In the last few moments, Radio y Televisión Española (RTVE) has revealed the 16 contenders for next year’s Benidorm Fest in a press conference at the Teatro Alameda in Seville, the home of the Latin Grammys. The event was attended by reigning champion Blanca Paloma, as well as a whole host of artists who’ve competed at the last two editions of Spain’s revamped national final.

The artists competing at Benidorm Fest 2024 will be:

• Almácor
• Angy Fernández
• Dellacruz
• Jorge González
• Lérica
• Mantra
• María Peláe
• Marlena
• Miss Caffeina
• Nebulossa
• Noan
• Quique Niza
• Roger Padrós
• Sofía Coll
• st. Pedro
• Yoly Saa

Notable artists competing at the 2024 edition include: Angy Fernández, who Spanish viewers will know as Paula Blasco in Antena 3 drama Física o Química, and María Peláe, whose mix of Nuevo Flamenco and satirical lyrics has made waves worldwide for upwards of two decades. Jorge González is a double national finalist in Spain, competing in 2009 before coming third in 2014 with Aunque se acabe el mundo, while Carlos Marco of Mantra formed part of Auryn, whose members included 2020 and 2021 Spanish representative Blas Cantó, and who tried in 2011 with Volver.

Last month, it was announced by Spanish HoD Ana María Bordas that a record 825 songs had been received by RTVE in its open submissions process, compared to 455 the previous year. The songs will be released between 4th and 18th December 2023, depending on which semi-final each act will compete in. Host María Eizaguirre also announced the launch of the official Benidorm Fest online store. The show tonight featured performances from various alumni of Benidorm Fest over the past few years, including reigning champion Blanca Paloma, who performed her new single Ay amor.

Benidorm Fest will begin on 30th January 2024, with two semi-finals of 8 artists each taking place on the Tuesday and Thursday of that week, before the grand final on Saturday 3rd February. The winner will follow in the footsteps of Chanel and Blanca Paloma, lifting the coveted Bronze Microphone and flying the flag for Spain in Malmö next May.

Last year’s final was watched by a consolidated 1.9 million people in Spain and nearly double that elsewhere, establishing the format as a new mainstay for the Spanish Eurovision selection process. As well as the winning song, second-placed Agoney’s Quiero arder became a bonafide summer hit in Spain, and Vicco’s retro party anthem Nochentera could be heard at Stadium Australia as the Spanish Women’s Football team won the World Cup this summer.

Winner Blanca Paloma went on to finish 17th overall in the grand final in Liverpool, including 9th with the national juries, with her Nuevo Flamenco song Eaea.

Who are you excited to see grace the stage at the Palau d’Esports in January? Remember to follow ESCBubble on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube for more exclusive Eurovision content!