Paula Vázquez Shines at Benidorm Fest 2025 Amidst Personal Reflection
After overcoming personal struggles, the beloved presenter offers emotional insights during the festival.
Paula Vázquez captivated audiences as the main presenter for the Benidorm Fest 2025, marking her grand return to the television stage after three decades of success. This year, she was joined by Ruth Lorenzo and the rising star Lucas Bun, creating not just entertainment but also deeply emotional moments during the event, held on February 1, 2025.
The festival proved to be both a professional triumph for Vázquez, 50, and a poignant tribute to her personal life, especially reflecting on the recent loss of her father, who passed away during the pandemic. Vázquez's emotions were palpable as she introduced Lucas Bun, who performed his touching ballad, “Te escribo en el cielo,” dedicated to his mother, also deceased. This touching moment brought Vázquez to tears as she remembered her own father.
Acclaimed for her vibrant personality and charisma, Vázquez has carved out a prominent space for herself on Spanish television. Known for her tenure as host of the successful cooking competition “Bake Off: Famosos al horno,” she shared candidly about her struggles with anxiety and depression, both of which took center stage during her recent interviews and podcast appearances.
"It was shocking for me. That experience forced me to reflect on what I really wanted in life and to seek help to overcome depression," Vázquez expressed, recalling her difficult moments. These opening statements set the tone for her return, grounding her performance amid the glitz and glamour of the festival.
Reflecting on her past, Vázquez has opened up about the mental health challenges she has faced, exacerbated by her demanding career. She candidly revealed how the pressures of success contributed to her emotional struggles, culminating in severe anxiety and even physical symbols of distress, like hair loss. "During my busiest years, I prioritized everything over my well-being, leading to burnout and chronic depression," she confessed. "When diagnosed, I realized I needed to make significant life changes to prioritize my mental health. Now, I focus on surrounding myself with those who truly care about me."
Despite the hardships, Vázquez recognizes the strength gained from these experiences. "I've learned more about myself through therapy, and it's been invaluable to express my feelings without fear of judgment. Therapy has been incredibly liberatory," she said. She encourages openness about mental health, emphasizing the importance of community support, especially as she seeks to navigate the often-private nature of celebrity life.
Surprisingly, Vázquez insists on maintaining boundaries when it concerns the private lives of contestants on her shows. "I refuse to discuss contestants' private lives. It's about their talent and generosity as artists, not gossip," she declared emphatically. This approach showcases her commitment not only to her profession but also to advocating for respectful treatment of those participating, reflecting her evolved perspective as someone who has faced significant personal trials.
Paula's poignant recollections reached the audience deeply, and Ruth Lorenzo, Vázquez’s co-host, was seen comforting her during the touching moments, showcasing the solidarity and empathy among women working together on such prominent platforms. Vázquez commented, "I cherish this companionship we share, as it nurtures both the emotional depth needed for such events and our collective empowerment."
Aside from the emotional tributes, the festival itself was filled with thrilling performances, competitive spirit, and celebration of music, which Vázquez hosted with her signature style of charm, blended with genuine care for the stories behind the performers.
The night was multi-layered, fusing entertainment with heartfelt reflections, and showcased the resilience not just of Vázquez but also of the artists on stage — all of whom resonate with struggles, dreams, and the quest for recognition.
Reflections on her father's battle with cancer prior to his passing were particularly significant to Paula. She had documented her father's challenging health battles on social media, offering glimpses of hope and strength through their shared experiences. "During this pandemic, my father overcame lung cancer with chemotherapy and other treatments. He was a champion, and I am immensely proud of him," she shared with followers, emphasizing how family legacy can inspire one to confront personal adversities.
Paula Vázquez continues to grow both personally and professionally, embracing her past and the lessons it offers. With renewed focus and strength, she sets her course for future projects beyond the Benidorm Fest, creating pathways she might only have dreamed of before.
The heartfelt evening at Benidorm Fest 2025 doesn't just showcase talents but also creates bridges, uniting performers with their audiences through shared emotional experiences, reminding everyone present of the power of art and solidarity amid personal challenges.