- Benidorm Fest 2026: These are the 16 official participants and their songs
More than a month after Melody's participation in Eurovision 2025, the RTVE machinery does not stop. The public entity has begun to prepare its participation in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest with the official announcement of the dates of the next Benidorm Festivalwhich will once again be the selection method for the Spanish representative.
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Benidorm Fest 2026: later than ever
Unlike previous editions, the Benidorm Fest 2026 will be held later in the Eurovision calendar. The two semi-finals and the grand finale will take place throughout the week of February 9 from next year; two weeks later than usual. In this way, Spain chooses to place its preselection in the middle of the Eurovision seasonjoining other countries that also delay the election of their candidates to increase their impact and possibilities.
- Tuesday, February 10: First Semifinal
- Thursday, February 12: Second Semifinal
- Saturday, February 14: Grand Finale
Eight proposals, the four most voted in each semifinal, will advance to the grand final. As usual, the voting system will combine the verdict of the professional jury with the public opinionboth in format demoscopic as from home.
WECB
WECB
Sergio Jaén, the new creative face of Spain at Eurovision
In addition to the announcement of the dates, RTVE has confirmed a major signing: Sergio Jaen will be the artistic director of Benidorm Fest 2026 and the Spanish candidacy in Eurovision. The set designer from Elche has become a key figure in the Eurovision universe in record time.
In 2024Jaén led Ireland to their first final in six years thanks to the shocking number of Doomsday Blueperformed by Bambi Thugwhich ended in an outstanding sixth position. His consecration came in 2025, when he designed the scenery of Wasted Lovethe song with which the young man J.J. gave to Austria the victory in the last edition of Eurovision.
Furthermore, Jaén was behind the proposals of Cyprus and Finland this same year, both highly celebrated by festival followers for their innovation and visual strength. With these first announcements, RTVE marks the beginning of a new Eurovision season that promises to be full of surprises, ambition and talent.
