RTVE adds a new twist to Benidorm Fest 2026, unveiling 20-second song previews a week before the official song release.
The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE has introduced a new and intriguing element in the timeline of its national Eurovision selection, Benidorm Fest 2026. Alongside the recent announcement of the 18 competing artists, it was confirmed that the full songs will be released on December 18. However, audiences will not have to wait that long for a first taste: RTVE’s management revealed a new preview stage featuring short snippets of each entry.
20 Seconds of Fame: Snippets Coming December 11
Until now, the official release date for all 18 competing songs was set for December 18. But during the BIME conference in Bilbao, RTVE executive Sergio Calderón shared that fans will get an early glimpse. On December 11, exactly one week before the full unveiling, the national broadcaster will publish 20-second snippets from each of the 18 entries. This move aims to generate additional buzz and give Eurovision followers a first impression of the styles and performers before hearing the complete tracks.
Benidorm Fest’s Rising Popularity
Over the past few years, Benidorm Fest has become one of Europe’s most talked-about national selections. The 2026 edition will be held from February 10 to 14 and is expected to continue drawing high interest among Eurovision fans. The enthusiasm surrounding the festival continues despite RTVE’s earlier statement that Spain might withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should Israel participate, while confirming that Benidorm Fest will take place regardless of RTVE’s final decision on international participation.
Full List of Contestants For “Benidorm 2026”
- Asha
- Atyat
- Dani J
- Dora & Marlon Collins
- Funambulista
- Greg Taro
- Izan Llunas
- Kenneth
- Kitai
- KU Minerva
- Luna Ki
- Julia Medina & Maria Leon
- Albaro Mayo
- Mikel Herzog Jr.
- Miranda! & Bailamama
- Rosalinda Galan
- The Quinquis
- Tony Grox & LUCYCALYS
Among the Participants, We Have Several Familiar Names:
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Luna Ki – previously selected for Benidorm Fest 2022 but withdrew before the live shows.
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Greg Taro – co-writer of “Always On The Run”, Germany’s Eurovision 2024 entry.
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Izan Llunas – son of Marcos Llunas, who represented Spain at Eurovision 1997 and finished in 6th place.
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Mikel Herzog Jr. – son of Mikel Herzog, who represented Spain at Eurovision 1998 and finished in 16th place.
Eurovision-Style Production and Open Rehearsals
The upcoming edition of Benidorm Fest will feature major production upgrades and a format more closely aligned with the Eurovision Song Contest itself.
For the first time, public open rehearsals will be held, marking a step toward a more immersive and international experience.
The early announcement of artists and songs allows participants to prepare their performances in advance. The competing entries will be released to the public before Christmas, on December 18th, while the live shows will take place in February 2026.
The first semifinal will take place on February 10th, followed by the second on February 12th, and the grand final on February 14th. Each show will host nine songs. The voting system remains consistent with previous years: results in both semifinals and the final will be determined by a jury (50%), a demographic panel (25%), and a public televote (25%).
Spain initially confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria, as early as June. However, about two months later, it withdrew its confirmation and threatened to withdraw entirely if Israel competes in the contest, a position supported by Spanish parliament members and the head of the national broadcaster.
Benidorm Fest 2026 Dates:
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Semi-Final 1 – Tuesady, February 10th, 2026.
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Semi-Final 2 – Thursday, February 12th, 2026.
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Grand Final – Saturday, February 14th, 2026.
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.
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Noy Yehoyada is an Israeli journalist and content creator at the EuroMix team since 2024, bringing a personal, feminine, and LGBTQ+ voice into the Eurovision sphere. A devoted Eurovision fan since the age of 16, she plays an active role in covering the contest—including on-site reporting at Eurovision 2025 in Basel and across European pre-party events. Alongside her writing and commentary, Noy plans the editorial schedule for the website, closely tracks national selections and song reveals, participates in live broadcasts, and creates digital content focusing on representation, musical diversity, and emotional connections.
Beyond her work at EuroMix, Noy has over six years of experience in the cosmetics and pharma industries, with a background in sales, personal consulting, and managing beauty departments. She enjoys pop, rap, contemporary art, and traveling in Europe—and especially loves songs that make her want to dance, as well as those that tell a story.
