Benidorm Fest returned for its second edition, extending its reach beyond the TV screen and becoming a weekend conversation across Spain. The public broadcaster’s music competition drew broad attention, with extensive coverage from programs like Fiesta and Socialité. Reporters even traveled to Alicante to deliver the latest updates from the heart of the event.
One of the festival’s standout figures was Aritz Aren, who appeared on Fiesta during the lead-up to the semi-finals. His elimination in the first semi-final sparked discussions among fans and commentators alike. Aren later addressed misunderstandings surrounding his remarks on Agoney’s song I Want to Burn, explaining that his comments were intended as a broad artistic observation. He emphasized that his message was not meant to disrespect colleagues, noting that his aim was to comment on the aesthetic choices of the artistic proposal rather than the performers personally.
Before filming began, a moment of tension had emerged between Aren and Agoney, tied to off-camera conversations and the dynamics of their collaboration. In Benidorm, both artists clarified that any earlier disputes were resolved, and the relationship between them, as discussed, had been clarified. Aren described the moment when his statement about burning the concept referred to the visual concept rather than a personal attack, revealing how the artist appeared on the single cover with devil horns as part of the album’s presentation.
Beyond the main festivities, reporter Miguel Ángel López covered the event on location. Amor Romeira offered insights about Agoney’s mood following questions from José Otero regarding his performance, noting some lighting issues that affected perception, while praising vocal performance and expressing a desire to return in future editions.
Meanwhile, Arnau Martínez hosted several live segments for Socialité from the Poniente Beach in Benidorm, delivering direct updates while also featuring on-site interviews with notable figures from the festival. The broadcasting team shifted during these segments, swapping in two conversations with María Jesús y su acordeón, a cherished artist from the Mediterranean town, and with Agoney, who reflected on his time in previous programs and the impact of illness on his memories of the period spent at the academy. He shared that his recollection of certain moments was clouded by health challenges, adding nuance to how fans understand the artist’s journey.
In a subsequent interview, Agoney opened up about his late mother, recalling the difficult years when he was a teenager and explaining how personal loss influenced his musical path. He described the sense that his mother’s memory remains a constant presence in his life, guiding his artistry and resilience as he navigates the spotlight.
Additionally, María Patiño commented on the exchange surrounding Chanel Terrero’s absence from a photo interview with Martínez and a camera partner before the finale of Benidorm Fest 2023. Patiño suggested that Chanel’s absence affected the overall freshness of the broadcast, complimenting the artist as a continuous source of creative inspiration for the show’s audience. The dialogue highlighted how moments behind the scenes can shape public perception of a major competition and its participants.