For the fifth edition of Benidorm Fest, RTVE has revealed some new details about the 2026 competition.
Strengthening its brand
At a breakfast meeting with the media, RTVE discussed various changes planned for the 2026 edition. The main objective of RTVE is to replicate a production model similar to the Eurovision Song Contest. Therefore, dress rehearsals will be open to the public. Moreover, RTVE would like to move away from a Eurovision preselection conception. RTVE is moving towards an event in its own identity, similar to Sanremo in Italy.
Possible withdrawal from Eurovision
Whilst Spain has confirmed its participation in the 2026 edition of the contest, Spain will give its final decision in December once an agreement on Israel’s participation has been made by the EBU. No matter what, Benidorm Fest will go ahead. The show will be seen as a way of promoting artists and a consolidating a festival with its own identity.
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.
Who would you like to see take part in Benidorm Fest 2026? 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 : ESCPlus
Photo credits : RTVE
Euan T 
Giwrgos Oiko