Spain confirms Benidorm Fest 2026 will proceed regardless of Eurovision participation. Final decision on joining expected in December amid debates over Israel’s role.

The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE has confirmed that the Benidorm Festival will take place regardless of the final decision on whether Spain will participate in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The broadcaster is reconsidering its presence in Eurovision as long as Israel remains among the participating countries but stressed that the festival has evolved into an independent music brand with its own strong identity.

This week, the network announced that it would wait until December to decide whether to remain in the competition, stating that “all options are on the table”. Spanish Foreign Minister Ernest Urtasun suggested that the broadcaster should withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is not disqualified. Urtasun joins his party colleagues in sharp criticism of Israel, including Yolanda Diaz, Minister of Labor and Deputy Prime Minister under Pedro Sanchez, who also declared opposition to Israel’s participation, and Sira Rego, Minister for Children and Youth, who has taken a clear anti-Israel stance on behalf of the Spanish government.

The Spanish Sanremo Festival

At a press conference, María Eizaguirre, Director of Communication and Participation at RTVE, and César Vallejo, Head of Delegation and Director of Benidorm Festival, presented the broadcaster’s long-term vision. They emphasized that the festival is no longer seen solely as a Eurovision national selection but as an autonomous music brand inspired by Italy’s iconic Sanremo Festival.

Schedule and Key Dates

Although no official calendar has been published, the broadcaster plans to maintain a format similar to recent years:
Artist reveal: First half of October.
Song release: Before Christmas.
Live shows: February 10th, 12th, and 14th, 2026.

For the first time, all general rehearsals will be open to the public, following the Eurovision model.

New Stage Concept

The 2026 stage design will feature a central pentagon-shaped platform reminiscent of the festival’s debut edition. Two additional side extensions will enlarge the stage area, while a massive LED screen will dominate the backdrop.

The overall concept draws inspiration from the “rose of the winds”, symbolizing direction and diversity. This innovation is also expected to boost the venue’s audience capacity.

Selection Process and Contestants

The broadcaster has announced a refreshed selection committee, with members coming from the music and radio industries. Decisions will be made through a consensus-based voting model instead of a points system, aiming for greater uniformity among judges.

As for contestants, the goal is to mix emerging young performers with established names. In cases where vocal ability in live performance raises doubts, the broadcaster may conduct live auditions. The contest is expected to keep the tradition of 16 competing acts. For the first time, no personal invitations were sent, but major industry companies have been informed about the opportunity to submit candidates.

Artistic and Production Team

Sergio Jaén will serve as the festival’s artistic director, while Finnish designer Ari Levelä, renowned for his work on Finland’s UMK and several Eurovision productions, will lead stage and visual design. Mercè Llorens will return to direct the broadcast.

Choreographer Borja Rueda, known for successful Spanish television productions, will coordinate staging concepts with the production team. While performance direction will remain in the artists’ hands, they will receive close guidance for feasibility and safety.

Prize for the Winner

The festival winner will receive €150,000 – €100,000 for the artist and €50,000 for the songwriting team – offering strong support to boost careers beyond the competition.

Spain’s Eurovision Future Still Unclear

The broadcaster has already submitted its preliminary application for Eurovision 2026, but the final decision will be made in December with the release of the official country list. Until then, all options remain open. Regardless, RTVE emphasizes that Benidorm Festival is here to stay, highlighting Spanish music, nurturing new talent, and building an independent tradition.

A Spanish withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 would be a major precedent and could trigger a financial crisis for the contest, as Spain is one of the Big 5 countries and among the highest-paying participants. Its departure could significantly reduce the contest’s budget.

Spain currently leads the Eurovision Reference Group, responsible for setting competition rules, developing new formats, and ensuring a rich and diverse viewing experience for contestants and audiences. The group addresses critical issues such as voting system reforms, expanding participation to new countries, and integrating technological elements. The group is led by Spanish TV executive Ana Maria Bordas, who, like other members of the broadcaster, holds negative views toward Israel.

Spain has never withdrawn from Eurovision. If it does, this will mark the first time in history after 65 consecutive participations, dating back to the country’s debut under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.

Spain in Eurovision 2025

“Esa Diva” (in English: “That Diva”) is the title of the song performed by singer Melody, who represented Spain at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.

Spain finished 24th with 37 points – 27 points from the juries, placing 21st, and only 10 points from the televotes, placing 22nd. In the last 20 years, Spain managed to finish only 3 times in the top 10.

Eurovision 2026: This will be Spain’s 66th participation in Eurovision. Spain joined the competition in 1961 and won it twice consecutively in 1968 and 1969. Spain has hosted the contest on its territory only once in 1969 and since then holds the longest waiting time since its last victory – 56 years.