RTVE has confirmed the appointment of César Vallejo as the new Head of Delegation for Spain at Eurovision, stepping into the role with years of creative and strategic experience at RTVE.
A new leader with a familiar vision
Currently serving as Deputy Director of Premieres at RTVE Play, Vallejo will also continue leading Benidorm Fest, the national selection show he helped build from its first edition. His appointment signals a continuation of Spain’s evolving strategy: aiming for artistic ambition, industry credibility, and international impact.
“We aim for each edition of Benidorm Fest and every Eurovision participation to bring us closer to the right balance between artistic quality, international impact and collective pride.”
He takes over from Ana María Bordas, who now chairs the Eurovision Song Contest’s Reference Group – a move that further solidifies Spain’s growing influence within the EBU.
César Vallejo’s path to Eurovision: from documentary to digital
Vallejo has been with RTVE for over 20 years, working across documentaries, live shows, music specials and high-impact cultural programmes. He’s also covered Eurovision on the ground in multiple roles, from staging and visual storytelling to digital strategy, giving him a full-circle understanding of how the Contest works behind the scenes.
“We’ve learned a lot. It’s time to turn that experience into tangible achievements and impactful proposals.”
His creative leadership has been recognised with awards such as the Premio Rey de España de Periodismo for the series Nosotrxs Somos, and the Premio Iris for directing La 2 Noticias. He has also driven transmedia projects and digital-first strategies aimed at younger audiences.
Delegation as creative hub
Vallejo plans to bring a collaborative, artist-focused approach to the delegation, ensuring support from selection through to the big stage.
“We’ll work with ambition, but also with care and respect towards the artists. The path to Eurovision should be enriching and satisfying for everyone involved.”
While it’s still unclear whether César Vallejo will continue co-directing Benidorm Fest, his new role signals RTVE’s intention to maintain a consistent artistic direction from the selection process through to the main Contest. As Spain’s new Head of Delegation, all eyes are on how the country will shape its next chapter heading into 2026.
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 César Vallejo’s appointment? Will this new chapter shape Spain’s next Eurovision era? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow That Eurovision Site on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Threads, Tumblr and Bluesky as we gear up for Eurovision 2026!
News Source: Press / RTVE, El Diario.es, El Confidencial
Photo Credit: RTVE
Euan T