The Benidorm Festival 2024 returns with a trio of hosts and a blend of familiarity and fresh energy
The Benidorm Festival 2024 will feature a triple hosting lineup led by Ruth Lorenzo, Marc Calderó, and Ana Prada, as announced by the public broadcaster during a recent press conference. The TVE-commissioned music competition brings back a presenting team that pairs known personalities with new voices, aiming to captivate audiences in Canada and the United States just as strongly as at home in Spain.
Joining the main hosts are familiar faces Mónica Naranjo, Rodrigo Vázquez, and Inês Hérnand—the comedian who helped steer the 2023 edition—continuing a tradition established in the festival’s first year with Máximo Huerta and Alaska. Their continued involvement underlines TVE’s goal to balance celebrity presence with consistent event coverage.
The show evolves again this year. A presenter renowned for I Don’t Know What You’re Talking About with Mercedes Milá will not be leaving Benidorm Fest behind entirely; instead, she steps into a new role. She will host the post-show segment with Aitor Albizua on La 1 and host Benidorm Calling with Jordi Cruz on RTVE Play, ensuring a familiar face stays visible across the broadcasting slate.
Ruth Lorenzo marks the ten-year anniversary of her Eurovision entry Dancing in the Rain, a performance that tied for ninth place with Denmark. Although she did not attend the press conference in person, Lorenzo recorded a message highlighting enthusiasm for watching a festival that has grown with her family at home during such a pivotal year for the competition.
Marc Calderó, after contributing to I Speak Openly and Conqueror, has solidified his role as TVE’s face for the Benidorm Fest galas. Ana Prada, currently part of the La 1 Mornings team, will guide contestants in the Green Room, offering backstage insights and support throughout the contest.
No changes to the finalists’ announcement plan
In addition to naming the hosting team, TVE confirmed that there will be no new method for announcing the finalists. The scores of those who advance from the first and second semi-finals will determine the outcome. “This is a competition, and that adds excitement,” TVE notes, even as past seasons have shown a bit of unpredictability. The final order of performances has not yet been decided.
Regarding Spain’s stance on participation in Eurovision, TVE officials confirmed a clear position: Spain will participate, and the festival will remain a music competition rather than a political arena. This was discussed within the reference group, and no country signaled plans to withdraw under current circumstances, according to Ana María Bordás, head of the Spanish delegation at Eurovision. The spokesperson added that no further details would be disclosed at that time.
Benidorm Festival 2024 is scheduled for January 30 (first semi-final), February 1 (second semi-final), and February 3 (grand final). The events will take place at Palau d’Esports L’Illa in Benidorm, Alicante. The schedule and venues are designed to maximize audience engagement in Spain and to deliver a high-energy show that resonates with viewers in Canada and the United States as TVE expands the festival’s international appeal. This edition aims to blend established stars with rising talent, celebrating Eurovision history while looking toward future musical moments. (Cited commentary: TVE press materials and official festival communications)