Spain: First impressions from the 2nd Semi-Final Rehearsals at Benidorm Fest 2026

  

As excitement continues to grow inside the Palau d’Esports l’Illa in Benidorm, the second semifinal of Benidorm Fest 2026 is just hours away. Following yesterday’s rehearsals, where nine new acts fine-tuned their staging, vocals and visual concepts, all eyes now turn to tonight’s live show.

Our Spanish correspondent Antonio Soriano brings you all the first impressions from yesterday’s rehearsals ahead of the second semi-final of Benidorm Fest 2026.

1. ASHA – ‘Turista’

Antonio’s take: "A flawless voice and a staging that makes you travel like a true tourist. The staging elevates the song to the maximum. She’s surely a finalist."

2. KU Minerva – ‘No volveré a llorar’

Antonio’s take: "Maybe the song is a bit outdated; the staging has felt quite flat and not memorable at all. We expected more. Very likely to be eliminated."

3. Funambulista – ‘Sobran gilipo**as'

Antonio’s take: "We’re not big fans of the song and we don’t really understand the staging. It feels like it’s about to surprise you with everything that’s on stage, but in the end it’s all been filler. The proposal didn’t convince us."

4. Dani J – ‘Bailándote’

Antonio’s take: "Maybe the song isn’t anything extraordinary, but as in ASHA’s case, the staging elevates it. Not as sublime as ASHA’s, but it has helped us connect with the song."

5. The Quinquis – ‘Tú no me quieres’

Antonio’s take: "At first the staging was flat, but in the final part there was a build-up and it delivered what the song promised. Still, we don’t know if it’s enough."

6. Atyat – ‘Dopamina’

Antonio’s take: "The best of the gala, and I’d even dare to say of this year’s festival. Now we truly have a worthy successor to Chanel. She sings and dances perfectly; it felt like a 'Super Bowl' performance, with sublime direction. Atyat is our winner!"

7. Rosalinda Galán – ‘Mataora’

Antonio’s take: "Very good staging—very flamenco, very Spanish, full of art and roots. Without having big elements on stage, the play of lights and shadows created a hypnotic atmosphere."

8. MAYO – ‘Tócame’

Antonio’s take: "Álvaro was solid. Our issue is that he doesn’t quite move us, and we don’t fully enjoy the song. Even so, we’re convinced the public will like it and that he’ll qualify for the final."

9. Miranda! & bailamamá – ‘Despierto amándote’

Antonio’s take: "The most lighthearted of the night. The staging gave us 'joke entry' vibes, as it was quite comedic. We liked it a lot."

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