Spain: RTVE unveils the 16 contestants for Benidorm Fest 2025

Spain’s highly anticipated Benidorm Fest 2025 lineup has finally been unveiled, and the road to discovering the country’s next Eurovision star is now officially underway. After a brief delay, RTVE has revealed today the 16 talented artists who will compete to represent Spain in Basel, Switzerland, this coming May.

With just over two months until the competition kicks off in January, fans can now start rallying behind their favorite acts, hoping to see them follow in the glittering footsteps of last year’s sensation, Nebulossa. The reveal came earlier today, with RTVE sharing the news across multiple platforms.

As the countdown to Benidorm Fest intensifies, here’s a closer look at the artists set to bring their unique sounds and style to the stage.

Benidorm Fest 2025: the participants and their songs

• Carla Frigo – “Bésame” 
• Celine Van Heel – “La Casa”
• Chica Sobresalto – “Mala Feminista”
• Daniela Blasco – “Uh nana”
• David Afonso – “Amor Barato”
• DeTeresa – “La Pena”
• Henry Semler – “No lo ves”
• J Kbello – “VIP”
• K!NGDOM – “Me gustas tu”
• Kuve – “Loca por ti”
• Lachispa – “Hartita de llorar”
• Lucas Bun – “Te escribo en el cielo”
• Mel Ömana – “I’m a Queen”
• Melody – “Esa Diva”
• Maxwot – “Rayo di Sole”
• Sonia y Selena – “Reinas”

Meet the artists of Benidorm Fest 2025:

Carla Frigo

Barcelona’s own Carla Frigo is rapidly rising in Spain’s urban music scene, blending smooth urban pop with bold trap and reggaeton vibes, taking on love, freedom, and self-expression. Her authenticity and closeness to her audience have captured the attention of thousands of followers, gaining traction thanks to her content in TikTok. 

Carla’s hyping up her Eurovision song “Bésame” as a total vibe—sensual, classy, and packed with explosive energy. She’s ready to go all in at Benidorm Fest, promising fans the show they deserve. Get ready, because she says she’s bringing her A-game to the stage. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek of her latest sound:

Celine Van Heel

Benidorm Fest is all about spotlighting new talent, and this year, Celine Van Heel is ready to shine! Though a rising star in music, she’s already made her mark as a photographer and director, working with major stars and brands. Her passion for singing and playing piano started young, but it wasn’t until a spontaneous performance in the lobby of Hotel Don Pancho in 2023 (in Benidorm) that her journey took off. That day, Alfred (Spain’s 2018 Eurovision star alongside Amaia) heard her play, and ever since, they’ve been collaborating on Celine’s debut album.

Her first single will be “La Casa” – her 2025 Eurovision offering. This is a bold track about love, heartbreak, and embracing her power as a woman ready to move on. For now, here’s some more of her: 

Chica Sobresalto

Maialen, better known as Chica Sobresalto, has finally taken the leap after three years of planning. She first made waves on the music scene during the eleventh edition of Operación Triunfo, especially with her standout performance of “Dinamita” by La Bien Querida in Gala 4, where she rocked a heroine costume that embodied her alter ego. While in the academy, she dropped her debut single “Oxitocina,” which quickly became a hit, racking up nearly one and a half million views on YouTube and two million streams on Spotify.

Her Eurovision song is called “Mala Femisista” and talks about guilt. It’s dedicated to the women who are put obstacles in our way and, on top of that, are expected to be empowered. Here’s “Navegantes (En pendura)” – one of her freshest music released:

Daniela Blasco

Daniela, a rising star from Palma de Mallorca, has been killing it in dance, music, and social media since she was a kid. With training in top academies in Los Angeles, she’s become a powerhouse performer ready to take on the Benidorm Fest contest. Not only does her voice have people talking as one of the most powerful new talents in music, but she’s also a force in urban dance, winning major competitions like Urban Display and Hip Hop International.

Her competing track, “Uh Nana,” is set to be an absolute anthem—explosive and packed with a vibe that’ll have everyone dancing. In the meantime, here’s more of Daniela Blasco:

David Afonso

David Afonso’s musical journey started at just 8 years old, performing Latin music at various events, and by 2004, he was already making waves in the kids’ contest Veo, veo, where he placed third overall and second in vocals. Fast forward to 2010, and he’s leading the stage as a singer in the Latin orchestra Melodía Latina. After a successful run with The Boys Machine, David recorded his first music video in 2012 and toured Galicia until 2016.

