Spain 2025: 16 'Benidorm Fest' artists revealed
12 November 2024 at 12:00 CETZorristas assemble!
After the ceremonious crowning of Nebulossa back in February, we're heading back to Spain's Costa Blanca in early 2025 - as Benidorm Fest returns to our screens for three nights of Eurovision pre-selection entertainment.
16 artists will compete in what will be the 4th edition of Spain's national final. We'll have two semi-finals on Tuesday 28 January and Thursday 30 January, followed by a final on Saturday 1 February.
The winner will get to represent Spain at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel.
By now, anyone who has tuned into past editions of Benidorm Fest will know that we can expect a veritable tapas menu of bops and beauts to add to our on-repeat playlists each year.
The lineups from 2022 to 2024 have each offered up a welcome showcase of what the various scenes within the Spanish music industry are sounding like right now.
And now, we've got the next lineup of talented artists to delve into!
On Tuesday 12 November, Spanish broadcaster RTVE unveiled the 16 names that we can look forward to hearing more from at Benidorm Fest 2025. The songs are set to be released on 18 December.
Vamos! Let's get discovering:
Carla Frigo
Carla Frigo has always walked the fine line between being an artist and a super influencer. Since her early years, her presence on social media has been remarkable, and now, Carla seeks to merge her passion for music with her influential status. This young singer-songwriter from Barcelona, now based in Costa Brava, began her career with Warner Music Spain in 2020, spending three years in the national urban scene. Yet, Carla felt the need to find her true musical identity. She took a step back to redefine her career and began creating the music she always envisioned.
Her musical inspirations include INNA, FISHER, Tiësto, Bebe Rexha and Jess Glynne. She has also collaborated with international producers such as HUGEL and national talents like allnight (known for working with LUNA KI) and The Iconics (Lola Índigo’s producers). Her music is vibrant, fresh, sensual and sexy, capturing the essence of sun and sea, as well as nightlife’s allure. Carla Frigo plans to release her debut album in early 2025, a pure eurodance collection crafted for club scenes.
Celine Van Heel
Celine Van Heel, a 29-year-old Spanish-Dutch artist, was born in Athens and has lived in cities that have left a profound impact on her, including Berlin, Paris, Stockholm, Los Angeles and Madrid. She speaks 5 languages and works as a photographer and director. Her professional journey in the audiovisual world began unexpectedly during the quarantine when she photographed her 92-year-old grandfather, 'The Spanish King,' who became her muse. This project opened doors, leading her to work with figures like Nathy Peluso, Arón Piper and Morat, and to direct campaigns for notable brands such as Vogue, Zara, and Adidas.
In 2023, Celine accompanied her grandfather to Benidorm Fest, where she played the piano in the hotel lobby and caught the attention of artist Alfred García, who saw potential in her. Since then, they have been collaborating on her debut album. Her goal is to be one of the new Latin artists bringing a fresh vibe to the industry.
Chica Sobresalto
Maialen, known as Chica Sobresalto, is a singer, composer and instrumentalist born in 1994 in Atarrabia, Iruña. Music has been her means of expression since she was young, and her songs are a channel for emotional release. She studied music from an early age, dedicating almost all her time to writing and performing. She started by sharing her music on YouTube and performing small shows in her hometown.
In 2017, she independently released her first album, Sobresalto, hoping to find a place in the music scene. Despite the challenges, her perseverance led her to participate in Operación Triunfo in 2020, reaching the semi-finals before the programme was interrupted due to the COVID pandemic. That summer, she embarked on a successful acoustic tour across Spain and released the single Fusión del Núcleo, which went viral, garnering over a million streams in a week. In 2021, she released Sinápsis, an introspective and elegant album that reached the top of the charts in Spain. In 2023, her album Oráculo once again positioned her at the forefront of alternative pop.
Daniela Blasco
Daniela Blasco, a young and talented artist from Palma de Mallorca, stands out as a dancer, singer and influencer. She began her dance training at the age of 8 in prestigious academies such as Playground and Millennium in Los Angeles, where she developed a strong foundation in urban and commercial dance styles. Despite her young age, she has already won major competitions like Urban Display in Spain and Hip Hop International. Her talent and charisma have earned her an impressive social media following, with over 1.8 million followers on TikTok and 750,000 on Instagram.
