The Benidorm Festival 2024 brings back a trusted hosting trio to guide the celebrations, infusing the program with fresh energy while staying true to the event’s familiar rhythm. Ruth Lorenzo, Marc Calderó, and Ana Prada are set to steer the third edition, a lineup confirmed during a recent media briefing. This combination balances seasoned experience with ongoing enthusiasm, underscoring TVE’s commitment to delivering an engaging festival experience for audiences in Canada, the United States, and domestic viewers alike.
They succeed the team that piloted earlier editions, including Mónica Naranjo, Rodrigo Vázquez, and Inés Hernán. Earlier phases of the festival also benefited from a comedian-host pairing with Máximo Huerta and Alaska, helping to establish a recognizable continuity while inviting new vitality for the current cycle.
Ruth Lorenzo, widely recognized for her Eurovision ties and commanding stage presence, will anchor the Benidorm Festival on the tenth anniversary of her memorable entry Dancing in the Rain. That performance secured ninth place and shared the achievement with Denmark in a year that remains a touchstone for fans. Although Lorenzo could not attend the press conference in person, she conveyed a video message expressing pride in a festival that has evolved into a family favorite and marks a significant milestone for everyone involved.
Marc Calderó has sharpened his dual role behind the scenes and on camera. Following his work on We Speak Openly and other initiatives, Calderó has emerged as the primary face for the festival galas, bringing poise, confidence, and a clear sense of rhythm to every broadcast. Ana Prada, a current member of the Mornings team on La 1, will coordinate with contestants from the Green Room, ensuring smooth proceedings and a steady stream of insights during the live moments of the competition.
No change in the plan for announcing finalists
In addition to the presenting lineup, TVE reaffirmed that there will be no shift in how finalists are revealed. Scores from the first and second semi-finals will continue to determine the outcomes, preserving the event’s competitive edge while maintaining the structure fans have grown to expect. The network emphasized that this format contributes to the suspense that defines Benidorm Fest, even as past editions have sparked debate among observers. Regarding the sequencing of performances, a final decision has not yet been published, leaving room for last-minute tweaks that could influence the evening’s tempo.
During the press round, TVE representatives were asked about Spain’s stance on participating in Eurovision amid ongoing circumstances elsewhere. The response was straightforward: Spain will participate as planned. The focus remains on celebrating music as a festival rather than delving into broader political debates, with the official stance stating that no country has indicated a withdrawal due to recent events. The Eurovision delegation head reiterated this position without expanding on further specifics.
Benidorm Festival 2024 is slated to unfold across three key dates: January 30 for the first semi-final, February 1 for the second semi-final, and February 3 for the grand final. The events will take place at Palau d’Esports L’Illa in Benidorm, Alicante, presenting a vibrant slate of performances and a culturally rich exchange that resonates with audiences in North America and beyond. This edition promises a lineup that blends contemporary sounds with timeless staples, inviting both long-time followers and new fans to share in the festival’s spirit and energy.
As the tournament approaches, organizers highlight the festival’s role as a bridge between communities, a space where music becomes a shared experience across borders. The broadcasts are designed to connect audiences in Canada and the United States with the heart of a Spanish festival, translating the excitement of live performances into a cross-continental celebration. The team remains focused on delivering high-quality backstage access, compelling performances, and moments of genuine connection that turn a concert into a collective memory, much to the delight of fans and friends of the event across continents. [Source: TVE press briefing, reported coverage]