TVE is gearing up for the second edition of Benidorm Fest, the public broadcaster has already announced the 18 artists who will compete in the format that selects Spain’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for May in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Among the participants are former contenders from Operación Triunfo, Factor X, Fama a Bailar and Drag Race España, all set to perform in the Benidorm Fest 2023 premiere. The list below compiles the 18 confirmed entrants for Benidorm Fest 2023, following the first edition’s finalists.
Agoney (Tenerife, 27 years old)
A singer, musician and composer, Agoney was a sixth finalist on Operación Triunfo 2017. He began playing the trumpet at age six and started formal singing studies at fourteen. After touring in 2018, he released his debut single Maybe, which showcased his vocal range. In 2019, he released Black, Libertad and Más. His debut album Libertad topped sales charts nationwide. In March this year, Bangover reached number one on iTunes in Spain, Argentina and Chile, while Cachito premiered in July. He is currently competing on Incredible Duos at La 1 and preparing his second studio album.
Alfred Garcia (Barcelona, 25 years old)
Alfred Garcia stands out as the first Spanish artist to place 16 tracks from a debut album 1016 into both Spotify Top 200 and iTunes Top 100 on the album’s release day, earning five gold and five platinum certifications. A multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, singer and audiovisual communicator, he was a finalist on Operación Triunfo 2017 and represented Spain at Eurovision 2018 with Amaia. Two and a half years later, Alfred returns to the stage. The album 1997 has sold over 150,000 copies as of October, with more than 200,000,000 streams across digital platforms.
Alice Wonder (Madrid, 23 years old)
Alice Wonder embodies a clear shift in the national music scene. The 23-year-old artist and composer entered with a maturity that resonates beyond her years. In May 2021, she released Que Se Joda Todo Lo Demás, a Spanish-language debut that fueled a tour and consistently sold-out venues, cementing her presence across streaming platforms.
Aritz Aren (Valencia, 30 years old)
The performer is a singer, dancer and actress who began training in the arts early. A dancer for national and international musical productions and TV shows such as Fama a Danza, she has acted in numerous musicals and series. Trained as a singer with renowned coaches for years, she has gathered nearly 2 million followers on social networks, with more than 1.5 million on TikTok and close to 200,000 on Instagram.
Blanca Paloma (Elche, 33 years old)
Blanca Paloma is recognized as one of the most distinctive voices on the national scene. After long involvement with roots music in bands such as De Mar a Mar and Afalkay, she launched a solo project in 2021 with Secreto de Agua. She later joined Lucia in the web for Benidorm Fest’s first edition on RTVE Play. In May this year, she released Niña de Fuego, a bold exploration of tradition reimagined with avant-garde vocal daring. A nationwide tour followed as she prepared her debut album.
Efeme (Madrid)
Efeme is a girl group formed in Madrid in 2019 by members Sandy, Melania, BUBU, and Lottie. Supported by their trusted producer Luki, they expanded their project with a philosophy of art as a global concept: music, sound, rap, dance, visuals, fashion. Their music has earned over 100,000 streams on Spotify and YouTube, with thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram. They continue to push forward with three singles and accompanying videos, aiming to cement a lasting place in the genre.
Celebrity (Seville, 23 years old)
Celebrity is a Spanish singer and composer of Nigerian descent who resides in Madrid. She joined Operación Triunfo in 2018 and quickly became a standout in RTVE’s musical roster. While she continues performing in the musical El Rey León at Lope de Vega Theater in Madrid, she also advances a new music project blending urban sounds, Afrobeat, reggaeton and contemporary Spanish pop.
Fusa Nocta (Gandía, 28 years old)
Miriam, better known as Fusa Nocta, has emerged as a leading voice of the urban scene. Her rise began with The X Factor in 2019, and she has since performed at major festivals such as Arenal, Mad Cool, Dreambeach and Weekend Beach. With a growing social following, she is crafting a new project for this season and expanding her artistic reach. Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, she earned a BRIT School scholarship in 2012, studied in England, and later advanced in La Voz-like formats in Mexico. Since her early recordings, her first single has surpassed 11 million streams on platforms.
Her artistic journey also includes a move to Malta in 2012, where she began writing songs for a self-released debut album Mudanzas (2015). Karmento has delivered a narrative-rich career blending songwriter sensibilities with folkloric influences, highlighted by the 2020 release Este devenir (El Tragaluz). More than a band, Fusa Nocta represents a lifestyle—an evolving universe that embraces bold visuals, fashion and dynamic live performances.
The scene will also see artists who began their careers in Marbella and Miami, progressing from the subway stage to national recognition. Three emerging talents—Raquel, a self-taught musician who released Neptune Diamond at 15 and later Xtra Cost EP (2021)—have built large international followings and collaborated with notable figures in the industry. Sónar and other major festivals have welcomed her as part of rosters for emerging Spain-based artists, reflecting a growing hyperpop wave in the country.
Another notable act is a twin-born artistic project led by Cristóbal Garrido. The performer, who also competes as a Drag Queen and actress, rose to fame after winning Drag Race Spain’s second season. Their varied career spans amateur theater, the Hole show, TV appearances and current touring across Spain as part of the Gran Hotel de las Reinas show circuit.
Three Barcelona-based friends, Uri Plana, Albert Sort and Andreu Manyós, form a band where night and sound fuse. Their Night Pop style blends dance, electronic and tropical influences with epic choruses. Their debut album Totes les nits del món (2021) includes tracks like Només vull amor and Tragèdia o calor, marking a bold entry into the contemporary Spanish pop landscape.
Another artist brings a multilingual approach that blends contemporary and electronic Latin rhythms. The performer, who sings in several languages, delivers a stage presence that invites audiences to sing and move with contagious energy. The project highlights the cross-cultural currents shaping today’s pop music in Spain and beyond.
The intertwined careers of a Spanish-German singer-songwriter and a family duo of twin sisters have shaped distinct paths. The multilingual artist writes in three languages and embraces a vibrant mix of rhythms, producing an atmosphere that is both melodic and rhythmic, inviting listeners to dance and reflect. Their live performances emphasize storytelling and expressive delivery.
Finally, a trio from Barcelona formed by Uri Plana, Albert Sort and Andreu Manyós explores a mood where darkness and light collide. Their music, described as Night Pop, channels nocturnal energy into anthemic choruses and pulsating beats. Their debut album, released in 2021, showcases a blend of introspection and radio-ready hooks that captivate audiences across Spain.