Preparations for Benidorm Fest 2026 are moving forward, with new details now confirmed by RTVE. The dates for next year’s edition have been announced, along with the appointment of a new artistic director.
Sergio Jaén to direct Benidorm Fest 2026
RTVE has named Sergio Jaén as the artistic director of Benidorm Fest 2026. At just 23, Jaén already holds a strong track record in Eurovision, having staged Austria’s winning performance at Eurovision 2025 with JJ’s Wasted Love. He also worked on Ireland’s 2024 entry, and contributed to the staging of Finland and Cyprus in 2025.
“It’s an honour to lead the artistic direction of Benidorm Fest 2026. We want to build performances that reflect the identity of each song and artist with time, precision, and storytelling.”
Artists selected for the festival will have the opportunity to collaborate directly with Jaén’s creative team, or choose to bring their own, while still coordinating with RTVE.
Show dates and creative team updates
- First semi-final: 10 February
- Second semi-final: 12 February
- Grand Final: 14 February
Additional members of the 2026 creative team include:
- Ari Levelä: visual director
- José María Payueta: executive producer
- Mercè Llorens: show director (returning for a third year)
Key details and returning elements
The submission window is open until 24 September for artists and composers hoping to take part in the fifth edition of the festival.
Some major elements had already been confirmed by RTVE, including the €150,000 prize for the winning entry and the return of the demoscopic jury. These were outlined in May and June as part of RTVE’s ongoing plans for Eurovision.
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 for 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 are your thoughts on the changes coming to Benidorm Fest 2026? Are there any artists you’d love to see take the stage next February? 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: RTVE
Photo Credit: RTVE
Michelle