Benidorm Festival captivated eurofans and revived excitement for Eurovision, setting the stage for one of the year’s most anticipated music celebrations. This channel performance pushed the event into the spotlight, elevating expectations at both national and international levels. The showcase of a Spanish entry with a reggaeton and Latin pop rhythm positioned it among festival favorites, with the song SloMo anchoring a top spot in bookmakers’ rankings among all competing nations.
According to data compiled by Eurovision World, Ukraine leads the field with a 42% chance to win, followed by Italy at 15%, Sweden at 11%, the United Kingdom at 7%, and Spain at 4%. Chanel stands as a strong contender for the Crystal Microphone award, though standings can shift as the final gala approaches.
The channel faced a challenging path to solidify its candidacy, and the single SloMo sparked controversy over its lyrics. In every televised moment, the artist reiterates that art should be judged on its merit rather than a simplistic good-bad dichotomy.
Chanel’s return to the Benidorm Fest finale and what it means for Spain
As Eurovision fans await the long-anticipated finale, artists engage in a series of public appearances to promote their songs and demonstrate what makes them stand out amid a crowded field. One key event is the Eurovision House Party, where artists perform their tracks across various venues. Chanel offered an acoustic rendition of her song in a studio setting, emphasizing the song’s core message over spectacle and costumes, highlighting a defining facet of her artistry.
This approach signals how Chanel intends to present the entry to audiences: a version that resonates with undecided voters and emphasizes the song’s emotional core. The candidacy for Spanish representation has renewed national confidence, especially as Ukraine remains among the early favorites due to ongoing events there. Spain’s position in the top tier brings a sense of hope that audiences will rally behind the performance and that the desired outcome might finally be realized.
In Eurovision discussions, the usual bet lists often reflect strong belief in SloMo’s potential, with fans and analysts weighing the impact of live performances, staging choices, and regional support. The Benidorm Fest narrative underscores Spain’s return to a prominent place in the competition after years of quieter shows, and it highlights a broader European appetite for a fresh, contemporary Spanish entry that fuses modern rhythms with a universal melody.
Improve the sense of momentum is the emphasis on the live act. The acoustic version demonstrates versatility, proving the song can carry without heavy production and still connect with listeners. This adaptability is seen as a strategic strength, especially when competing with acts that rely on elaborate stagecraft. The evolving conversation around SloMo reflects the dynamic nature of Eurovision, where perception can shift with each performance and each televised moment. (Source: Eurovision World attribution)
Among the early frontrunners, the field includes a mix of seasoned contenders and rising acts. Ukraine maintains the earliest edge, Italy follows with a strong melodic statement, Sweden contributes its signature pop polish, and the United Kingdom adds a dynamic edge to the lineup. Spain remains a focal point for supporters who believe the festival could deliver a memorable moment that resonates across Europe and beyond. Attribution: Eurovision World.
Other nations in the discussion bring diverse styles to the table, reflecting the festival’s global reach and the broad spectrum of tastes among fans. The conversation about SloMo continues to evolve as more official previews and live performances arrive, shaping a narrative that blends national pride with a shared celebration of music on the continent’s biggest stage.
With the countdown to the final performance underway, analysts and fans alike watch closely for the strategic choices that could tilt outcomes in favor of SloMo. The combination of a catchy rhythm, a compelling vocal delivery, and a message that emphasizes artistic integrity gives the entry a distinctive voice in the crowded field. This blend of factors makes a strong case for Spain’s continued relevance in Europe’s most watched musical event, and it sustains optimism among supporters that a historic moment could unfold when the night arrives.
As the excitement builds, the festival’s narrative remains anchored in the idea that contemporary pop sensibilities can harmonize with a regional flavor, producing a universal appeal. For audiences in Canada and the United States, the Benidorm Fest experience offers a vivid snapshot of Europe’s evolving pop landscape, where artists blend traditional genres with modern production to create something immediately engaging and widely accessible. The journey toward the final performance continues to captivate, with every rehearsal, interview, and release contributing to a broader story about national identity, music, and shared celebration across borders. References: Eurovision World attribution.
Finalists or not, SloMo’s presence at Benidorm Fest has already become a talking point for fans and critics alike. Its trajectory illustrates how a single song can command attention, spark debate, and shape perceptions about a country’s musical direction on the international stage.
Top considerations for Eurovision 2022 standings
This list reflects the early consensus among fans and bookmakers as of spring. The top ten currently foreseen by many are:
- Ukraine with Stefania
- Italy with Brividi
- Sweden with Hold Me Closer
- England with Spaceman
- Spain with SloMo
- Greece with Die Together
- Poland with River
- Norway with Give That Wolf a Banana
- Netherlands with De Diepte
- France with Fulenn