Benidorm Fest 2025 has reached its thrilling conclusion, heralding Spain’s next representative for the Eurovision Song Contest. The grand final, held on the night of February 1 at the Palau d'Esports l'Illa, was brimming with talent, anticipation, and vibrant performances.
This year, eight finalists battled it out for the coveted microphone of bronze. Among them were J Kbello, Daniela Blasco, Kuve, Mawot, Lachispa, Mel Ömana, Lucas Bun, and Melody. Each artist was poised to showcase their artistry in front of both the jury and the audience, all eager to decide who would emerge victorious.
The event kicked off with the electrifying performance by Daniela Blasco, who opened with her lively track “Uh Nana.” At just 19 years old, she commanded the stage with impressive choreography, embodying the essence of the festival with dynamic visuals and engaging dance moves. Following her was Kuve, who brought her song “Loca xTi” to life, mixing pop elements with eye-catching staging.
Mawot added to the dramatic flair of the evening with “Raggio di Sole,” combining both Spanish and Italian lyrics to touch hearts. His performance was emotional, showcasing his powerful vocals and unique style. The audience reacted favorably, applauding the mix of cultures present on stage.
Lachispa followed next with her poignant rendition of “Hartita de llorar.” The song, steeped in emotional depth, reverberated through the venue, earning her significant applause and appreciation from her fans and the jury alike.
Next up was Mel Ömana, dazzling the crowd with “I’m A Queen,” blending catchy hooks with energetic performances. Her visual appeal captivated many, keeping the excitement alive as the night progressed. J Kbello took to the stage next with his high-energy number “V.I.P.”, embodying the vibrant party atmosphere expected from Benidorm Fest and effectively igniting the spirit of celebration.
Lucas Bun, the emotional heart of the evening, delivered “Te escribo en el cielo,” dedicately poured his feelings on stage, captivating both judges and audience members during his heartfelt performance. Finally, the beloved Melody closed the affair with her compelling song “Esa diva.” After overcoming sound issues during her semi-final pitch, she proved her resilience by delivering a powerful, polished performance, soaring high above the stage on a swing.
After the performances wrapped up, the tension thickened as the event transitioned to the voting segment. The voting format this year introduced exciting changes. Juries and viewers played equal roles, with the professionals contributing 50% of the final score and the audience vote counting for the other half. This included 25% from paid SMS votes, and the other 25% from free votes via the RTVE Play app.
During the night, the jury votes were the first to be revealed, with J Kbello leading the pack with 74 points, followed closely by Daniela Blasco with 71 points and Melody at 70. Each singer’s position ignited debates among fans and critics alike. Those results sparked curiosity about how the public would weigh-in on the performances.
After several performances and as the audience backed its favorites, the anticipation hung heavily as presenters Paula Vázquez, Ruth Lorenzo, and the lively personality of comedian and presenter, إناس هيرنان, engaged with viewers at home.
Rigoberta Bandini, who previously made waves at the 2022 Benidorm Fest, and Amaral entertained the crowd with nostalgic medleys as they eagerly awaited voting results. Their performances weren’t merely warm-ups; they set the stage ablaze, capturing the essence of the festival.
By the end of the night, audiences were thrilled to learn of the voting outcomes. Melody, having caught the hearts of both the audience and the jury, was crowned the winner, ensuring her place at Eurovision 2025, set to take place later this year in May at Basel, Switzerland. Her combination of performance, vocal prowess, and stage presence proved irresistible.
Benidorm Fest 2025 has been hailed not only as competition of song and dance but also as an important showcase of Spanish talent and culture on the European stage. Its format evolved this year, allowing public involvement to reach new heights, fuelling conversations across social media and engaging fans far and wide.
What’s next for the fabulous artists who graced Benidorm’s stage? The Eurovisive future is bright, filled with endless possibilities and exciting collaborations post-festival. Observers eagerly await the impact the festival's outcome will have on the chosen representatives, and how they will interpret their performances at Eurovision.
Benidorm Fest continues to thrive as the ideal platform for budding talent seeking to make waves internationally. With fresh innovations and changes each year, it cements itself as more than just another musical event but rather as the heartbeat of Spain's vibrant music scene.