Spain’s Benidorm Fest 2022 is hotting up. On December 10, Spanish Broadcaster RTVE surprised fans in a special press conference by confirming not 12, but 14 acts hoping to represent Spain at Eurovision 2022.
And today RTVE has finally released all the competing songs. The official release was expected for December 23, but RTVE teased that they would likely come out sooner. Thankfully they kept their word.
RTVE plans to hold a special press conference with the entire line-up to celebrate the songs’ release. It will take place on Thursday and may coincide with RTVE confirming the long-awaited dates.
In any case, here are the fourteen competing songs for Benidorm Fest 2022.
Benidorm Fest 2022 – complete line-up and songs
Note: we have included the official videos or lyric videos when possible, as artists themselves have been releasing their songs across different platforms.
Azúcar Moreno – “Postureo”
The beloved Spanish duo and Eurovision 1990 representatives with “Bandido” are back. “Postureo” is all about dancing and enjoying the force of a catchy melody, performed by two of the most unmistakable and iconic voices on the Spanish musical scene. Their competing song for Benidorm gathers the essence of the Spanish duo and features a fusion of sounds, including the Spanish guitar and Arabic reminiscences. Their song does not only includes Flamenco, but wraps it up in a contemporary sound.
Blanca Paloma – “Secreto de Agua”
Blanca is an emerging artist who has mainly performed in theatre and has always been behind the scenes. Now, she’s going for the biggest stage in Europe in Turin. Her song “Secreto de Agua” is no secreto if you have followed RTVE’s documentary series Lucía en la Telaraña. Blanca’s competing song is the documentary’s main theme. This is the first studio recorded song of her musical career.
Chanel – “SloMo”
Chanel is a multifaceted artist, from acting to dancing, to singing. She has journeyed all across Spain doing musicals. Her song “SloMo” pretends to hit not only Benidorm’s dancefloor, but any dancefloor. This is a pop-dance track with urban and latin essences, a composition of Leroy Sánchez (ESC 2021 songwriter for Spain), Keith Harris, Ibere Fortes, Maggie Szabos and Arjen Thonen.
Gonzalo Hermida – “Quién lo diría”
Singer and songwriter Gonzalo Hermida has experience in the industry, having worked next to Spanish names like Malú, India Martínez or Antonio José. His song “Quién lo diría” is a romantic ballad he composed next to David Santisteban (who was behind Spain’s JESC 2019 with “Marte”). Gonzalo explores with his song a genre that knows success in Spain and aims to captivate the hearts of everyone.
Javiera Mena – “Culpa”
Electropop icon, singer and songwriter Javiera Mena is originally from Chile, but resides in Spain. Her song “Culpa” might not be new for some fans, as her song was available from October. She describes her song as a “pop/dance purge with a French House twist on the feeling of guilt.” RTVE explains that this electropop piece would be one of the most original and unique candidacies with which Spain has participated in Eurovision.
Luna Ki – “Voy a Morir”
The futuristic vision that the artist holds has turned Luna Ki into a performer with a sound that leaves no one indifferent. “Voy a Morir” is an alternative rock piece inspired by the anime universe. The artist describes “Voy a Morir” as “the experience of a painful and dependent love relationship, in which life is meaningless without the loved one.” This is one of the most daring entries for Benidorm Fest 2022. The artist has worked next to Allnightproducer, Vanity Vercetti and Digital Geass for this song.
Marta Sango – “Sigues en mi Mente”
Operación Triunfo 2018 contestant Marta Sánchez Gómez – known as Marta Sango – is not missing Benidorm. “Sigues en mi Mente” is a retropop piece that pulses 80s beats, much in line with what will become Marta Sango’s first studio album next Spring. Her song is her own composition next to Marco Frías and Mané López, and is all about “the memory of a past relationship.”
Rayden – “Calle de la Llorería”
Writer and rapper David Martínez Álvarez – known as Rayden – has worked next to big names in Spain’s music industry like Pablo López, Leiva, Rozalén and Bely Basarte. He composed himself “Calle de la Llorería” and has also participated in its production next to François Legoffic.
Rigoberta Bandini – “Ay mamá”
Paula Ribó González – known as Rigoberta Bandini – is one of the hottest names in Spain’s music industry. “Ay mamá” is a feminist hymn with which Rigoberta Bandini vindicates the beauty of the female body, motherhood and all women. She composed herself her competing song, next to Estebana Navarro Dordal and Stefano Maccarroney. “Ay mamá” keeps the same essence of Rigoberta Bandini with which has captivated the Spanish audience during this year.
