Benidorm Fest is back with lots of surprises!

The year 2026 gets off to a spectacular start in the city of Benidorm, thanks to music. Since the iconic International Benidorm Song Festival launched the careers of some of Spain’s greatest artists of all time, such as Julio Iglesias and Raphael, countless performers have chosen this city’s stages to take their first steps in the music industry. And this year will be no exception.Following its resounding success year after year, Radio Televisión Española (Spanish public radio and television broadcaster) has once again chosen Benidorm to host the now legendary Benidorm Fest. The aim is to bring together the most promising emerging artists, offering them major artistic and media exposure, along with professional growth and recognition within the Spanish music industry.

When and where will the Benidorm Fest take place?

The sports centre L’illa in Benidorm will once again be the venue selected by RTVE’s production team for this major musical event. Opened in 2005, the arena can host up to 4,000 people and offers great versatility for large-scale stage productions.

In this edition, Benidorm Fest reaffirms itself as a music festival with its own identity and will not serve as a pre-selection for Eurovision, as Spain will not be taking part in the European contest this year. Instead, the focus is firmly on music, live performance and the artistic projection of the participants.

The festive atmosphere is already taking over the city — but who will be crowned the winner? We’ll find out soon. The two semi-finals will be held on 10 and 12 February, followed by the grand final on Saturday, 14 February, when the most anticipated decision will be revealed.

This year’s shows will be hosted by Jesús Vázquez, bringing experience and elegance; Javier Ambrossi, with his creative vision and artistic sensitivity; Inés Hernand, offering a fresh, outspoken and approachable style; and Lalachús, adding humour and spontaneity that always connect with the audience.

How will the best song be chosen?

After reviewing more than 1,000 song submissions, RTVE’s casting team has selected 18 artists to compete for victory at Benidorm Fest — a benchmark music competition that offers significant exposure and a powerful boost to the careers of its participants.

Artists will perform across two semi-finals and a grand final. Performances will be evaluated through a combined voting system, bringing together the decision of a professional jury and the public vote, which will determine who advances to the next stage and who ultimately takes the crown.

Who are the candidates that will perform at the Benidorm Fest?

According to the organisers, this year’s line-up stands out for its diversity and variety, bringing together different generations, musical backgrounds and styles. Let’s meet them!

First semi-final – 10 February:

• Dora & Marlon Collins – “Rakata”
• Greg Taro – “Velita”
• Izan Llunas – “¿Qué vas a hacer?”
• Kenneth – “Los Ojos No Mienten”
• KITAI – “El Amor Te Da Miedo”
• Luna Ki – “Bomba de amor”
• María León & Julia Medina – “Las Damas y el Vagabundo”
• Mikel Herzog Jr. – “Mi Mitad”
• Tony Grox & LUCYCALYS – “T AMARÉ”

Second semi-final – 12 February:

• Asha – “Turista”
• Atyat – “Dopamina”
• Dani J – “Bailándote”
• Funambulista – “SOBRAN GILIPO**AS”
• KU Minerva – “No Volveré a Llorar”
• MAYO – “Tócame”
• Miranda! & bailamamá! – “Despierto Amándote”
• Rosalinda Galán – “Mataora”
• The Quinquis – “Tú No Me Quieres”

The Benidorm International Song Festival: a historic event

The popular musical contest renamed this year as Benidorm Fest, was born in 1959 inspired by the San Remo Song Festival and with the purpose of promoting tourism in Benidorm and Spanish music throughout Europe.

Since then and until 2006, it has been held every summer, although it missed its appointment for several years for various reasons, and has been the catapult to stardom of artists of international stature such as Julio Iglesias, Raphael or Dyango.

Are you going to miss it? If you do not want to settle for following this event on television, which will be one of the events of the year in terms of music, do not hesitate to travel to Benidorm and feel the warmth of the artists of the moment on your skin. We make it very easy for you! At Servigroup Hotels you can find the best accommodation in the town, a heated pool, delicious cuisine and much more. We can't wait to welcoming you back!