Producer Tony Grox and singer Lucycalys have won the fifth edition of Benidorm Fest with their song “Te amaré”, in a year overshadowed by Spain’s decision not to take part in Eurovision because of Israel’s participation.
The prize
The winners receive the festival’s golden mermaid trophy, €150,000 and a trip to Miami, where they will record new music and carry out promotion with the media group TelevisaUnivision.
A record low audience
The final drew the lowest television audience in the festival’s history. Spanish broadcaster RTVE nevertheless described the edition as a success and confirmed that Benidorm Fest will return next year.
Eurovision in the background
RTVE has withdrawn Spain from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in protest at Israel’s participation. During the final gala, the singer of Nebulossa appeared with a Palestinian flag painted on her chest in support of that decision. RTVE’s communications director, María Eizaguirre, said artists were free to express themselves, adding that Eurovision is part of the broadcaster’s DNA and that it hopes to return.
The winners keep to the music
Asked about the controversy, Tony Grox said they “always support RTVE’s decisions” before moving the conversation back to the music. Lucycalys said she was delighted that Benidorm Fest was supporting Spanish music and that she had “never felt so much support”. Grox said they had entered “for the music, not the competition” and described their win as unexpected against such strong artists.
For 19-year-old Lucycalys, it was a dream come true: she said she had gone from being a fan of the festival to winning it. Grox said he hoped their success would encourage other producers to step onto the stage.
Spotify prize
Singer Asha won a new award from Spotify — a trip to the company’s headquarters in Stockholm — for her song “Turista”. The independent artist said it was life-changing, explaining that starting out alone can feel impossible.
Benidorm Fest has established itself as the main showcase for new Spanish pop artists, and with no Eurovision ticket at stake this year, the festival’s role as a launchpad for careers became its main purpose.
