Eurovision 2023 has only just finished, but Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE has already set out its plans for its national selection – Benidorm Fest 2024.
Benidorm Fest 2024 – what you need to know
Following the final of Eurovision 2023, RTVE started to outline the details for its national selection next year. The submissions window has already been opened for artists to express an interest in participating. According to RTVE, the submissions window was opened on Tuesday (May 16th) and will stay open until October 10th. This gives artists some five months to submit an application.
In addition to the online casting, RTVE also announced that it will invite well-known songwriters and performers to the competition. These people will be already well-known in the music industry. As well as this, the number of competing entries has been reduced from 18 to 16. In case any of the selected participants have to withdraw, six substitutes will be kept in reserve. Song presently without singers will also be accepted ahead of the selection.
Director of Entertainment, Communication and Participation at RTVE María Eizaguirre said that these changes to the process are to allow more time for the artists to prepare their candidacies ahead of the selection. No specific dates have been given for the selection as yet.
Spain’s Eurovision journey
Spain debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Conchita Bautista’s “Estando Contigo”. The country earned its first win in 1968 with Massiel’s “La La La”, and won again 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.
In 2023, Spain selected Blanca Paloma to carry on the success of Chanel in 2022. As part of the Big 5, Blanca Paloma did not need to qualify to the Grand Final from the semi-finals. At the close of voting, her song “EAEA” finished 17th, with a total of 100 points. Of these, 95 points came from the jury, whilst 5 came from the televote.
What do you think of the details about Benidorm Fest 2024? Who do you hope will submit an application to participate next year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as we look ahead to Eurovision 2024!
News Source: RTVE
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
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