Tonight the first semi-final of Benidorm Fest 2023 took place. From nine competing acts, just four qualified for Saturday’s Grand Final – where Spain’s entry for Eurovision 2023 will be chosen.
The semi-final was presented by Monica Naranjó, Inés Hernand and Rodrigo Vázquez, live from Palau Municipal d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm. Just ahead of the show, RTVE announced the running order for the show. Sharonne opened with the high energy “Aire”, while Twin Melody said “Sayonara” and closed the show.
The running order was as follows:
- Sharonne – “Aire”
- Aritz Arén – “Flamenco”
- Sofía Martín – “Tuki”
- Agoney – “Quiero arder”
- Megara – “Arcadia”
- Alice Wonder – “Yo quisiera”
- Meler – “No nos moverán”
- Fusa Nocta – “Mi familia”
- Twin Melody – “Sayonara”
The full results were as follows:
| Rank | Artist | Song | Jury (50%) | Demoscopic jury (25%) | Televote (25%) | Total |
| 1 | Agoney | “Quiero arder” | 86 | 35 | 40 | 161 |
| 2 | Alice Wonder | “Yo quisiera” | 79 | 15 | 25 | 119 |
| 3 | Fusa Nocta | “Mi Familia” | 65 | 25 | 28 | 118 |
| 4 | Megara | “Arcadia” | 51 | 30 | 30 | 111 |
| 5 | Aritz Aren | “Flamenco” | 50 | 22 | 35 | 107 |
| 6 | Sharonne | “Aire” | 45 | 20 | 22 | 87 |
| 7 | Meler | “No nos moverán” | 29 | 40 | 15 | 84 |
| 8 | Twin Melody | “Sayonara” | 29 | 28 | 20 | 77 |
| 9 | Sofía Martín | “Tuki” | 22 | 13 | 13 | 48 |
Format
The voting system remains the same as last year. In all three shows, the results will be decided by a professional jury (50%), a demoscopic jury (25%) and public voting (25%). The professional jury comprised of the following Spanish and international music industry professionals:
- Christer Björkman – Former Producer of Melodifestivalen (2002-2021)
- Irene Valiente – Broadcaster
- Juan José Santana – President of OGAE Spain
- Katrina Leskanich – Winner of the Eurovision 1997
- Nicola Caligiore – Italian Head of Delegation (2011-2019)
- Nina – Represented Spain at Eurovision 1989
- Tali Eshkoli – Israeli Head of Delegation
- Wiliam Lee Adams – Founder of Wiwibloggs
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