Everything is now ready for one of the most anticipated weeks for both Eurovision fans and music lovers to begin: the Benidorm Fest 2024. The streets of Benidorm exude desire and enthusiasm, and are still with the memory of the impeccable performance by Blanca Paloma in the last edition. Tonight the first semi-final of the contest will take place and the artists are already prepared to take up their baton.
The bronze microphone, which will grant the opportunity to represent Spain in the European festival, is now ready to welcome the 16 applicants. Just as this year's three new presenters are. Ruth Lorenzo, Marc Calderó and Ana Prada will lead the three galas that will decide everything.
The appointment of the new drivers not only means the departure of Mónica Naranjo and Rodrigo Vázquez, which was an open secret, but also that of Inés Hernand, one of the most visible faces of previous editions. Even so, Eurovision sentiment is more present than ever. Lorenzo has the honor of being one of the only representatives to achieve a TOP 10 for Spain in recent years. Therefore, his election has been widely applauded. Even so, there are many Eurofans who demand that the Murcian woman participate as a contestant in the next editions.
On the other hand, both Calderó and Prada are two already consolidated figures within RTVE. While the first has participated in several public television programs, the second is part of the Mañaneros team, a morning program on La 1. And the latter will be in charge of guiding and speaking with the contestants who are in the legendary Green Room, or rest room, during the galas.
Some participants who, just a few hours into this new edition, have already broken all records. The sum of the data obtained by the songs that will fight for first place is representing a complete success, exceeding expectations. Although in the previous edition only Vicco's Nochentera managed to reach one million listens before the semi-finals, three songs have already achieved this this year. Even so, it remains to be seen whether or not they manage to get past the semifinals. A selection that, barring any live surprises, already has great favorites.
One of the duos that will fight for their place in the grand final on Saturday is Nebulossa with their song Zorra. María Bas and Mark Dasousa have the title of being the oldest of the edition, and, at the same time, the least known to the public. Even so, thanks to the message of female empowerment that they convey and their electro pop sound, they have managed to place themselves in first place for total listeners. Without a doubt, the great revelation of this edition.
Even so, they are going to have a difficult time facing Sofia Coll directly in the first semi-final. The Catalan is in second position in the paid bets, fighting for first. The former contestant of Eufòria, a TV3 program, brings with her Here to Stay, a proposal in which she talks about her professional life and with which she wants to make it clear that she is here to stay. If she manages to win the festival, she would make history by being the first representative from Spain to bring Catalan, in some way, to Eurovision.
Angy Fernández, known for her role in the series Physics or Chemistry, is very clear that this is her moment with her song Sé QUIM Soy. This marks the Mallorcan's return to music, after her retirement a few years ago, with a song composed, among others, by the author of Tattoo, the winning song of Eurovision 2023. A pop rock that is reminiscent of the music of the 2000s and who has managed to get her into the top of the betting.
But who will have to wait until next Thursday, February 1 to find out if the predictions come true is St. Pedro and his Two Strangers (Cuartero de string). The canary is in first place in paid bets and in several surveys to win the bronze microphone. With a very different theme from the rest, the man from Tenerife is determined to take the bolero to Eurovision. A proposal that is reminiscent of others such as the 2017 winner Amar Pelos Dois by the Portuguese Salvador Sobral.
And if there is a style of music that many have requested for Spain, it is urban. The one from Villena is willing to put all of Europe on their feet with his Brillos Platino, a proposal that also has electronic sounds. Being at the top of the polls and bets, we only have to wait until Thursday to see if he can make the whole of Spain shine.
Being one of the best-known names of this edition, María Peláe is willing to repeat the success of Blanca Paloma at the Benidorm Fest 2023 bringing her flamenco sound. The woman from Malaga is willing to defend her Sender theme in her second semi-final with the tearfulness that characterizes her. And although it comes with a certain disadvantage, being a style similar to last year, it has managed to be among the first options of the betting houses.
All of them are joined by 10 other participants, who could ring the bell and overtake the favorites: Dellacruz, with Kiss in the morning; Jorge González with Caliente; Lyrics with Astronaut; Mantra with You will see Me; Marlena with Summer Love; Miss Caffeina with Bla Bla Bla; Noan with I miss you by -; Quique Niza with Prisoner; Roger Padrós with El Temps; and Yoly Saa with I don't forget.
The work done by the artists, who have been polishing their performances for weeks, now everything is in the hands of the audience and the professional jury. A voting system that has once again generated controversy for another year, being the same as previous editions. While 50% of the decision falls on renowned professionals, 25% will be in charge of the demoscopic vote, and the other 25% of the televoting.
A panel of experts composed of Beatriz Luengo, Guille Milkway, Ángela Carrasco and Carlos Baute, as part of the national jury, and Lee Smithurst, David Tserunyan, Marta Piekarska and Nicoline Refsing, as an international presence. Although they are established names in the industry, their weight in the final decision brings a lot of controversy because their vote is worth more than that of the public.
Despite everything, the Benidorm Fest 2024 machinery is well oiled to begin operating at full capacity tonight at 10:50 p.m., with the first semi-final. Everything will continue on Thursday, February 1 at the same time with the second semifinal. And it will be on Saturday, February 3, when the eight finalists will fight to get the long-awaited bronze microphone and their ticket to Malmö to represent Spain in Eurovision 2024.
