The results of the second semifinal night of Benidorm Fest sparked heated debates among fans of contemporary Spanish music. For many viewers and participants, this stage turned out to be a real test: the competition was so fierce that predicting the outcome was nearly impossible. With each act distinguished by originality and a high level of performance, the battle for a spot in the final reached a special intensity.
The evening began with a delay due to a football match, but the wait only heightened the audience’s anticipation. On the stage of Palau d’Esports de Benidorm, a true show unfolded: nine artists presented their performances, each meticulously crafted and visually impressive. Organizers and hosts admitted that the festival had never seen such diversity and passionate energy before.
Striking surprises
The gala evening opened with Abraham Mateo, already familiar to the audience from previous editions of the festival. His energetic mix of new and old hits set the tone for the entire event. Next up was Asha, a singer of Moroccan descent, who amazed the crowd with a 70s atmosphere and an unusual stage setup featuring a train carriage. Her performance evoked the golden era of Spanish cinema and immediately stood out among the rest.
Minerva Ku, best known for her ’90s hit, performed inside a glass cage, alluding to Loreen’s iconic Eurovision scene. The finale of her act, featuring a rising platform, became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening. Funambulista, on the other hand, opted for minimalism: his song turned into a manifesto against social media pressure, with the staging shifting from stark black-and-white to vivid colors, symbolizing liberation.
A shift in mood
Dani J, whom the hosts introduced as Europe’s main bachata artist, literally had the whole audience dancing. His performance was built around a love story told through movement. The Quinquis chose an urban aesthetic: a garage, a motorcycle, bold costumes, and a spectacular finale soaring over the stage on a bike.
Atiat, inspired by Shakira’s work, delivered Arabic motifs and intricate choreography against an Andalusian lattice. Rosalinda Galán, who was invited to the festival on the day her father passed away, appeared in white and performed a dramatic rock copla that moved even the harshest critics. MAYO, a former reality music show contestant, embraced pop-queer aesthetics and staged a complex dance routine beneath a denim pyramid.
The final chord
The competition portion concluded with Argentina’s Miranda! & bailamamá, who transformed the stage into clouds and delivered a truly theatrical show without intricate choreography—but with a vibrant presentation. Before the results were announced, Luz Casal took the stage, performing both new songs and her legendary hit from the ’80s, a delightful surprise for older members of the audience.
Following the vote, The Quinquis, Asha, Miranda & bailamamá, MAYO, Dani J, and Rosalinda Galán advanced to the final. They were joined by the winners from the first semifinal night. This year, the Benidorm Fest winner will not go to Eurovision—Spain withdrew due to political disagreements involving Israel’s participation. Instead, the grand prize is a bronze microphone and €150,000.
In recent years, Benidorm Fest has become one of the country’s main music platforms, giving both emerging and established artists a chance to make their mark across Spain. Last season, the festival also stood out for unexpected jury decisions and striking productions, and in 2024, the finalists impressed audiences with bold experiments in genre and stage design. Events like these not only set new musical trends but also reflect broader cultural changes in Spanish society.
