RTVE has confirmed that reforms will be made to Benidorm Fest ahead of the next edition next year. Inadvertently, this also has shown Spain’s provisional interest in competing in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
RTVE to give €150,000 to winner
In a meeting with the Joint Committee of Congress earlier this week, José Pablo López, President of RTVE, gave an update on the status of Benidorm Fest. He also touched on the controversies surrounding Eurovision 2025 – which have seen Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez call for the expulsion of Israel from the competition.
Speaking with ministers, López said he was thrilled to see a “worthwhile” movement being created within the EBU by RTVE themselves. During the meeting, he reiterated the broadcaster’s stance, adding that the Contest should not fall into “irresponsibility”.
On top of this, López confirmed that the winner of Benidorm Fest will receive a financial prize from RTVE. Specifically, López explained:
One of the main new features we’ll have at the Benidorm Fest will be the introduction of a €150,000 prize for the winner, which will secure the musical career of the person who will represent Spain at Eurovision. This will give them a financial cushion to further their musical career.
This inadvertently also confirmed Spain’s participation at Eurovision 2026, with López adding that RTVE wishes to support the act who wins Benidorm Fest – and will ultimately represent Spain in Austria.
Further details on the rules of next year’s show will be revealed in a press conference next week, the broadcaster added.
Changes to be made for Eurovision?
As well as this, issues regarding rules brought in for Basel were also discussed. Specifically, López mentioned the flag policy introduced in 2025, which prohibited the use of Pride flags during the flag parade. In a statement, López said that with Spanish Head of Delegation Ana María Bordas becoming Head of the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group next month, these rules will be revisited. He explained:
We, as RTVE, are assuming the presidency of the Eurovision Reference Group as of June 15, and we will promote these reforms.
No specific rules have been confirmed to be changed following Basel. Meanwhile, controversies still surround the Contest following Israel’s second-place finish. Some broadcasters have now called for a full and transparent audit of the televoting breakdown – including RTVE itself.
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 2025, Spain selected Melody. As part of the Big 5, she did not need to qualify to the Grand Final from the semi-finals. At the close of voting, her song “Esa Diva” finished 24th, with a total of 37 points. Of these, 27 points came from the jury, whilst 10 came from the televote.
What do you think of the reforms being made to Benidorm Fest? Do you think RTVE will implement its changes to the actual Contest? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: El Diario / ESCPlus
Photo Credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
Thomas James
While the 150K euro prize is quite nice, I think the organizers of Benidorm Fest really need to a better job with song selections for the contest. Perhaps, the prize money is a mechanism to draw more capable song writers and performers to BF.