After years of underwhelming results, Spain entered May with a real chance to lift Eurovision. Chanel’s catchy SloMo sits as a strong fifth pick in the betting market, and Spanish Eurovision fans have been dreaming of ending a wait that dates back to 1969, when Salomé’s Vivo cantando shared first place in a historic four-way tie with the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France. If TVE presses ahead and Spain finally takes the crown, credit will go not only to the singer and dancer’s professionalism but also to the team of creators who built this sensation, the architects behind the Chanel phenomenon.
Eve Mora
Eva Mora’s arrival at Eurovision, mid-last year, signaled a fresh wind for Spain’s delegation. The TVE Information Services journalist stepped in with a clear mission: renew Spain’s long-standing, productive relationship with a festival that has historically enjoyed strong viewership but struggled to land the right artist or song to compete at the top level. Mora’s approach included testing new formats like direct selection and mixed nominations. This season, the plan was Benidorm Fest, a competition modeled after Sanremo that allowed Italian artists to ride the wave into Eurovision. Mora’s team reached out to record labels, singers, and songwriters, assembled a demographic jury, and prioritized international expertise to promote Benidorm Fest. Despite the controversy surrounding votes, the contest proved a resounding success.
Kyle Hanagami
The intricate choreography for SloMo became a pivotal element in the journey to victory at Benidorm Fest. Chanel’s nearly effortless moves, delivered in a Beyoncé-esque style, mesmerized audiences alongside dancers Exon Arcos, Josh Huerta, Pol Soto, Raquel Caurín, and María Pérez. The choreography was crafted by American choreographer Kyle Hanagami, a renowned figure who has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, and South Korea’s BTS, and who designed the dance for the Netflix animated feature Beyond the Moon, a project nominated for an Oscar in 2021. The plan for Eurovision mirrors that energy, though Mora hints that adjustments will be made for the grand stage. At Benidorm Fest, Chanel and her dancers highlighted slow-motion moments with dramatic lighting by Rob Sinclair, a collaborator on similar high-profile shows. The creative team aims to deliver a performance that captivates the audience just as powerfully on the Eurovision stage.
Leroy Sanchez
From the outset, the song conformed to festival guidelines: it should not damage the event’s reputation, and it must avoid political or advertising slogans. Vocals are essential, with instrumental pieces not permitted. SloMo satisfied these rules, but questions about its broad appeal — including concerns about lyrical content and language balance — persisted after Benidorm Fest. Nevertheless, the song leapt to Turin with solid momentum. A multicultural songwriting team contributed to its strength: Spanish composer Leroy Sanchez (known for Voy a quereme, a track Blas Cantó performed last year), Brazilian singer Ibere Fortes, Canadian artist Maggue Szabo, British composer-producer Keith Harris, and Dutch DJ Arjen Thonen. The track channels a Jennifer Lopez-esque vibe, which makes sense given its intended star, Chanel. When the writers met the performer, they realized the song was tailor-made for her voice and stage persona.
Art direction and illumination
In live show design, the plan must translate perfectly from paper to stage. RTVE leads the coordination with the host country to ensure the visuals align with the envisioned concept. The Spanish delegation in Turin includes an art director and a lighting designer from RTVE to guide Italian colleagues and harmonize all elements, so the overall show shines. “Execution is the host country’s responsibility, with international teams collaborating mainly during rehearsals,” explains Carlos Garrido, RTVE’s press manager. Large productions demand careful lighting and camera work, balancing shots and reverse angles to capture the performance in the most compelling way.
Alexander G Palomo
Styling has long been a cornerstone of Eurovision presentations, and Chanel’s look embodies this balance between spectacle and performance. The attire must dazzle yet allow for the acrobatic elements of the act. For Benidorm Fest, Chanel’s look drew on bold, fashion-forward inspirations, with a design that maintained flexibility for movement. The semi-final outfit, a bold statement featuring a black short jacket adorned with rhinestones and other dramatic details, reflected a fashion-forward approach that echoed the stagecraft of contemporary pop icons. The designer behind the final look is a renowned fashion figure who has reshaped red-carpet aesthetics, blending bullfighting motifs, flamenco flair, and Andalusian tradition into a modern silhouette. A long pleated jumpsuit, shimmering with Swarovski accents, completed the ensemble, delivering a visual that’s both striking and practical for the performance. The wardrobe choices underscore Chanel’s ability to perform confidently in a high-energy, high-precision setting, all while maintaining comfort on stage.
These choices, crafted with care and confidence, help define a performance that seeks to translate studio artistry to a live Eurovision moment. The result is a cohesive creative vision that resonates with a broad audience, translating cultural influences into a universal message on stage.