Benidorm Fest 2025 Heats Up as Second Semifinal Approaches
The excitement is palpable as Benidorm Fest 2025 gears up for its second semifinal this Thursday, with Melody adn J Kbello emerging as top contenders for the coveted title. the festival, which seeks to crown spain’s representative for Eurovision 2025, has already made waves with its first semifinal, drawing an notable audience of 1,215,000 viewers and securing a 13.1% share—the highest in the event’s four-year history [[1]].
Eurofans and Press Left Wanting
despite the strong viewership, the first semifinal left Eurofans and the specialized press with mixed feelings. Many echoed the sentiment: “Here was not the winner of Benidorm Fest 2025.” The elimination of the iconic duo Sonia and Selena and the unexpected performance of Lachispa, who was seen as a strong contender, added a layer of intrigue and disappointment.Tonight, four more artists will join the competition, including lachispa with her ambitious proposal, I Write You from the Sky [[1]].
Melody and J Kbello: The Frontrunners
All eyes are on Melody, whose song That Diva has already amassed over 1.5 million streams on Spotify. With her proven stage presence, she aims to reclaim the victory that eluded her in 2009 when she narrowly missed representing Spain at Eurovision. meanwhile, J Kbello, a rising star from Cádiz, is also a fan favorite. Known for his dynamic performances that blend Funk Carioca and UK Garage, he has garnered support from diverse audiences and even received blessings from chanel, Spain’s 2022 Eurovision representative [[1]].
Uncertainty Looms Over Final Spots
the competition remains fierce for the remaining two spots in the final. Detesta’s The Penalty and Carla Frigo’s Báilame are strong contenders, with the latter being hailed as “a good pop diva” and a TikTok sensation. However, questions linger about whether there’s room for Benidorm’s ballad, which has struggled to gain traction on Spotify [[1]].
Mel Ömana to Open the Gala
The honor of opening the gala falls to Mel Ömana, whose song I’m to Queen is described as a challenging yet compelling performance. Simultaneously occurring, Celine van Heel, who has maintained a low profile throughout the campaign, will debut as a singer with La Casa, a track co-written with Alfred García. The gala will be hosted by Ruth Lorenzo, Paula Vázquez, and Inés Hernand, with musical interludes by Chenoa and Isabel Aaiún, the mastermind behind last year’s viral hit Potra Wild [[1]].
Voting Changes Add to the Drama
In a twist, the voting system has been revamped, replacing the demoscopic vote with a free app. This change ensures that only the finalists will be revealed at the end of the show, keeping the scores under wraps until the grand finale [[1]].
| Key Highlights of Benidorm Fest 2025 |
|——————————————|
| Second Semifinal Date | January 30, 2025 |
| Top Contenders | Melody, J Kbello |
| Audience Record | 1,215,000 viewers |
| Voting System | Free app replaces demoscopic vote |
As the competition intensifies, Benidorm Fest 2025 continues to captivate audiences, blending high-stakes performances with unexpected twists. Who will emerge as Spain’s next Eurovision hopeful? Tune in to find out!
Benidorm Fest 2025 Heats Up: Insights on Contenders, Voting Changes, adn More
As Benidorm Fest 2025 approaches its second semifinal, the competition is fiercer than ever. With record-breaking viewership, unexpected eliminations, and revamped voting systems, the festival continues to captivate audiences and set the stage for Spain’s next Eurovision hopeful. We sat down with María López, a music critic and Eurovision expert, to delve into the highlights, challenges, and surprises of this year’s event.
The Current State of Benidorm Fest 2025
Senior Editor: María, the first semifinal of Benidorm Fest 2025 drew over 1.2 million viewers,a record for the festival. What are your thoughts on the event’s growing popularity?
María López: It’s incredible to see how Benidorm Fest has evolved in just four years. The first semifinal’s viewership is a testament to its rising prominence in Spain’s cultural landscape. The festival has successfully blended national talent with the global appeal of Eurovision, creating a platform that resonates with both casual viewers and die-hard Eurofans.
Mixed Reactions from Eurofans and the Press
Senior Editor: Despite the high viewership, the first semifinal left many Eurofans and the specialized press underwhelmed. Why do you think that is?
María López: the elimination of fan favorites like Sonia and Selena was a shock to many.Additionally, Lachispa, who was seen as a strong contender, delivered a performance that didn’t quite meet expectations. This combination of surprise and disappointment has fueled mixed reactions. However, it’s also what makes the festival unpredictable and exciting.
Melody and J Kbello: The Frontrunners to Watch
Senior Editor: Melody and J Kbello seem to be emerging as the top contenders. What makes them stand out?
María López: melody is a seasoned performer with a proven track record. Her song, That Diva, has already amassed over 1.5 million streams on Spotify, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences. On the other hand, J Kbello brings a fresh energy to the stage. His fusion of Funk Carioca and UK Garage has resonated with a diverse audience, and his endorsement from Chanel, Spain’s 2022 Eurovision representative, adds to his credibility.
Uncertainty Around the Final Spots
Senior Editor: With only two spots left in the final, who do you think has the best chance of securing them?
María López: It’s a tight race. Detesta’s The Penalty and Carla Frigo’s Báilame are both strong contenders. Carla, in particular, has been hailed as a “good pop diva” and has gained important traction on TikTok. Though, the lack of enthusiasm for Benidorm’s ballad raises questions about its chances. It’s going to come down to the performances in the semifinal.
New Voting System and its Implications
Senior Editor: The festival has introduced a new voting system, replacing the demoscopic vote with a free app. How do you think this will impact the competition?
María López: The new system adds an element of suspense, as the scores won’t be revealed until the grand finale. It also makes the voting process more accessible to fans, which could increase engagement. Though, it remains to be seen how this will influence the results. Historically, the demoscopic vote provided a unique perspective, so its absence might shift the dynamics in unexpected ways.
The Opening Act and Hosts
Senior Editor: Mel Ömana has been given the honor of opening the gala, while Ruth Lorenzo, paula Vázquez, and Inés Hernand will serve as hosts. What can viewers expect from these segments?
María López: Mel Ömana’s opening performance with I’m to Queen is described as challenging, which suggests it will be visually and vocally stunning. As for the hosts, they bring a mix of experience and charisma that will keep the energy high throughout the gala. Additionally, the musical interludes by Chenoa and Isabel Aaiún are sure to be highlights, especially given Isabel’s viral success last year.
What’s Next for benidorm Fest 2025?
Senior Editor: As the competition intensifies, what are your predictions for the final outcome?
María López: It’s hard to say, but Melody and J Kbello are definitely ones to watch.the second semifinal will be crucial in shaping the final lineup, and I’m especially excited to see how Lachispa bounces back with her new song, I Write You from the Sky. Ultimately, the festival’s unpredictability is what makes it so compelling. We’ll just have to tune in to see who emerges victorious!
Conclusion
From record-breaking viewership to revamped voting systems,Benidorm Fest 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet. With standout performances from Melody and J Kbello, along with the anticipation surrounding the final spots, the festival continues to captivate audiences and keep them guessing. As the competition unfolds, one thing is certain: Spain’s next Eurovision hopeful is just around the corner.