“Amor Barato,” is a fusion of Latin rhythms with a fresh new style, blending genres in a way that’s sure to get everyone moving. But, for now, here’s more of David:

DeTeresa

Inés Ramos de Teresa is a rising star from Madrid, blending innovation and passion in every note. Born in 1996, she’s quickly captured the attention of Spain’s music scene, with her intensity and unique compositions positioning her as a voice of her generation. A graduate in composition and music production from the British Institute of Modern Music in Brighton, Inés’ diverse background in singing, dancing, and musical theater has shaped her dynamic style.

Her Eurovision track, “La Pena,” will hit hard with its raw emotions, reflecting the struggles many face in romantic relationships. As we wait to hear her song, here’s more of her:

Henry Semler

This rising artist hit the scene in 2020 when he moved to Madrid and kicked off his solo career. Since then, he’s dropped five singles and an EP, showcasing his authentic blend of soul, rock, and pop. Born in the U.S. but raised by the Mediterranean, Henry’s music carries influences from legends like James Taylor, Leon Bridges, and John Mayer, but he’s added his own twist with Spanish lyrics.

He describes “No Lo Ves,” as a raw, emotional song about someone who used to love you but no longer sees you or offers anything good. In the meantime while we wait, here’s more of him:

J Kbello

Jesús Cabello Pozo, aka J Kbello, made the leap from urban dance to music, bringing his passion for rhythm and self-expression to the stage in a whole new way. After starting his career in dance, he began exploring music by learning various instruments, expanding his artistic reach. The real breakthrough came when he competed on Cover Night, the show that uncovers fresh talent. His impressive performances earned him second place, cementing his status as a versatile artist with both vocal chops and a unique style.

His Eurovision competing song – “VIP” – is all about the electric feeling of love at first sight. As for now, here’s more of J Kbello:

K!NGDOM

The electronic pop trio, made up of Ane Rada, Iván Ramírez, and Jorge Gomis, has quickly become one of the most exciting new acts in the scene. Formed in 2019, they’re known for their infectious blend of synthesizers and energy that hooks anyone who hears them. Iván and Jorge first crossed paths at the Faculty of Audiovisual Communication in Valencia, but it wasn’t until later that they really started crafting their sound in the studio, eventually releasing their debut self-titled album in 2019, followed by their EP Quiero meterme en tu cama in 2020. 

The Benidorm Fest process is no new to K!NGDOM. The band has tried every single edition since the contest first started in 2022. ‘Third time is a charm’ turned out to be four for them. 

“Me Gustas Tú,” is set to be a track they promise will be stuck in your head long after you hear it. Until then, here’s more of them:

Kuve

Electronic pop is making its mark in Benidorm, and Kuve is bringing the energy! This powerhouse artist has been taking her music to top Spanish festivals like Sonorama Ribera, Festival Interestelar, and Granada Sound with her “El Mundo Es Suyo” tour. Recently, she’s switched things up, taking control of her production and diving into a new era of danceable electronic pop filled with self-love and positive vibes. With four albums under her belt, Kuve is ready to light up any stage and dance floor.

Her competing song “Loca Por Ti” is all about true love, the kind that lifts you up and takes care of you. In the meantime, here more of her sound:

LaChispa

Flamenco is making a fierce return to Benidorm Fest with Lachispa, aka Claudia Gómez Galindo! Hailing from Chiclana, Lachispa first caught the spotlight on “Juan y Medio“, and soon after, she was touring Andalusia, rocking stages in Córdoba, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, and more. She’s shared the stage with some flamenco legends like Niña Pastori and India Martínez, but it was Rosalía who really took notice, adding her to her team of backing vocalists. Lachispa’s been touring iconic stages from the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas to New York and Miami, and now, she’s aiming for the Benidorm Fest bronze microphone.

“Hartita de llorar” is a deeply personal song that takes listeners on an emotional journey, ready to be interpreted in any way they feel. Here’s more of her:

Lucas Bun

This artist blends everything from electronics and trip-hop to flamenco, avant-garde pop, and alternative R&B, creating a sound that’s uniquely his. Known for his elusive shyness, Lucas doesn’t follow any one aesthetic but instead sprinkles his work with standout jewels that make his style instantly recognizable. A Berklee grad, he’s got serious credentials, backed by Colombian producer Julio Reyes, a 14-time Grammy winner. Together, they’ve crafted hits like “Caída del cielo,” which has already racked up nearly 220,000 views on YouTube.

