mudanzas in 2015. A singer-songwriter with a pop sensibility, she blends folklore and traditional tones into contemporary narratives, followed by the well-received Este devenir (El Tragaluz, 2020) that earned critical and public praise.

More than a band, Megara presents a lifestyle and a universe that has drawn attention with a striking visual identity. Their sound, described as Fucksia Rock, mixes dark aesthetics with bright contrasts—music, show, choreography and history all in one. They pride themselves on a boundary-free creative approach and a bold stage presence.

Two or three listeners might know that three friends from different parts of Europe joined forces in Madrid for a competition featuring over 400 artists. Jonathan, Javier and Lorenzo formed Meler, steering from humble subway gigs toward a promise of a fresh Spanish pop voice. Their origin story highlights how collaboration can fast-track a new artistic voice into the mainstream.

At age 15, Raquel began creating music on her own, later releasing Neptune Diamond in 2019, a cornerstone for Spain’s hyperpop scene alongside producers like PUTOCHINOMARICÓN and eurosanto. Subsequent projects, including Xtra Cost EP (2021), positioned her for a second album with catchy tracks such as where are you?, ZIP and LOVE, building a robust international fan base and performing at major events and rosters across Europe and the Americas.

The artist known as Cristóbal Garrido is a singer, drag queen and actress who won the second season of Drag Race Spain. His early career in amateur theater and theater-based performances led to a broad range of appearances, including hosting and acting in television and theatre, with current tours across Spain as part of the Gran Hotel de las Reinas show circuit.

The band formed by Uri Plana (vocals and guitar), Albert Sort (bass) and Andreu Manyós (drums) comes from Barcelona and embraces an approach that favors the night and the pulse of modern pop fused with dance, electronic and tropical influences. Their debut album, Totes les nits del món (2021), features tracks like Només vull amor and Tragèdia o calor, reflecting a genre they call Night Pop.

A Spanish-German singer-songwriter blends multilingual writing with a rich mix of contemporary and electronic Latin rhythms. Her stage presence reflects a vibrant energy, inviting audiences to sing and move with lively, infectious melodies. Her music captures a global sensibility with a distinctly personal voice.

The project behind twins Paula and Aitana focuses on social media fame through song covers, choreography and collaborations on Instagram and TikTok, amassing millions of followers. They have appeared on television, starred in series, and collaborated with brands, while also writing a book. Esteemed artists like Shakira, J Balvin and Camilo have noted their breakthrough work, including the single Someone like you.

Spain-based artist, composer, pianist and producer, who has worked with prominent names and toured with Sirope in 2015. With several collaborations under his belt and a forthcoming Sony Music Spain project, he is shaping a future in independent circles while expanding his reach across major studios and collaborations.

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

Financial health as a lifestyle: BBVA forum insights in Murcia

Next Article

Mireia Mollà and the Internal Tensions Within the Ministry: A Review