In the second semi-final of Benidorm Fest 2024, the competition narrowed to a decisive lineup as the votes from the jury, a demoscopic panel, and the television audience were tallied. The event, held in the coastal town of Alicante, determined which four acts would join the grand final and compete for a chance to represent Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö next May. The top four spots went to St. Pedro, María Peláe, Jorge González, and Almácor, all earning their places through a blend of professional judgment and public support [Citation: Benidorm Fest organizing committee].
The Canary Island artist known simply as St. Pedro emerged as the overwhelming favorite for the victory. His performance earned the highest marks from the professional jury, posting an impressive score near a perfect total of 94 out of 96. Alongside this top jury tally, he also held strong positions in the demoscopic panel and the television voting, positioning him firmly at the forefront of the competition and signaling strong momentum heading into the final round. Observers noted the harmony between critical acclaim and audience resonance, a combination that often translates well in the grand final [Citation: Expert panel reviews].
María Peláe also secured an early lane for the final, driven by a courageous and powerful presentation of her song Remitente. She claimed second place with the jury and drew substantial support from public voting, securing high scores across multiple demographic groups. Her performance was repeatedly cited for its emotional intensity and vocal command, which resonated with viewers and critics alike, underscoring her standing as a serious contender in Malmö if she advances [Citation: Jury impressions and audience reaction].
Jorge González also earned a spot in the final after a dramatic turn in the public vote. He received a modest jury score but benefited from strong tele-vote engagement, especially among certain demographic segments. This pattern—lower jury marks paired with robust public enthusiasm—has been observed in several Benidorm editions, where audience connection proves just as decisive as critical appraisal in determining who moves forward [Citation: Public vote analytics].
Almácor completed the quartet of finalists, balancing expert evaluation with the warmth of public reception. His journey through the semi-final showcased a performance that connected with viewers, helping him secure a top-four finish and a seat at the final table where the national representation for Spain will be decided in Malmö. Analysts pointed to his stage presence and clarity of message as key strengths that could carry him further in the competition [Citation: Analyst notes].
Beyond the finalists, the semi-final featured a broader field whose members included Roger Padros, Marlena, Yoly Saa, and Dellacruz. These acts finished outside the bronze microphone position, with their songs spanning themes of love, longing, and personal storytelling. While they did not advance to the final, each performance contributed to the evening’s overall narrative and offered audiences a deeper look at contemporary Spanish pop and folk-inflected sounds [Citation: Semi-final recap].
María Peláe was highlighted as one of the evening’s standout performers, with a fearless run through Remitente. She draw attention for both her vocal prowess and the expressive staging, earning high marks from the jury and strong public support, which solidified her status as a potential finalist to watch in Malmö [Citation: Live coverage].
In contrast, the semi-final showcased several acts whose journeys did not culminate in a final appearance. Roger Padros, Marlena, Yoly Saa, and Dellacruz each faced tough competition and found themselves positioned outside the top four by a combination of panel and audience voting, illustrating the highly competitive nature of Benidorm Fest and its capacity to elevate or extinguish hopes in a single evening [Citation: Audience and jury breakdown].
The four artists advancing from the semi-final, St. Pedro, María Peláe, Jorge González, and Almácor, joined other notable acts who would also be vying for Spain’s slot at the Eurovision Song Contest. The lineup for the final promised a dynamic clash of styles, with St. Pedro bringing a polished, ensemble-ready charisma, María Peláe delivering a bold vocal narrative, Jorge González contributing a defiant pop edge, and Almácor offering an intimate, lyrically driven presence. The national selection framework continues to emphasize a balance between artistic integrity and broad audience appeal, a combination that has historically shaped Spain’s Eurovision strategy [Citation: National selection overview].
- St. Pedro: 164 points
- María Peláe: 131 points
- Jorge González: 122 points
- Almácor: 115 points
- Roger Padros: 103 points
- Marlena: 96 points
- Yoly Saa: 79 points
- Dellacruz: 54 points
Following the semi-final, María Peláe was celebrated for her performance of Remitente, which amplified her visibility as not only a jury favorite but also a crowd favorite. The combination of critical respect and fan enthusiasm reinforced her status as a formidable threat in the final, where the two forms of validation intersect on the road to Malmö [Citation: Finalists spotlight].
In the end, the semi-final outcomes shaped a compelling path toward the final. St. Pedro, María Peláe, Jorge González, and Almácor earned their places in what promises to be an eventful finale. The competition remains a showcase of Spain’s diverse musical talents as the country prepares to select its Eurovision entry for the international stage in May in Malmö, Sweden [Citation: Eurovision route update].