Changes to the organization of the Benidorm Fest 2026 final have a direct impact on Spain’s music industry and the interests of thousands of viewers. The new performance order, along with RTVE’s decision to withdraw from Eurovision, make this event one of the most talked about in the country. This year, not only performers but also composers will receive significant cash prizes, and the winners will have the opportunity to advance their careers beyond Spain.
Draw and final structure
This year, the Benidorm Fest final will take place on February 14 at Palau d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm. Organizers have completely changed the approach to allocation of performance slots: instead of the usual scheme, a special draw was held, similar to the Eurovision system. Each of the 12 finalists could choose one of three options: perform in the first half, in the second, or leave it up to the producers, who arranged the running order to ensure balance and show dynamics.
As a result, the first half of the final includes performances by MAYO with the song “Tócame,” Kitai with “El amor te da miedo,” Asha with “Turista,” Dani J with “Bailándote,” The Quinquis with “Tú no me quieres,” and Izan Llunas with “¿Qué vas a hacer?”. In the second half, viewers will see Mikel Herzog Jr. with “Mi mitad,” the duet María León & Julia Medina with “Las damas y el vagabundo,” Rosalinda Galán with “Mataora,” Kenneth with “Los ojos no mienten,” Miranda! & bailamamá with “Despierto amándote,” and Tony & Lucy with “T amaré.”
Prize fund and new opportunities
The winner of Benidorm Fest 2026 will receive €100,000, while the composer or songwriting team will get another €50,000. Alongside the cash awards, the traditional bronze mermaid statuette—now a competition symbol—will be presented. This year, new opportunities are also on offer: one of the artists will travel to Miami to record a single and promote it in the Latin American market, while another will head to Stockholm to work at the Spotify studio.
These changes became possible thanks to an agreement between RTVE and TelevisaUnivision, opening up new horizons for Spanish performers. Although the winner will not go to Eurovision, interest in the contest remains high, and the prizes and prospects make participation especially attractive.
Reaction of participants and viewers
At the press conference following the draw, the finalists expressed surprise and excitement about the new performance order. Many noted that such a system adds an element of unpredictability and makes the show more dynamic. Organizers are confident that this approach will help maintain audience interest throughout the broadcast.
Viewers, meanwhile, are actively discussing on social media how the atmosphere of the final might change and which participants will be able to take advantage of the new opportunities. This year, the intrigue continues right up to the end, as the order of performances can influence both the perception of acts and the final voting.
Context and trends
In recent years, Benidorm Fest has become one of the main music events in Spain, especially after RTVE withdrew from Eurovision. In 2025, the contest stood out with new formats and an increased prize pool, attracting the attention of both professionals and the general public. Last season’s winner had the opportunity to record an album abroad, and the final was broadcast during prime time on national television. These changes highlight the growing significance of national music competitions and their impact on the development of the contemporary Spanish music scene.
