Shakira opened her Madrid concert run with an unusual escort. Nearly 50 artists from Benidorm Fest walked with her to the stage before an audience of around 50000 people, launching a 12-concert residency in the capital.
Shakira’s first Madrid concert began with a procession, not a solo entrance. Nearly 50 artists from Benidorm Fest walked beside the Colombian singer as she headed to the stage. Close to 50000 people watched. Performers from several editions of the RTVE music contest took part, putting Benidorm Fest at the centre of the opening night.
Chanel, Vicco, Lachispa and Lucas Paulano were among those who joined the walk. Paulano is Spain’s representative at Eurovisión Junior 2026. Alongside dozens of other Benidorm Fest figures, they appeared as the “caminantes” of ‘La Loba’.
More details about the Madrid concerts and the attention around them are available in this earlier report. Friday’s opening added something new: Benidorm Fest artists took part directly in Shakira’s arrival before the audience. The 12-show residency is scheduled to continue through 11 October. Reports estimate that the full run could attract up to approximately 600000 people.
The RTVE delegation was led by María Eizaguirre, director of Communication and Participation at RTVE. Chanel, Vicco, Lachispa and Lucas Paulano joined Agoney, Twin Melody, Megara, Nebulossa, Almacor, Jorge González, J Kbello, K!NGDOM, Kuve, Mel Ömana, Lucas Bun, Carla Frigo, ASHA, Atyat, Izan Llunas, Kenneth, KITAI, The Quinquis, Luna Ki, Julia Medina, Rosalinda Galán, MAYO, Tony Grox &LUCYCALYS;, Mawot and Gonzalo Pinillos, who represented Spain in Eurovisión Junior 2025.
The list of names captures what made the entrance stand out. Benidorm Fest appeared as a community of performers sharing the opening of an international star’s Madrid residency, rather than as a separate television format. With 12 concerts ahead and RTVE as media partner, the contest gained a prominent place in one of the capital’s biggest music events. The connection was visible on stage, not just in promotional language.
