Back in July, it was announced that Spain would be running a revamped national final to select their entry for Eurovision 2022. Following the announcement of the festival aimed to be a ‘launching pad’ for Spanish music, some exciting acts declared their interest ahead of the submission process opening. Although the original deadline was October 29, this has since been extended to November 10.
At a press conference yesterday, RTVE announced Benidorm Fest is here to stay…at least until 2026. As reported by Eurovision Spain, the broadcaster has signed an a four-year agreement with the Generalitat Valenciana for Benidorm Fest. This is yet another confirmation of RTVE’s commitment to improving their Eurovision fortunes.
Some further details of the format have also been teased. They are considering following in the footsteps of Albania’s Festivali i Këngës and the UK’s Eurovision: You Decide in not revealing the full results of the final. Instead, only the winner may be announced. This is being considered to make artists feel more comfortable taking part.
On September 29, applications opened for lyricists, composers and performers of Spanish nationality or with permanent residency in Spain looking to participate in the revival of the Benidorm Song Festival. The current title for the selection is ‘Benidorm Fest’.
Last week, RTVE announced that they have extended the submissions window by 12 days. The new deadline for submissions will be November 10.
Benidorm Fest: What we know
In July, RTVE announced that a modernised successor of the Benidorm Song Festival will select their entry for Eurovision 2022. To be organised in collaboration with RTVE, the Generalitat Valenciana and the Benidorm City Council, it is intended that the show will run ‘annually’ to celebrate Spanish music.
Benidorm is a great launching pad for a message: Spanish music to Europe through Eurovision. We want it to be a real and participatory contest, open to all kinds of music. Especially young music.
José Manuel Pérez Tornero, President of RTVE
The President of RVTE reiterated the broadcaster’s commitment to the contest by describing the selection as a “launching pad to win in Italy. The efforts will be to launch the best candidacy.”
According to Eurovision.tv, a total of twelve acts will compete – six artists will compete in each of the semi-finals, with three progressing from each to the Grand Final.
The winner, who will receive the ticket to Eurovision, will be chosen by a 50/50 split of professional jury (60% national, 40% international) and the general public.
While exact dates have not been revealed, the final is expected to take place in late January.
Are you looking forward to Benidorm Fest? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!