Sara Deop – “Make you say”
Emerging artist Sara Deop started her career after her journey on The Voice Kids Spain back in 2017. Now she moves on to the big stage of Eurovision with her competing song “Make you say.” This is an urban and very international piece that RTVE describes as a “top-scorer” if selected for Eurovision 2022. The team behind this song includes Leroy Sánchez, Kamille and Goldfingers.
Tanxugueiras – “Terra”
Strong, brave and empowered are the three attributes that best describe this three-piece group. Olaia Maneiro, Aida Tarrío and Sabela Maneiro come from Galicia to Eurovision in Galician, the first attempt within Spain of sending a song in one of the four main languages of the country. Tanxugueiras will try Eurovision with a song that draws on Celtic music and the most ancient folklore of its region. “Terra” its entirely in Galician, but includes the lyrics “No hay fronteras” in all the co-official languages of Spain.
Unique- “Mejores”
Matt, Arman, Dany and Valen are Unique, a Spanish boy band that is becoming a sensation in Spain. They come to Benidorm to deliver a fiesta for y’all with great energy, positiviy and Latin and urban rhythms. That’s the mood behind “Mejores”, a piece that comes from Marco Dettoni, Manu Chalud, Armando Valenzuela, Carlos Almazán, Javier López and Raúl Madroñal. Both, songwriters and Unique, agreed with the idea of creating an anthem of unity with “Mejores.”
Varry Brava – “Raffaella”
Fun, unprejudiced, shameless and hedonistic characterize Varry Brava. And yes! Their competing song does indeed refer to the one and only Raffaella Carrà as it will serve as an homage to her figure. As they tell RTVE, they wanted to make a Eurovision song powerful, full of energy and emotion. However, the process of their song hasn’t always had Raffaella as their main focus. As they explain – “we began the composition by paying tribute to our favourite authors and interpreters Manuel Alejandro, Julio Iglesias and Raphael. As the song progressed, the spirit of Raffaella crossed us like a shooting star on the road and we simply let ourselves be carried away by her drive and influence.”
Xeinn – “Eco”
Xeinn is a 23-year old artist that comes from Madrid and started his career early by uploading covers on YouTube. He is now entering a process to gain access at one of the biggest stages in the world. His song “Eco” is backed with a team that has already met Eurovision triumph, as includes Carlos Marco, Jimmy Jansson, Marcus Winther and Thomas G:son. “Eco” is a pop track with Synth pop and R&B influences that explores the moment when you find your soulmate.
Benidorm Fest 2022
Having the artists and their songs, Benidorm Fest 2022 is ready for its phases 3 and 4: the semifinals and the Finale. As noted in the artist release day, RTVE decided to increase the confirmed artist limit to 14, instead of 12, due to the high quality of entries received during the first two phases. This means that two semifinals will now feature seven acts each, instead of six, and the Finale will boast eight finalists, instead of six. A total of four acts can now qualify from each semifinal.
The Spanish Broadcaster is celebrating this Thursday a special press event with the whole line-up to celebrate their songs launch day. Rumours have it, the dates will be announced by then. So far, that’s the missing piece of Benidorm Fest that is set to take place during the last week of January in the Palau Municial d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm.
What do you think? Are you excited for Benidorm Fest 2022? Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comment section below!
In my opinion the best song by far is Secreto de Agua. I even doubt any other country will choose a better song than this one. Problem with ESC is that it is a show and most of the audience -possible voters- watch the show (as opposed to listen to the songs).
Dreadful, the whole lot of them. Who chooses these songs?
They are not dreadfiul the whole of them. You might not like them but your liking or not liking does not make things dread or undreadful.
Your opinion is just your opinion and it does not shape the world.
Ay mamá a toda madre. 🙂
LUNA KI FOR THE WINN! <3
she is so different & that song is absolutely fantastic! i seriously hope she’ll be able to go to eurovision, even if it’s not in 2022!!
Sara Deop’s “Make you say” still isn’t on Spotify…
Terra is so good! I noticed it is not in Spanish but in some minority language, that makes it sound even more cooler for me. I hope it won’t be a problem to voters; Spain rarely sends something that isn’t in Spanish (Barei was the last one, if I’m correct).
Terra is Galician, a language spoken in Northwest Spain, near the Portuguese border.
Mostly in Galician, but translations of the phrase ”Non hai fronteiras” in Basque, spanish, and catalan appear in the lyrics
Azucar amoreno is the best clearly and hope they win! Love the vibes
I’m yet to be done listening to all of them, and I might need a second take, but so far I like what I see and hear.
I’m torn because Tanxugueiras stood out before the entries were released, and they delivered, but I didn’t expect others to catch up, so I don’t have a winner atm.
I must wait for the live performances, where I think I might have a personal winner. However, I think it’ll be a tight race.
Terra is one of those major moments in national final season that will determine the quality of the contest in May. If it wins, then that is already a massive improvement in overall quality. If it doesn’t…Spain missed their chance and viewers across the world will never get to hear the song.