As a singer, Daniela has released singles such as Sin Mí and Modo Avión, collaborating with renowned producers, including Grammy-winner Mr. Nais Gai and influential Spanish musician Manu Guix. Her versatility has allowed her to participate in high-profile events like UEFA’s Final Four alongside Vicco, and she even performed on stage with Justin Bieber in Madrid when she was just 11. Currently, Daniela continues to expand her music career, exploring new opportunities that solidify her place as a rising talent in the Spanish artistic scene.
DeTeresa
DeTeresa, a Madrid-based singer, songwriter and producer, is known for her innovative style and ability to fuse genres. She graduated in composition and music production from the British Institute of Modern Music in Brighton, UK, and has developed a distinctive sound influenced by her passion for cultural diversity and her training in musical theatre. In February 2023, she released her debut EP, Cristal Arcoíris, which she both wrote and produced, showcasing the creative control she had over her work.
Her latest single, PIRULÍ, released in May, quickly captured the hearts of Madrileños and generated a significant buzz on social media. This track, described as 'electro-chotis' by journalist Marta González Novo, merges modern and traditional sounds to reflect the essence of Madrid. The song not only went viral but was also highlighted by major media outlets, even reaching Madrid’s iconic RTVE communications tower, El Pirulí. In 2024, DeTeresa plans to release more music that continues this line of innovation, solidifying her status as one of Spain’s most creative artists.
David Afonso
David Afonso Hernández, 31 years of age and based in Tenerife, Spain, has spent more than two decades dedicated to Latin music. His career began in 2001, performing at local events. In 2004, he achieved second place in the vocals category of the children’s contest Veo Veo, hosted by Teresa Rabal, which gave him visibility and marked the start of his musical journey. Since 2010, he has been a regular presence in the Canary Islands’ most prominent orchestras, performing as a singer with groups like The Boys Machine and Nueva Fuerza alongside El Combo Dominicano, with whom he toured Galicia across various summers and carnivals.
Since 2019, David has been a part of Tenerife’s established orchestra La Sabrosa, where he continues to captivate audiences with his talent. He has also appeared on television shows such as Luar and Aquí Galicia on Galician TV, broadening his reach beyond the islands.
Henry Semler
Born in the United States and raised in Barcelona, Henry Semler is an artist who began developing his musical talent at the age of 14, inspired by artists like James Taylor, Bon Iver, Ben Howard and John Mayer. From a young age, he started learning guitar and writing songs, influenced by the warmth and emotion of these musicians. After returning to Barcelona, he spent two years performing in bars and music clubs throughout the city, honing his stage presence and gaining experience with live audiences.
In late 2020, Henry decided to move to Madrid to launch his solo project. Since then, he has released five singles and a 6-song EP, establishing himself in the independent music scene. In 2024, Henry has focused his energy on creating his upcoming album, LOVERBOY, in collaboration with producer and artist Gèrard Rodríguez. This album marks a new chapter in his career, with its first single, DÍMELO, offering a glimpse into his artistic evolution. Also in 2024, Henry joined a European tour as a musician for the artist Iñigo Quintero, performing in countries like France, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany, and participating in major festivals such as Rock in Rio Lisboa, Sziget (Budapest), and Sonorama.
J KBello
The artist J KBello, born Jesús Cabello Pozo, began his career in urban dance. Always passionate about music, he expanded his skills by learning to play various instruments. Soon afterwards, the artist embarked on his journey as a singer.
His talent and charisma earned him widespread popularity when he placed second on TVE1’s show COVER NIGHT, marking a turning point in his artistic career.
KUVE
KUVE is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Murcia who has been passionate about music since childhood. She always knew her life would revolve around the stage, a passion that has driven her to perform at venues and festivals throughout Spain, establishing her place in the national music scene. Her energy and stage presence captivate audiences and critics alike, making each performance a reflection of her dedication and authenticity.
In her recent work, KUVE blends pop with danceable electronic sounds, showing her most honest and direct side. Her songs focus on themes of personal confidence, self-love, and empowerment, resonating deeply with her audience. Now, as she takes on a key role in producing her own music, KUVE enters a vibrant and energetic new phase, proving her ability to energise any dance floor. She is an artist in constant evolution, ready for everything that lies ahead.
Lachispa
Lachispa is a young artist from Chiclana known for her unique ability to reinterpret flamenco from a fresh generational perspective. Her specialty lies in drawing elements from traditional flamenco and transforming them, creating a unique style that fuses classical 'jondo' influences with modern urban sounds. With a deep understanding of Andalusian musical tradition, combined with contemporary codes and languages, she has refined an artistic identity that promises a solid future.
