Spain’s public broadcaster is already turning its attention to the next edition of Benidorm Fest, following the intense Eurovision 2023 coverage. The upcoming 2024 edition is set to bring a fresh wave of music and national pride as Spain searches for a new song to compete on the European stage. The official application window opens on Tuesday, May 16, at 10:00 and will stay open through October 10. This expanded timeline gives hopeful artists and songwriters ample room to prepare, refine, and submit their entries for consideration in the Benidorm Festival process.
RTVE has confirmed that the early publication of the competition bases for the third edition aims to provide more breathing space for candidates to finalize their proposals and submit their materials well ahead of the deadline. The strategy is designed to ensure a smooth and inclusive selection process that invites a wide pool of talent from across Spain and beyond, shaping a competitive field for the national selection.
In keeping with the tradition established by the first two editions, RTVE plans a combination of open submissions and direct invitations. Established artists and respected writers in the national music scene will be invited to contribute ideas and suggestions that enrich the current music panorama and expand the pool of potential contestants. This approach helps maintain a high standard while encouraging new voices to participate in the competition.
Entries will embrace a broad scope. Not only will fully completed songs be eligible, but works that still require a singer to perform them can also be submitted. Each entry must be original and not publicly released or distributed before September 1, 2023. After the submission window closes, RTVE will narrow the field to up to sixteen participants, with room for six substitutes to address unforeseen circumstances.
Beyond the immediate festival goals, the initiative also serves to create a distinctive brand around Benidorm Fest within the broader RTVE ecosystem. One key provision indicates that any candidate who advances to the competition commits to participating in the forthcoming Benidorm Summer Festival 2024 edition. While further details about that summer event were not disclosed at the time, the linkage underscores RTVE’s broader strategy to position Benidorm as a major cultural and musical hub in Spain. This synergy is intended to boost visibility, attract broader audience engagement, and reinforce Spain’s presence in the European music conversation. [RTVE]