The recent Benidorm Fest 2025 not only crowned Melody as Spain’s hopeful for Eurovision but also cast shadows over the celebration with allegations related to dancer contracts arising from another contestant, Chica Sobresalto (Maialen Gurbindo López). Following the semifinal round of the competition held earlier this year, Chica Sobresalto found herself embroiled in controversy as her dancers publicly accused her of breaching their contractual agreement.
Three dancers, María Pizarro, María Gomis, and María José Arcas Mouliaá, broke their silence by issuing a statement explaining the grievances they experienced during their time working with Chica Sobresalto. They voiced their feelings of being "utilized, ninguneadas y abandonadas," emphasizing the precarious conditions often faced by performing artists. Their concerns pointed primarily to the lack of clarity from Sobresalto’s management when it came to contracts, payments, and their overall treatment.
Before the competition, the dancers had agreed upon terms including base pay, individual accommodations, and covered per diem expenses for the duration of their commitment. Yet, as the festival progressed and after their mutual performance failed to secure them entry to the finals, they report being abruptly instructed to vacate their lodging four days earlier than anticipated. They claimed they received the news through WhatsApp, which they characterized as disrespectful and indicative of poor management practices.
“We were informed via WhatsApp to leave immediately and without any alternative arrangements,” they expressed, detailing their shock at the lack of communication. This sudden directive led to feelings of abandonment and frustration among the troupe, as they had committed to the project passionately and felt their efforts were dismissed following Sobresalto’s elimination.
The dancers alleged this decision stemmed from Chica Sobresalto’s need to accommodate her band members who had come to support her. They claimed their accommodations and diets were reassigned to these musicians without regard for the prior agreement. The dancers attempted to meet Sobresalto and her team to discuss this situation personally, but they were met with refusal, leaving their voices unanswered.
Responding to the fallout from these claims, Chica Sobresalto released her own statement on social media, expressing how overwhelmed she felt by the accusations. "I’ve been working hard for several years, and every day is a challenge to survive in this industry. I’m completely overwhelmed by this situation," she noted, emphasizing her dedication and prior commitments. She insisted the budget was fulfilled as agreed, stating, "The approved budget was executed, no doubts were ever raised about payments. I even gave my room so the dancers could have their own.”
Chica continued by mentioning her interpretation of the organizational structure during her elimination and after asking whether she needed to stay, she was told she could leave but the dancers could return home. Despite her claims of gratitude for their collaboration—"I’ve always appreciated my workers and communicated it daily"—the backlash remained strong.
Her final remarks stated, “I won’t convince anyone I’m not a bad person. I have apologized privately and will do so publicly again.” Her declaration reflects a mix of sincerity and defensiveness as she grapples with the fallout from the dispute.
This episode sheds light on broader issues within the artistic community, including the often precarious working conditions dancers and artists face. The situation faced by Pizarro, Gomis, and Arcas Mouliaá is not unique, as many performers encounter inadequate treatment and lack of recognition for their contributions. Their aim to expose such practices hopes to ignite discussions on labor conditions and fairness within the industry.
The reverberations from the Benidorm Fest 2025 continue, highlighting not just the glitz and glamour of the event but the underbelly of the industry faced by performers striving to make their mark. It remains to be seen how this dialogue will influence standards and expectations for working artists moving forward.