TVE revealed the lineup for each of Benidorm Fest 2023’s semi-finals this week, with presenters Monica Naranjo, Rodrigo Vázquez, and Inés Hernand guiding the broadcast and explaining the event’s format on public television. The reveals came as part of a broader overview of how the competition will unfold, including how the semi-finals are structured, how votes will be tallied, and how the path leads to the grand final. The announcement emphasized clarity for fans and participants alike, ensuring that audiences across Canada and the United States could follow along with the same level of detail as viewers at home in Spain. The organizers highlighted that this year’s Benidorm Fest would combine performance variety, strategic staging, and musical storytelling into two electrifying nights, each designed to showcase the range of contemporary Spanish pop and regional influences.
Nine acts will compete in the first semi-final on Tuesday, January 31. Agoney, Alice Wonder, Aritz, Fusa Nocta, Megara, Meler, Sharonne, Sofia Martín, and Twin Melody form the opening wave of contenders. These artists bring a mix of genres and backgrounds, from powerful vocal showcases to charismatic pop performances that aim to engage both live audiences and online viewers. The lineup was released with a deliberate alphabetical approach, reflecting the organizers’ preference for a neutral reveal rather than signaling a pecking order ahead of the show. Each act brings a distinct stage persona and musical identity, contributing to a dynamic evening where viewers can compare styles, storytelling approaches, and live execution in real time.
February 2 marks the second semi-final, presenting Alfred, Blanca Paloma, E’Femme, Celebrity, José Otero, Karmento, Rakky Ripper, Siderland, and Vicco. As with the first night, the acts cover a spectrum of genres and performance sensibilities, from seasoned performers with big-stage experience to rising stars who use Benidorm Fest as a platform to reach a broader audience. The event team has organized the order and presentation in a way that emphasizes variety while keeping the competition balanced. Viewers can expect high-energy numbers, intimate ballads, and visually compelling staging that leverages the venue and production resources to maximize impact on screen and in the arena. The semi-finals are designed not only to identify a potential winner but also to create memorable moments that resonate with fans across North America and beyond, reinforcing Spain’s Eurovision ambitions on an international stage.
It should be noted that TVE has opted for an alphabetical reveal of the semi-finalists rather than a publicly announced sequence of actions. The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, February 4, when the nation will learn the winner of Benidorm Fest 2023 and Spain’s entry for Eurovision. The event promises to be a high-stakes culmination, with performances that test vocal precision, stagecraft, and emotional connectivity. For fans abroad, the broadcasts are structured to provide a clear, engaging narrative that explains voting mechanics, the role of the jury and audience input, and how the combined results determine the eventual representative for Spain at the international competition. Across both nights, the focus remains on delivering a compelling spectacle, a showcase of contemporary Spanish talent, and a pathway that clearly communicates the stakes and outcomes of each performance. The festival’s mission is to translate a national festival experience into a globally accessible event, inviting audiences in North America to share in the excitement and cultural expression of a country preparing to take its best shot at Eurovision.