In Benidorm, the 2024 festival concluded with Nebulossa clinching the top prize and earning the bronze microphone. This victory also secures a place for the act in the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, next May, as the winning entry will represent the country on the international stage. After the final selection, Beatriz Luengo spoke publicly about her duties as a professional jury member, reflecting on the heavy responsibility that comes with guiding such a pivotal moment in the competition.
Luengo described the day as both intense and demanding. She shared that she felt a deep sense of empathy and carried every vote with care, treating each candidate with genuine warmth and dedication. The emotional weight of the process was clear as she opened up about her experience on social media, explaining that the experience demanded a human touch and a willingness to connect with the participants on a personal level.
Addressing the reception of the jury’s work, which at times met with boos from the audience, Luengo offered a candid portrait of what unfolded. She admitted that she cried while climbing the stairs to the jury table, moved by seeing her mother watch the proceedings from home and suffering as a result of the moment. She emphasized her resilience, noting that even as a strong professional, she has never before witnessed such hurt tied to her work in the field.
The singer and dancer highlighted her commitment to all festival participants, explaining that she and the rest of the jury remained attentive and supportive throughout the performances. She recalled that she sang and danced along to every number, aiming to convey encouragement rather than judgment so that the contestants would feel seen and valued by the jury. Luengo confessed that she felt the emotional strain, but also found solace in the positive reactions she received from the audience, who offered praise and kind words. The energy in the venue was intense, underscoring the high stakes and the passion surrounding the event.
Looking back on the experience, Luengo described it as an incredible journey and expressed gratitude to everyone who entrusted her with the task. She said she approached her role with empathy, passion, and full commitment, striving to honor each contestant and their artistry. In her reflections, she noted a shared national pride in the talents showcased and conveyed a hopeful outlook for the country’s festival scene, while acknowledging the disappointment felt by those who did not advance. The overarching message was one of congratulations to all who demonstrated the remarkable level of artistry present in the competition, and a recognition of the broader potential the festival holds for the music community. [Source attribution: Benidorm Festival coverage]