Spain: Benidorm Fest 2025 Kicks Off Tonight with the First Semi-Final!

One of the most eagerly anticipated national selections for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest begins tonight as the curtain rises on Benidorm Fest 2025. The event will determine Spain’s representative in Eurovision this May.

For the fourth consecutive year, Benidorm Fest serves as Spain’s selection method, a format that has significantly boosted its popularity over the past three years. Spanish broadcaster RTVE continues to ride the wave of success, maintaining this tried-and-tested approach.

The Format

Benidorm Fest 2025 will feature two semi-finals, each hosting eight competing entries. The top four acts from each semi-final will advance to the grand final.

The winner of Benidorm Fest 2025, and Spain’s Eurovision 2025 representative, will be decided by:

• 50% Jury Vote: Comprising eight members—four Spanish and four international experts.
  Spanish Jury Members:
  • Roberto Santamaría (Director, Radio Nacional de España)
  • Javier Llano (Head of Music Programming, CADENA 100)
  • Jaime Acero (Content Director, TelevisaUnivision)
  • Claudia Orellana (Founder & Director, Son Buenos)

  International Jury Members:

  • Oksana Skybinska (Head of Ukraine’s Eurovision delegation)
  • Maja Tokic (Executive Producer of Croatia’s Dora national selection)
  • Twan van de Nieuwenhuijzen (Eurovision 2023 Head of Contest & former Dutch delegation lead)
  • Mariangela Borneo (Director of International Projects & Festivals, RAI Italy)
• 25% Polling Panel: Feedback collected via an app-based survey.
• 25% Public Vote: Via telephone calls and SMS.

Benidorm Fest 2025 Schedule

• Semi-Final 1: January 28
• Semi-Final 2: January 30
• Grand Final: February 1

Tonight’s First Semi-Final

Eight artists will compete tonight for one of four spots in Saturday’s grand final. Here’s the lineup for the first semi-final:

1. Kuve – “Loca xti“
2. David Afonso – “Amor barato“
3. Chica Sobresalto – “Mala feminista“
4. K!ngdom – “Me gustas tú“
5. Lucas Bun – “Te escribo en el cielo“
6. Sonia & Selena – “Reinas“
7. Lachispa – “Hartita de llorar“
8. Daniela Blasco – “Uh nana“

The show will take place at Palacio de Deportes L’Illa in Alicante, with hosts including Eurovision 2014 alum Ruth Lorenzo, joined by Paula Vázquez and Inés Hernand.

You can watch tonight’s semi-final at 22:45 CET here.

Looking Back at Last Year

The winners of Benidorm Fest 2024, Nebulossa, represented Spain with their song Zorra at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö, finishing 22nd in the grand final.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates on Spain’s journey to Eurovision 2025!