The return of Spain’s Benidorm Festival is just around the corner! Now that the songs have been released, broadcaster RTVE has announced the running order for the two semi-finals.
How the Benidorm Semi-Finals Were Divided
RTVE revealed the running order for the Benidorm Semi-Finals on their twitter account on Thursday:
Luna Ki will open the first semi-final with “Voy a morir”, while Chanel will close the show with “SloMo”. Meanwhile, the second semi-final will open with Xeinn and “Eco”, and close with Sara Deop’s “Make You Stay”. The two semi-finals are scheduled for 10:40pm Spain time on 26th and 27th January. Four acts from each semi-final will qualify for the grand final on January 29th.
RTVE also confirmed that the voting will consist of a 50/50 jury/public split. The jury will consist of five members: three from Spain, and two international members. Half of the public vote will come from a 350-person demographic panel representing the Spanish population, while the rest will come from SMS voting.
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.
What do you think of the running order? Who do you think should qualify for the final? 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
