RTVE has revealed that a record 870 songs were submitted for Benidorm Fest 2026.
Artist and song requirements
Artists must be Spanish nationals or legally resident in Spain. Also, songs must not exceed 3 minutes and should be primarily in Spanish or any of Spain’s co-official languages (Catalan, Galician, Basque), while lyrics must not incite hatred, violence, or promote discrimination. Last, but not least, groups may include up to 6 members. RTVE is also encouraging diversity and representation across musical genres and backgrounds.
Show dates and creative team updates
- First semi-final: 10 February
- Second semi-final: 12 February
RTVE has named Sergio Jaén as the artistic director of Benidorm Fest 2026.. Additional members of the 2026 creative team include:
- Ari Levelä: visual director
- José María Payueta: executive producer
- Mercè Llorens: show director (returning for a third year)
The selection committee will now examine all submitted entries and choose at least 16 songs to compete in Benidorm Fest 2026. If the overall quality of submissions is high enough, up to 20 songs may be selected. In addition, six reserve entries will be chosen in case any of the selected songs are withdrawn.
Should Spain take part in Eurovision 2026, the winner of Benidorm Fest 2026 will represent the country in Vienna. RTVE has stated it will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel does, but Benidorm Fest 2026 will be held regardless.
Spain’s Eurovision journey
Spain debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Conchita Bautista’s “Estando Contigo”. The country earned its first win in 1968 with Massiel’s “La La La”, and won again in 1969 with Salome’s “Vivo Cantando” in an infamous four-way tie. Although they have yet to win again, Spain earned several 2nd place finishes, most famously with Mocedades’ “Eres tu” in 1973 and Anabel Conde’s “Vuelve conmigo” in 1996.
In 2025, Spain selected Melody. As part of the Big 5, she did not need to qualify for the Grand Final from the semi-finals. At the close of voting, her song “Esa Diva” finished 24th, with a total of 37 points. Of these, 27 points came from the jury, whilst 10 came from the televote.
Who would you like to see take part in Benidorm Fest 2026? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News source: RTVE
Photo credits: Sarah Louise Bennett / Eurovision
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