The fourteen songs competing in Benidorm Fest have been released by Spain’s broadcaster RTVE. One of these songs will represent Spain at Eurovision 2022 in Turin.
Ahead of time
Spanish broadcaster RTVE released the songs taking part in Benidorm Fest earlier than previously stated. In a statement from RTVE, the songs were meant to be released in two day’s time (December 23rd). However, in an article on their website, all 14 competing songs have been released to the general public.
The 14 songs taking part in Benidorm Fest are:
| Artist | Song title | Songwriters |
| Azúcar Moreno | “Postureo” (Posture) | Miguel Linde, Alberto Lorite, David Parejo |
| Blanca Paloma | “Secreto de agua” (Secret of Water) | Blanca Paloma, Antón Serrats, Tomás Vigós, Pablo Serrano |
| Chanel | “SloMo” | Leroy Sanchez, Keith Harris, Ibere Fortes, Maggie Szabo, Arjen Thonen |
| Gonzalo Hermida | “Quién lo diría” (Who can say) | Gonzalo Hermida, David Santisteban |
| Javiera Mena | “Culpa” | Javiera Mena |
| Luna Ki | “Voy a morir” (I’m going to die) | Luna Ki, Miguel García, Vanity Vercetti, Digital Geass |
| Marta Sango | “Sigues en mi mente” (You’re still on my mind) | Marta Sango, Marco Frías, Mané López |
| Rayden | “Calle de la llorería” (Crying street) | David Martínez Álvarez, François Le Goffic |
| Rigoberta Bandini | “Ay mamá” (Hey mama) | Rigoberta Bandini, Esteban Navarro Dordal, Stefano Maccarrone |
| Sara Deop | “Make You Say” | Leroy Sanchez, Camille Purcell, Linus Nordstrom, Frank Nobel |
| Tanxugueiras | “Terra” (Earth) | Olaia Maneiro Argibay, Sabela Maneiro Argibay, Aida Tarrío Torrado, Iago Pico Freire |
| Unique | “Mejores” (The Best) | Marco Dettoni, Manu Chalud, Armando Valenzuela, Carlos Almazán, Javier López, Raúl Madroñal |
| Verry Brava | “Raffaella” | Óscar Ferrer, Aaron Sáez, Vicente Illescas |
| Xeinn | “Eco” | Carlos Marco, Jimmy Jansson, Marcus Winther-John, Thomas G:son |
This year, there is an increased presence of the English language in Spain’s Eurovision selection. Previously, there was a need to maintain Spanish in their participation – with the last time Spain performing in English being in 2017. As well as this, some songs have included other languages such as French, Basque, Galician and Asturian – all recognised minority languages in Spain.
Preparing Benidorm Fest to return
A companion to Sanremo, Benidorm Fest was initially an international music festival. However, despite being one of the main staples of Spanish television, the festival was ended in 2006. Part of this decision was due to the intermittent staging of the contest and drastic changes to the format.
This year, Benidorm Fest is trying to restore the elegance of its predecessor with a straightforward format. Benidorm Fest will take place in late January, with two semi-finals taking place on January 26th and 27th. The final of the festival will then be held two days later on January 29th.
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, including 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. This includes one last-place finish in 2017. Unfortunately, this trend continued in 2021, with Blas Canto finishing in 24th place at the 2021 contest with 6 points.
Will you be watching Benidorm Fest in January? Who would you like to represent Spain at Eurovision? As always, let us know in the comments or on social media. Also, be sure to follow THAT Eurovision Site on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
News Source: RTVE
Photo Source: RTVE
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