“Te Escribo en el Cielo” is deeply personal: “I wrote it for my mother, who passed away a year ago. It really moves me every time I think of her.” Until then, here’s more of Lucas Bun:

Mel Ömana

Melodía Pérez (aka Mel Ömana) is a force to be reckoned with, and she’s bringing her eclectic style to Benidorm! Hailing from Gran Canaria and born in 1989, Melodía is a true artist who blends genres and defies labels. Singer, songwriter, dancer, producer, and actress—she does it all and does it her way. Her creative influences are just as diverse, with soul, reggae, and jazz playing major roles in shaping her music. Mel’s also drawn inspiration from her time in Cuba and Portugal, mixing her Latin roots with the rich cultural vibes of the Canary Islands.

She defines her participating song as an empowering anthem. “I’m the Queen” is all about the queen that lives within each of us, reminding everyone to embrace their power. As we crave to listen to her song, here’s some of her freshest sound: 

Melody

Melody is back, and she’s bringing the fire to the Spanish pre-selection! The Sevillian icon is returning to the spotlight 16 years after her second-place finish in Eurovisión 2009: El retorno with “Amante de la luna.”

Known worldwide for her iconic hits like “El baile del gorila” and “De pata negra,” Melody first stole the nation’s heart at just 10 years old. Her debut album “De pata negra” earned a Latin Grammy nomination in 2002, and her songs became the ultimate summer anthems. Now, two decades later, Melody continues to reign with six studio albums, including her latest releases “Parapapá” and “Rúmbame“. She’s also made her mark in TV and film, from “Arde Madrid” to “La Casa de las Flores“.

Her Eurovision entry is called “Esa diva”. Be aware, this isn’t your typical diva anthem—it’s all about embracing your inner diva, because – as Melody say – “we are all divas.” As we wait to discover, here’s more of Melody:

Mawot

Roberto Comins is making a comeback, returning to the stage where it all began! His musical journey started with his participation in the 2001 Benidorm Festival, and since then, he’s been busy producing for other artists. Now, he’s decided to retrace his steps and get back to his true place of expression: the stage.

Born in Castellón in 1973, Roberto’s love for music started early, thanks to his father, who introduced him to disco legends like Modern Talking and Boney M. The “Thriller” music video by Michael Jackson was a game-changer for him in the ’80s, sparking his desire to pursue music. At 17, his dad gifted him a Roland E-70 keyboard, and that was the spark that ignited his songwriting passion.

“Rayo di Sole” it’s the title of his participating song. The track is all about reconnecting with your inner child and dreaming big. Here’s more of him:

Sonia y Selena

After 23 years of their hit “Yo quiero bailar”, Sonia and Selena reunite for their fans who have been craving their return to the stage! The iconic Latin pop duo is not just celebrating their big comeback, but they’re also taking another shot at the Spanish Eurovision pre-selection. Back in 2001, they almost represented Spain with that unforgettable track in Eurocanción—now, they’re ready for round two!

Sonia Madoc and Selena Leo became household names in the early 2000s with their smash album Yo quiero bailar, which sold 1.5 million copies in Spain and Latin America, earning them multiple Gold and Platinum Discs. But after just over a year of dominance, the duo parted ways to pursue solo careers.

Now, they’re back together, and when they were offered “Reinas”, they couldn’t hold back the tears. Here’s some real nostalgia until we wait for their big comeback:

Benidorm Fest 2025

The show is roughly two-months away until it kicks off. This year, RTVE saw an influx of nearly 1,000 song entries — a new high for Benidorm Fest. 

From Madrid, César Vallejo, Benidorm Fest’s co-director, highlighted the impressive diversity of genres in this year’s lineup, noting the challenging selection process. “Many outstanding entries couldn’t make it through,” he shared. César also clarified that, unlike in past years when RTVE extended direct invitations to established artists, this time, every single submission—including those of the chosen participants for Benidorm Fest 2025—came in through the same song submission form.

For all you fans already wondering, yes, we have a song release date! RTVE plans to release the songs through RTVE Play next December 18, in roughly one month time. Stay tunned!

Are you excited for Benidorm Fest 2025? Who has caught your attention? Let us know in the comment section below!