Benidorm Fest 2026 has reached its climax, with twelve finalists vying for the coveted title and a €150,000 prize – a significant shift for the competition, now operating independently of the Eurovision Song Contest. The grand final, scheduled for , will be broadcast live on La 1 of RTVE and TVE Internacional, marking the culmination of a week-long event that has captivated Spain’s pop music landscape.
This year’s Benidorm Fest carries a unique weight. RTVE’s decision to withdraw Spain from Eurovision 2026 has transformed the festival from a launchpad for potential Eurovision entries into a standalone celebration of Spanish music. The prize money – €100,000 for the artist and €50,000 for the songwriters – underscores RTVE’s commitment to fostering homegrown talent, even without the international spotlight of Eurovision.
The twelve finalists emerged from two semi-finals, each featuring nine acts. The lineup represents a diverse range of musical styles and artists, signaling a maturation of the festival’s format. The first semi-final, held on , revealed the initial six contenders. The second, on , completed the roster.
Competing for the title are: Asha with “Turista,” Dani J with “Bailándote,” The Quinquis with “Tú No Me Quieres,” Rosalinda Galán with “Mataora,” Mayo with “Tócame,” and Miranda! & Bailamamá with “Despierto Amándote.” They will join the acts previously selected: Kitai with “El Amor Te Da Miedo,” María León & Julia Medina with “Las Damas Y El Vagabundo,” Izan Llunas with “¿Qué Vas A Hacer?”, Tony Grox & LUCYCALYS with “T Amaré,” Mikel Herzog Jr. With “Mi Mitad,” and Kenneth with “Los Ojos No Mienten.”
The final will feature performances by previous Benidorm Fest winners Chanel, Blanca Paloma, Nebulossa, and Melody, adding a layer of nostalgia and prestige to the event. Daniela Blasco will also contribute to the musical lineup between performances by the finalists.
Javier Ambrossi and Jesús Vázquez will reprise their roles as hosts, with Inés Hernand continuing to engage with the artists backstage. The order of performance, determined by a random draw, will be revealed shortly before the show begins.
The festival’s evolution reflects a broader shift in its identity. As noted by industry observers, Benidorm Fest is increasingly becoming a national showcase, producing streaming hits, reviving careers, and providing a platform for emerging artists. RTVE appears determined to maintain this momentum, even in the absence of Eurovision.
The second semi-final, held on , garnered an audience share of 11.1%, according to data from elDiario.es, holding steady from the first semi-final. However, it was overshadowed by a major football match between Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona, which drew a 26.7% share of the audience.
One notable moment from the semi-finals involved Luna Ki, who left the venue after her performance and did not return to the green room. RTVE publicly attributed this to an unspecified “indisposition,” fueling speculation and highlighting the intense pressure cooker environment of the live television competition. This incident underscores the festival’s dual nature – a talent contest and a high-stakes television production, amplified by social media scrutiny.
The voting system remains a hybrid of professional jury and public opinion, ensuring a balance of industry expertise and audience engagement. The specifics of the voting breakdown have not been detailed, but the format is consistent with previous editions of Benidorm Fest.
As Benidorm Fest 2026 draws to a close, it represents more than just a music competition. It’s a test of Spain’s appetite for a homegrown music contest, a showcase for emerging talent, and a bold step forward for RTVE in redefining its role in the Spanish music industry. The outcome on will undoubtedly shape the future of the festival and its place in the national cultural landscape.
