The recent Benidorm Fest 2025 has ignited controversy after artist Chica Sobresalto, known for her participation and performance at the event, faced accusations from her dancers over mistreatment and contractual disputes. Following the festival held at the Palau Municipal d'Esports L'Illa de Benidorm, which took place on February 12, 2025, the atmosphere shifted from celebration to dispute as the dancers publicly expressed their grievances.
Chica Sobresalto, whose real name is Maialen, had entered the competition with her song "Mala feminista" but unfortunately did not qualify for the final, finishing fifth. Despite the setback, her performance had garnered significant support from fans on social media leading up to the festival. Once the excitement diminished, the dancers—María Pizarro, María José Arcas Mouliaá, and María Gomis—took to social media to share their discontent with how they were treated during and after the event.
The dancers clarified their situation through a joint statement posted on Instagram. They outlined the conditions under which they believed they were contracted: a base salary, complete availability throughout the festival, individual accommodation, and per diem expenses covered exclusively for artists. They alleged, "Las condiciones acordadas fueron un sueldo base... dietas cubiertas por la organización, exclusivamente para lxs artistas." This statement, highlighting their contractual agreement, set the stage for the ensuing discussion.
After their failure to advance to the finals, the dancers claimed they received sparse communication from Chica Sobresalto’s team. They found themselves informed via WhatsApp of the need to vacate their hotel rooms four days earlier than planned. The justification provided suggested "ya no tenemos nada más que hacer allí," indicating the dancers were no longer required, and their accommodations were needed for the rest of the artist’s team. This was particularly troubling as it seemed to contradict their previous agreements.
The emotional toll of this situation was evident as the dancers described feeling "ninguneadas y abandonadas" (undervalued and abandoned). They emphasized the importance of drawing attention to the widespread issues and lack of job security plaguing those working within the performing arts. Their objective was not just to recount their personal experience but to shed light on labor practices within the industry, advocating for fair treatment and transparency—a sentiment echoed throughout their statement.
Responding to the backlash, Chica Sobresalto posted her own clarification on Instagram. "La realidad es que estoy completamente sobrepasada por esta situación," she stated, conveying her distress over the incident. She went on to argue she had adhered to the agreed budget and ensured the accommodations provided for her dancers were as intended, even sacrificing her own comfort to guarantee they had individual rooms during the festival.
"No voy a convencer a nadie de que no soy una mierda de persona... He pedido perdón por privado y vuelvo a hacer en público," she noted, recognizing the gravity of the dancers' allegations. Dozens of supporters watched as her defense unfolded online, creating ripples across social media, stirring up conversations about artist accountability and worker rights.
This incident raises pressing questions about the experiences of artists and their support teams during high-stakes public events. Dancers, often on the front lines of performance art, frequently face harsh realities of job insecurity and unclear contracts. This public demarcation puts significant pressure on individuals like Chica Sobresalto, whose careers rest on performance and public opinion.
The division between the artist's intentions and the dancers' grievances encapsulates broader struggles within the entertainment industry. With artists like Chica Sobresalto at the forefront, the balance between maintaining professional relationships and contractual obligations is fraught with complexity. The dancers' voices serve as both cautionary tales and rallying cries for reform, urging for industry change grounded in respect and professionalism.
While the dispute between Maialen and her dancers appears unresolved, it undeniably shines a light on the harsh truths faced by many engaged in the performing arts. The hope remains, as echoed by the trio of dancers, to initiate a meaningful dialogue around employment practices, empowering individuals to advocate for their rights.