The excitement for the return of Spain’s Benidorm Festival has been growing throughout the Eurovision pre-season. Although RTVE had initially planned to announce 12 participants, today they have revealed the names of the 14 participating acts and songs – and they include some familiar faces!
The Participating Acts and Songs at Benidorm Fest:
| Artist | Entry |
| Azúcar Moreno | “Postureo” |
| Blanca Paloma | “Secreto del agua” |
| Chanel | “Slo mo” |
| Gonzalo Hermida | Quién lo diría” |
| Javiera Mena | “Culpa” |
| Luna Ki | “Quiero Morir” |
| Marta Sango | “Sigues en mi mente” |
| Rayden | “Calle de la llorería” |
| Rigoberta Bandini | “Ay Mama” |
| Sara Deop | “Make you say” |
| Tanxugueiras | “Terra” |
| Unique | “Mejores” |
| Varry Brava | “Raffaella” |
| Xeinn | “Eco” |
RTVE expanded the final line-up to 14 songs from an initial 12 because of the quality of the 886 submissions that they received. The acts will compete in two semi-finals of seven songs, from which four acts from each will advance to the grand final of Benidorm Festival. The songs themselves are expected to be released on 23 December.
A Mixture of Established and New Acts
Spanish head of delegation Eva Mora emphasized the importance of variety in the selected songs and stated that the selection committee considered “authenticity”, “innovation”, and “tolerance for all types of musical genres”.
We have given weight to successful artists in our country, to new talents, and also to songs.
Eva Mora, RTVE
Eurovision fans will recognize Azúcar Moreno, who represented Spain at the 1990 contest in Zagreb with “Bandido”. The duo finished in 5th place with 96 points – despite an audio mix-up at the start of their performance – and “Bandido” has become a fan-favourite over the years.
Also among the familiar faces to Eurovision fans is Marta Sango – she competed on Series 10 of Operación Triunfo in 2018. She placed 7th overall, just behind Miki, who would ultimately represent Spain at Eurovision 2019 with “La Venda”.
Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest
Spain debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Conchita Bautista’s “Estando Contigo” and the country earned its first win in 1968 with Massiel’s “La La La”. They then earned their second consecutive win in 1969 with Salome’s “Vivo Cantando” in an infamous four-way tie. Although they have yet to win again, Spain earned several 2nd place finishes, most famously with Mocedades’ “Eres tu” in 1973 and Anabel Conde’s “Vuelve conmigo” in 1996.
However, Spain has been less successful in recent years. Although they achieved two 10th place finishes in 2012 and 2014, the country has not finished above 20th place since 2015, including one last-place in 2017. This trend continued in 2021, with Blas Canto finishing in 24th place at the 2021 contest with 6 points from the juries and no televote points.
Are you looking forward to Benidorm Fest? Which of these acts would you like to represent Spain at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments or on social media. Be sure to follow THAT Eurovision Site on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
News Source: RTVE
Photo Source: RTVE
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