Benidorm Fest 2025 has drawn the spotlight once again, bringing together some of the most dynamic talents from Spain as they vie to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest. This year's festival saw the return of Ruth Lorenzo as one of the main presenters, along with Paula Vázquez and social media icon, Karme Hernández. With their combined energies and comedic flair, the trio has transformed the event, garnering acclaim and paving the way for new musical stars.
Ruth Lorenzo, who first made waves when she represented Spain at Eurovision 2014 with her hit Dancing in the Rain, is no stranger to the stage. She describes her role as presenting the Benidorm Fest as both exhilarating and challenging. "I think this is my true test of fire since my time at Junior Eurovision," she remarked, showcasing her growth and confidence after jumping from contestant to presenter. Despite her self-proclaimed nerves, the energy she brings as host is undeniable.
This year’s festival, hosted under the banners of excitement and artistry, also saw Lorenzo share her valuable experiences with contestants, offering them the honest advice she wished she had received when she first stepped onto such competitive platforms. "The artist must create the song they truly represent themselves with," she stated, emphasizing the importance of authenticity along with other qualities necessary for success.
The event’s format featured various musical styles reflective of the Spanish cultural scene, paving the way to diverse entries. Nevertheless, Lorenzo expressed her concern about the perceived lack of variety this year compared to earlier editions. "There’s lot of pop and urban influences this year. I hope to see more diversity throughout the festival's future," Lorenzo noted critically.
Meanwhile, co-host Paula Vázquez injected levity and charm, engaging the audience with humorous quips throughout the night. During the event, she compared the experience of voting to how it could be done "like Fedez just five minutes before his wedding," referencing the whirlwind of attention surprised votes could garner. Her wit not only kept spirits high but engaged the audience’s laughter and camaraderie.
Vázquez's banter didn't stop there; she shared playful jabs at her co-hosts, dubbing them with affectionate nicknames, bringing warmth and familiarity to the setting. Highlighting the importance of maintaining good energy and mutual support, she remarked, "We are enjoying ourselves, and our audience is feeding off our happiness on stage. It’s what makes this moment special."
One of the evening's stark highlights included the engaging performances by contestants from all over Spain, each showcasing their musical talents and unique styles. Ruth Lorenzo’s earlier advice seemed to resonate with many, as artists took the stage with renewed vigor—some fresh faces likely to etch themselves upon the broader Spanish musical scene.
Among those to draw attention to themselves was Justo K., who struck chords with heartfelt lyrics. Commentary and laughter from Hernand served as the cherry on top of performances. Hernand, widely regarded as the face of the younger generation, expertly balanced humor with genuine enthusiasm, often winning over viewers on social media.
Each of the participating artists brought various tones to the competition, making Ruth Lorenzo’s task of guiding viewers through the unique experiences all the more significant. Reminiscing about her past performances, she passionately conveyed how much it means for artists to stay true to themselves, especially when they find themselves on such grand platforms.
While the spotlight is on the festival, Ruth shared, "There is much more behind the scenes, as artists are doing what they can to define their path within the industry". Her dedication to bolstering other artists continued to resonate strongly throughout the event as she made solid connections with several of this year's featured talents, offering to mentor them.
The performances were met with mixed reviews, with some audience members reminiscing over the glory days of Benidorm Fest. There was agreement on the importance of cultural adherence, and it appears many were eager to see if the festival would continue challenging artistic boundaries whilst inspiring those who look up to them.
Ruth Lorenzo continues to inspire the new generation of artists capable of addressing and transcending challenges within the music industry. Her input proves the blend of creative artistry and presentation leads to substantial authenticity which might define the festival’s future. Should opportunities arise for her return to Eurovision, later affirmation from her would swing from nostalgia to intent.
With the event the clash of Fox and Zesko and other exciting performances, the Benidorm Fest 2025 not only celebrates music and artistry but also advocates for personal narratives and authenticity as contestants share their stories through song. The festival undoubtedly aims to connect viewers and artists alike, sowing the seeds for the future.
Benidorm Fest 2025 showcases what Spain’s vibrant music culture can offer, from humor-laden commentary to heartfelt performances. Both Ruth Lorenzo and her co-hosts set the stage for what it means to support and encourage the art of performance with their unique synergy. Here’s to celebrating their contributions and witnessing the blossoming talents soon mixing their beats at competing for Eurovision.