As the energy rises inside the Palau d’Esports l’Illa in Benidorm, the first semifinal rehearsals of Benidorm Fest 2026 are now underway. With nine diverse acts preparing to take the stage on February 10, the arena has become a melting pot of soundchecks, last-minute tweaks and first impressions that don’t always match expectation.
Our Spanish correspondent Antonio Soriano brings you all the first impressions from the rehearsal of first semi-final of Benidorm Fest 2026.
1. KITAI – 'El Amor Te Da Miedo'
Antonio’s take: "They played a fresh bet; with their rock they conquered the stadium. The staging was quite surprising and innovative, and it lived up to the performance, as expected.
2. MarÃa León ft. Julia Medina – 'Las Damas y el Vagabundo'
Antonio’s take: "The staging was very simple, but their voices filled the stage. Their stereo vocals form a powerful voice that made the stadium vibrate."
3. Luna Ki – 'Bomba de Amor'
Antonio’s take: "They took their revenge and played a very cheeky bet. They came back with a proposal very different from what we were used to, but Luna never disappoints, and this performance is no exception."
4. Greg Taro – 'Velita'
Antonio’s take: "A simple song with simple staging. It works, but will it be enough to qualify? It might be the weakest proposal."
5. Izan Llunas – '¿Qué Vas a Hacer?'
Antonio’s take: "The sweetest song for the sweetest boy. He did very well and captivated the audience with his personality. He will surely make it to the final."
6. Dora & Marlon Collins – 'Rakata'
Antonio’s take: "The most sensual song, and the chemistry they have on stage is fabulous. The song gains a lot thanks to the staging, since the studio version says nothing to us. The staging has elevated the candidacy; we believe it can be very well received, as it is the most different one so far."
7. Tony Grox & LUCYCALYS – 'T AMARÉ'
Antonio’s take: "The best of the night. The most current song, the most Spanish one. The claps of the performers joined those of the audience, who got carried away and sang along. The audience connects very well, and with such a Spanish staging, we have a winner alert."
8. Mikel Herzog Jr. – 'Mi Mitad'
Antonio’s take: "A minimalist bet with an uncompromising live voice, but it isn’t enough to really make an impact despite having everything. The running order may help him, as he performs in position 8."
9. Kenneth – 'Los Ojos No Mienten'
Antonio’s take: "He was the audience’s favorite, with a heart-stopping choreography and an incredible attitude. Kenneth devoured the stage — he is Chanel made man."
