RTVE, the Spanish public broadcaster, has received a total of 876 songs for Benidorm Fest 2023. Although number of submissions is down slightly from 2022, the number of songs from record labels and publishers has increased considerably.
According to RTVE’s press release, 482 songs were submitted via web or email, while 394 were sent directly by record companies and publishing labels. Notably, the number of songs submitted by record labels and publishing companies increased by 200 compared to last year.
Further, among the submissions are a mix of new and established artists, including former Eurovision participants and acts who competed in Benidorm Fest 2022.
From the 876, 16 will be shortlisted for the televised selection, up from 13 last year, plus 6 reserve acts. Next month, the broadcaster will contact the selected artists, who will then be asked to submit final versions of their songs. Final versions of the songs must be submitted for the gala shows by November 28.
Benidorm Fest 2023 so far
Once again the shows will be hosted from the Palau Municipal d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm. Eight songs will compete in the first semi-final to be held on January 31 and the other eight will compete in the Second semi-final on February 2. The top four from each semi-final will advance to the Grand Final on Saturday February 4.
The live shows will be presented by Mónica Naranjo, who replaces previous host, Máximo Huerta, alongside more presenters who yet to be revealed.
Across all three shows, the voting will consist of a professional jury (50%), demoscopic jury (25%) and public televoting (25%). Among the professional jury includes industry music exports, as well as professionals from abroad.
Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022
Since their debut in 1961, with Conchita Bautista and ‘Estando contigo‘, the Iberian nation has participated in 61 consecutive contests. Only the United Kingdom has a longer unbroken streak. So far Spain has won the Eurovision Song Contest on two occasions. Firstly in 1968 with Massiel and ‘La la la‘ and the following year in the dramatic four-way tie, with Salomé and ‘Vivo cantando‘.
Earlier this year Chanel won the inaugural Benidorm Fest in what was one of the most hotly contested and strongest national finals of the season. From then on, the Spanish sensation captured the nation and fans worldwide to become one of the favourites to take the Eurovision crown in Turin. During the contest Chanel and the booty hypnotic ‘SloMo’, achieved third place with 459 points – the biggest ever points total for Spain and their best result since 1995.
Who do you want to see take part in Benidorm Fest 2023? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2023 Eurovision season.