Spain, do NOT mess this one up.
Don’t tell us how to vote, darling. We’re mature enough to make our own choices.
Terra is soooo goood <3
I don’t care with the down-votes to come but honestly in my own opinion this selections is weak, all are in limited genre and most songs are upbeat as if there’s no more option but to choose who’s the one gonna rock the audience attention most. Azúcar Morenosong will be a shadow of bandido and that’s not a good sign. The only promising I see and interest me is Rayden because of the video but if ever they are choosen and they won’t showcase a risky provocative stage presentation like in their promotional video then the song and performance still… Read more »
Rock the audience attention most?? Wow we have an expert among us… You cannot predict what will rock the audience attention: last year it was a rock band, year before a man playing the piano, year before that a young lady making chicken sounds.
Come on Gonzalo
“Calle de la Lloreria” is probably the only competitive one.
When was the last time Spain sent a song as good as *any* of the entries in Benidorm this year? This is what we’ve wanted and lowkey *expected* a country like Spain to give us for so long
Chanel and Eco. Quite a good selection but those stand out for me.
My favourite so far is “Mejores”, followed by “Calle de la Lloreria” and “Secreto de agua”
I can speak and understand Spanish but it´s not my native language
This is so dissapointing.. Spain has so much potential and have so many good artists, composer and cultural instruments. Usually they come with really sleepy ballads that always end up at bottom 5. There’s only like 2 songs that could get near the top 10.. rest of them will probably end up at the bottom 5 or few more in the middle. So many people have high expectations for spain abroad, cuz they have some big ass potential and hits. and this is everything they got? I’m sorry if i sound negative, but it’s because the expectations were much higher… Read more »
Raffaella and Ay Mamá best songs. The most original and catchy songs of the entire competition.
Oh my god!!!!! We have the same favorites! I really didn’t expect there would be anyone else who likes Raffaella, I thought I was the only one! I’m not sure whether it will win, but it’s sure to do well with the juries.
i personally like blanca paloma’s entry the most. it’s different than most entries we hear, but i’m worried it won’t do well with juries.
This will be the best national final of 2022. No filler songs, well produced entries, many contenders. Spain is in it to win it and they will do so within the next 5 years
I love Luna Ki’s song!
For me, it’s Rayden. Instant love. But I also like Blanca and Tanxugueiras (who seem to be the favorites). Great selection overall. Choose wisely, dear neighbors. Don’t mess this up, please xD
Tanxugueiras, Varry Brava, Rayden and Azúcar Moreno are stunning here, also Luna Ki (even if the lyrics are maybe a little too daring for ESC in my opinion). And what can I say about Blanca Paloma and Xeinn? Two potential dark horses. I believe all of them will do pretty well on ESC! PLEASE CHOOSE WISELY SPAIN!
Yes, this time I have really high hopes for Spain! Lots of the songs have some really good lyrics, and I don’t find any song actually bad. Spain could even end up winning Eurovision like you said. Hope that will happen, because Spain has been on a losing streak for way too long.
Stop sleeping on ECO. That’s a masterpiece!!!!!! I mean the melody is very similar to Light-Switch by Charli Puth but it’s still a BOP!!!!!!! I’m here for ECO just saynig. Shout out to Little Mix’s 5th member Kamille who wrote the chorus of Make U Say !!!! If only the other parts of the song were different…….
It’s really similar to Raylee’s song Hero, from last year in MGP. But this isn’t just as great. But it’s a good song tho.
It’s way better and more modern than Hero.
I really like this selection.
1. Rigoberta Bandini. Huge song, huge lyrics.
2. Tanxugueiras. Love it.
3. Javiera Mena
4. Luna Ki
Azucar Moreno all the way babe <3 Postureo is a bop we need rn in ESC <3 PLEASE SPAINNNNN SEND THOSE QUEENS <3
It’s a good selection and I can’t see Spain outright flopping with any of them.
I’m in love with half of the songs! This is exciting!
Rayden can win ESC 2022 with a rap song just like Maneskin won with a rock song, just saying.
but Mahmood could not, js~
Blanca Paloma – “Secreto de Agua” is so stunning
Tanxugueiras – “Terra” is so cool
I’m Spanish, and my favs are Terra, CDLLL and Ay Mama. (The 2 first if Ichoose with Eurovision in mind, Ay Mama is something I’d listen for myself but a bit too soft compared to the other two, and I don’t know if Rigoberta is allowed to say boob on stage lol.) The others are good but these 3 are the most unique to me. I feel like a lot of people bothered to check the meaning of lyrics of Soldi or Russian women, I hope they will also check these 🙂 Culpa and Voy A Morir have a certain… Read more »
Secreto de Agua is out of this world. If it wins, it would definitely be one of my favourite songs this Eurovision.