Widely recognised by the most dedicated flamenco purists, Lachispa skillfully incorporates urban elements into her music, resulting in performances that are both respectful and soulful, yet joyful and profound. Her powerful voice and captivating presence earned her a spot singing backup for Rosalía when she was just 17. 5 years later, what were once promises of a bright future have become a reality, solidifying her position as one of the most compelling female voices in the new flamenco scene.
Lucas Bun
Described as “the singer with the golden voice” by Jordi Bianciotto in El Periódico, Lucas Bun stands out for his radiant vocals, impressive high notes, and captivating clarity. With a one-of-a-kind vocal tone that feels timeless and contemporary, his compositions combine art pop with electronic avant-garde, creating an emotional connection with listeners. His style reflects a unique artistic sensitivity and a profound connection to music.
Growing up on the Costa Brava, Lucas was initially a professional equestrian before deciding to devote himself fully to music. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston and earning the support of Julio Reyes, Lucas made his album debut in 2023; titled Por Empezar, it was a self-produced release. This launch gained him attention from media outlets like Rockdelux, which wondered if a new star had been born in the music scene.
Mawot
Mawot began his career as an artist at the historic Festival de Benidorm before retreating to the shadows to work as a producer for others. Now, he has returned to the stage to reclaim his own space and connect with audiences in his true element. His creative work reflects a limitless imagination and a love for the unknown, a journey he shares with his son Jon.
Mawot’s own biography may remain unwritten, but his legacy will live on in his art, and perhaps in a video game that captures his unique vision. Every aspect of his work - music, production, costume design, songwriting, performance, photography, directing and special effects - has been crafted in a small studio in Hortaleza, Madrid. With a dark aesthetic and a deeply personal approach, Mawot continues to work intensely, bringing his singular artistic universe to life.
Melody
With over 25 years on stage, Melody is an established Spanish pop artist known for her musical talent, charisma, and energy. Since her first hit at just 10 years old with El Baile Del Gorila, she has maintained a special connection with audiences, captivating generations and topping the charts in more than 15 countries. Throughout her career, she has released 6 albums, with recent hits like Bandido and Mujer Loba helping cement her success.
Beyond her music career, Melody has demonstrated her versatility on television, where her humour and charm have delighted viewers. She has appeared on popular shows such as Tu Cara Me Suena and in Paco León’s series Arde Madrid, showcasing her talent for entertainment and her ability to reinvent herself. Melody remains a passionate and multifaceted artist, always ready to surprise her fans with something new.
Mel Ömana
Mel Ömana, whose full name means 'Melody', always seemed destined to live a life steeped in music. A singer, songwriter, dancer, producer and actress, her work spans a variety of genres, including soul, reggae, funk and Cuban son; all showcasing her artistic versatility. Her projects and performances highlight a creative range that shines through both her music and her stage presence.
Mel has performed at major music festivals across the Canary Islands and has been actively involved in campaigns against gender violence and for the inclusion of marginalised groups. She has received multiple Clickers Awards from LOS40 Canarias, and in 2023, she was recognised as Best Artist from the Canary Islands. In 2024, Mel will release a new album and perform at the after-party for the Goya Awards, reinforcing her position as one of the most influential and socially conscious artists of her generation.
Sonia y Selena
Sonia y Selena, the iconic Latin pop duo formed by Sonia Madoc and Selena Leo, achieved massive success in 2001 with their hit song Yo Quiero Bailar. The dance-pop hit was included in that year's Spanish pre-selection for Eurovision. Despite not winning, the song, which also titled their debut album, quickly became the summer anthem of the year and topped charts in numerous countries, becoming a landmark of Latin pop. Their success was so great that they participated in the Eurocanción festival again, and released additional hits such as Deja Que Mueva, Mueva, Mueva and Tequila.
Despite their brief but intense success as a duo, the group disbanded soon after, and both artists continued solo careers, remaining active on television and at events. In 2024, they announced their long-awaited reunion, coming together again after more than 20 years for a new chapter in their careers. With their upcoming participation in Benidorm Fest, Sonia y Selena promise an unforgettable return that is sure to excite fans and make waves in the current music scene.
At the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in May, Spain was represented by Benidorm Fest winners Nebulossa and their song ZORRA.
The synth-pop party starter picked up 30 points and ended up in 22nd place at the Grand Final.
You can listen to all 37 songs of Eurovision 2024 via your favourite streaming service or watch the music videos on our YouTube channel.
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