Benidorm Fest 2026: Miranda Dominates Metrics, But Underdogs Threaten Victory
If statistics alone decided the Benidorm Fest 2026, Argentine duo Miranda would already hold the Golden Mermaid trophy. With 11 million monthly Spotify listeners, 964,000 YouTube subscribers, and over 1 million Instagram followers, their song Wake Up Loving You dominates streaming platforms with 500,000 more plays than its closest competitor. Yet as RTVE prepares its revamped Eurovision selection contest (February 10-14 at Palau L’illa de la Música), three less-followed artists are generating unprecedented grassroots momentum.
The Streaming Giant vs. The Passion Play
Miranda’s electrifying pop anthem demonstrates why they’ve dominated Latin charts for 25 years. However, Benidorm Fest historically rewards artists who ignite live audience fervor rather than those relying on established fanbases. Last year’s upset saw relative newcomer Sofia Coll defeat three Spanish music legends, proving the competition’s unpredictability.
Kenneth will fight with ‘The eyes don’t lie’ for the Little Golden Mermaid. /RTVE
Emerging Contenders
Kenneth: The Urban Underdog
23-year-old Kenneth represents Spain’s thriving urban scene. Since his 2023 La Voz Kids finale appearance, he’s amassed 537,000 Spotify followers – remarkable growth for an independent artist. His entry Los ojos no miente blends Latin rhythms with contemporary trap influences. “The song needs staging precision to maximize impact,” noted music critic Elena S. Sánchez in El País. Currently ranking second in streaming among Benidorm entries, his TikTok-driven support suggests untapped potential.
Rosalinda Galán: The Artistic Disruptor
Rosalinda Galán merges electronic beats with traditional Spanish folk in Mataora. The theatrical performer (whose background includes film and Flamenco studies at Córdoba Conservatory) benefits from this year’s production upgrades. New artistic director Sergio Jaén (Operación Triunfo) and choreographer Borja Rueda could elevate her visceral performance into a winning package. As RTVE’s cultural director Mercè Llorens noted: “This year’s focus is creating complete audiovisual experiences, not just songs.”
Rosalinda Galán will defend ‘Mataora’ at the Benidorm Fest. /RTVE
Luna Ki: The Controversial Wildcard
After withdrawing from Benidorm Fest 2024 over autotune restrictions, Luna Ki returns with the hyperpop-influenced Bomba de Amor. Their circus/theater background creates visually stunning performances, but vocal limitations remain a concern. “Without vocal processing tools, Luna must deliver technically while maintaining artistic identity,” observed vocal coach Manuel Martos (Cadena SER).
Luna Ki brings ‘Bomba de amor’ to the Benidorm Fest after leaving the first edition. / ARCHIVE
Revamped Festival Format
Key changes for 2026 include:
- €150,000 Prize: €100,000 for artists + €50,000 for songwriters
- Two additional awards: Recording sessions in Miami and Stockholm
- Replaced “Bronze Microphone” with “Golden Little Mermaid” trophy
- New production team led by Sergio Jaén (artistic direction) and Ari Levelä (set design)
Political Context and Voting Changes
Spain will boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation, with RTVE president José Pablo López stating: “We cannot ignore how music competitions are politicized during humanitarian crises.” This marks Spain’s first Eurovision absence since 1994.
The voting system reintroduces demoscopic juries (25% weight) alongside expert panels (50%) and televoting (25%). New media restrictions also prevent contestants from non-RTVE appearances during the contest – a response to 2025 finalist Melody Rodríguez’s controversial interviews.
The Road to February 14
With 18 finalists selected from 870 submissions, semifinals will determine 12 grand finalists. While Miranda remains the statistical favorite, RTVE’s emphasis on live performance magic leaves room for surprises. As Kenneth’s manager Adrián Poveda told Los 40 Principales: “Benidorm rewards artists who make audiences feel, not just stream.”