I agree, it’s reallya unique style not seen in eurovision a lot. I’m only reminded of Elina Nechayeva’s song ”Remedy” in EL. Not my favourite but still GREAT.
All I can say is I’m so happy with this line up. A very recognizable Spanish example. I miss indie rock or alternative rock, but maybe next year. I have to point I’m amazed the production is on point in all of them, which is something I though I’d never say about a Spanish NF. There’s future in this NF. This is the energy kick we needed to star enjoying our participation in Eurovision. I’d personally go for Tanxugueiras, Luna Ki (let’s see if she can sing live with or wothout the vocal effects), Rayden and Varry Brava. In a… Read more »
I agree with the majority – Spain has put an effort to make this selection diverse and contemporary. My advice this May was listened to, as these songs show serious moving away from often seen Spanish ESC tropes. I’ll need another take to see which song(s) I like the best (there are several I really liked on my first listening), but there is so much to appreciate here. So much. Even the songs that didn’t sit right away with me feel creative. Good job, Spain!
Tanxugueiras is Spain’s Go_A: authentic, mesmerizing, cultural. I hope this wins so Europe is introduced to this treasure.
Here’s the difference a motivated HoD with bold plans and a modern mindset can do for a country in Eurovision. Really good selection, with solid options both on the out of the box and on the conventional fields. For now, I’m between Rayden and Tanxugueiras, but I also like Rigoberta and Varry Brava. I imagine Chanel, Luna Ki and Marta Sangó are in contention too and it’s cool to see how Azúcar Moreno keeps having so much vitality on them, because their song is a true bop.
This is an insanely amazing song selection, and it feels like no matter what Spain picks out of this the quality of the song itself will be MILES over what they have been sending for these last 5 years or so! :-O Call me impressed, and after one first list the ones that sticks with me the most are… Azúcar Moreno (Such a fantastic classic “Eurovision Party” song. <3)Gonzalo Hermida (Hauntingly beautiful voice!) Rayden (Gives me real “Mahmood” vibes.) Tanxugueiras (What is even this ritual like cult call?! Feels so scary, and yet so inviting at the same time! My… Read more »
Weak songs from Spain , its difficult to understand one country have great musical industry send this songs to represent in one big contest like eurovison
Wtf
Totally agree with you! I expected more, I don’t like these songs very much. I’ll give them another chance listening the songs again but… yeah, I expected something more. I’m not as excited as everybody are.
so true!!!!!! Make U Say could have been a bop!!!!! they gotta change everything except the chorus. Shout out to our sister Kamille
I totally agree.
Why this comment ? With the exception of “Eco” (which is mad by suedes) all the entries are produced in Spain.
That’s not true
Luis Miguel for 2023?
Azúcar Moreno are just true to their roots and would be a nice addition to an ESC. It’s fiesta! By no means their song is wowza, but I’ll cheer for them.
They’ve already been to Eurovision over 30 years ago, so they’re not here to win, they’re here to bring some culture
Please listen to Zapala (??????) by Kazka, Postureo has the same kind of folk tune, is this plagiarism?
I did some researching of some songs for the same beat and yeah it ain’t plagiarized. Army of Love by Bella Santiago and Chameleon by Michella has at least a variant of the drop.
Azúcar and Rayden. Good selection overall…
1. Tanxugueiras
2. Chanel
3. XEINN
All the others are uninteresting to me
for me it’s XEINN and the chorus of Make U Say
Instead of picking a favourite, I want to praise the standard all around. There’s so many songs here I would be happy to see win here. A very fun selection process and I can’t wait to watch!
i like 3 songs the most:Rigoberta Bandini “Ay mamá”Rayden “Calle de la Llorería”Tanxugueiras “Terra”(they’re not in order)
everyone in here seems to have a different favorite, that shows how unexpectedly good this selection is. i’m happy rtve is finally trying !
The most current and with a chance to win in Benidorm is Chanel – “SloMo”..possibly will do very well also at ESC.The rest are nothing special..Many songs with distorted voices aka fake voices.
Terra could have been better. Unique and traditional but is missing that oomph! It starts really well but it leads to nowhere.
Tanxugueiras could win Eurovision. I rarely get winners vibes from national selection songs, but this is on another level. Don’t mess it up, España!
‘Culpa’ or ‘Terra’, please <3
Where’s the love for Azucar Moreno?? This would be such an iconic return! “Postureo” all the way baby!
I agree, it’s wonderfully catchy and a natural continuation of Bandido. A good choice if it were to win
Wow, This is rare! (Almost) All of the eurovision fandom in agreement that something is really good. I love this selection and hope we’ll see great things from Benidorm future years.