Review: “Benidorm Fest 2025” (Spain)

Spain will select its Eurovision 2025 entry via “Benidorm Fest 2025″.
16 artists will compete in the national selection. The results will be based on a jury and a public vote.
The selection will feature 2 semi-finals (January 28th and 30th) and a grand final (on February 1st)

In this article, I will review the 16 competing songs in the national selection.
The songs will be covered in alphabetical order (of the artists):

#1. Carla Frigo – “Bésame” (Eng: Kiss me)

• It’s a dance-club pop song.
• The song opens with synth elements and metallic effects over the vocals. The atmosphere is sensual. The melody is based on keyboards and plenty of instruments (like Castanets). Carla sings in a mid-tone voice. The chorus brings the synth elements back, and the hook is strong and plays a major role. The singing parts are quite short, and we have some percussion elements and resonating backing vocals.
• The beat continues to the second verse, which is much faster. The second pre-chorus is performed in English. The second chorus is more of an electro dance, with effects over the vocals. The bridge is performed in English, and the melody is based on piano and violin. Thereafter, we get the electro dance drop again. The song ends with metallic vocal effects.
• It is one of the catchiest songs in the line-up. However, I am afraid it will be hard to execute it live. The production feels a bit too synthesized. But overall it is a bop.

#2.Celine Van Heel – “La casa” (Eng: The house

• It is a Rumba song with Latin pop influences.
• The song starts with the trumpet playing. Later on, a Latin tempo is added by percussion elements. Shortly afterward, the singing commences. Celine sings in a classic Rumba-Flamenco style. Her voice is warm and deep but yet thin. The first verse is based on percussion and wind instruments. The chorus follows and continues in the same line. However, the trumpet playing is more frequent.
• The second chorus is similar to the first one. However, this time, we have guitar stringing and male backing vocals. The chorus is soulful, and the focus is on Celine’s vocals. Trumpet playing leads us to the bridge, which is based on keyboards, trumpets, and guitar playing. The production is simple, and later, it is elevated to a more Latin direction. The song ends with speaking and laughing.
• Overall, the song is less modern, but it is one of its advantages. At the same time, the genre is timeless. It is like the word “Spain” is written all over. It seems Celine will perform it theatrically. I am not sure the public will go after this one, but it has jury potential. I am happy to have this song in the line-up.

#3. Chica Sobresalto – “Mala feminista” (Eng: Bad feminist)

• It is an Indie-pop song.
• The song opens with singing and a gentle beat. The first verse is based on keyboards playing and the same beat. She sings softly and theatrically, with a very specific framing of the words. The chorus starts similarly to the verse (and to the intro). It is quite short, memorable, and based on guitar playing.
• The second verse is a bit faster. The melody is based on a constant beat and echoed-synth-sampled stringing. The rate is a bit faster. The chorus is longer this time and is mainly based on classic guitar playing. The bridge has more “spicy” lyrics, it is performed as a reciting and duplicated vocals. Thereafter, another chorus comes in. The song ends with an instrumental part composed of keyboards and xylophone. The outro is similar to the bridge, and with this suggests a cyclic structure.
• Overall, there is something humble about this song, maybe it is related to the originality of the lyrics. It might be too “intimate” or “little” for the big stage. But it is definitely a song I will add to my playlist.

#4. Daniela Blasco – “Uh Na Na”

• It is an American-Latin mainstream pop.
• The song starts with a trumpet playing and a rich tempo. The first verse is poppy and bold. We hear some backing vocals. The chorus is more pompous. The second verse is more Urban pop, the singing is more sassy, and she is supported by backing vocals. The second half consists of more processed vocals. The melody is based on mid-amplitude beats. The second chorus comes after, it is more commercial. Thereafter, we get an instrumental part composed of percussion Latin beat, with some singing full of attitude. The bridge features of a bit longer notes, and revarb over her singing. The beat is much faster and electronic. The last chorus is a danceable pip-club piece and the periodically.
• The song reminded me of “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce. It has a huge public vote potential. But once again, the live performance is crucial. I can’t say it is the most original song, but this commercial Latin pop music is a direction Spain should consider taking,

#5.David Afonso – “Amor barato” (Eng: Cheap love)

• It is a mid-tempo ballad.
• The song opens with piano playing and humming. The first verse is based on keyboard playing. David sings intentionally with a mid-tone of crystal voice. The chorus is more rhythmic. The beat is composed of a drum and percussion beat. The focus is on David’s voice. Toward the end of this chorus, we hear a 1980s-like synth loop and guitar playing. The post-chorus is a short speaking part (which is pre-recorded as a phone call)). The second verse is similar to the first one, but the accompanying keyboard loop is more powerful. The pre-chorus is short and builds to the chorus.
• The second chorus features trumpet playing, and the same percussion beat from previously. His singing is accurate and emotional. The song ends with a raw singing and echo.
• Overall, the song represents the romantic music wave faithfully. As a listener, I was impressed by David‘s ability to convey emotions. It seems like we can rely on him vocally.

#6. De Teresa – “La pena” (Eng: The pain)

• It is a cabaret-pop with Flamenco elements.
• The song opens with keyboards playing and some string elements. The singer’s voice is covered by some effects. The pre-chorus features more instruments like castanets, piano, and wind instruments. She sings this part in a higher tone of voice. Trumpet playing leads us to the chorus, which is based on percussion elements and velvet voice singing. Towards the end, the melody becomes more traditional, and resembles the Posedoble.
• The second verse is a bit faster, and the melody is based on the electro keyboards loop. The second pre-chorus brings more of her vocal abilities. The chorus is based on violin and keyboards, with much more effects over her voice. A short instrumental part comes after the chorus. Thereafter, we get a more tensed (last) chorus, which she performs in a higher pitch.
• Overall, the song structure and production are on point. My problem is with the effects, which are way too many. In some parts of the song, the singing seems unnatural. In addition, it sounds like something is about to explode due to the effects, It is a shame, because the song is generally good.

#7. Henry Semler – “No lo ves” (Eng: You don’t see it)

• It is a romantic ballad.
• The song starts with keyboards playing. Henry’s opens the song with a mid-tone of voice. It sounds like he sings effortlessly. The first verse is quite slow. The first pre-chorus is based on classical elements and it is a bit faster. The chorus starts with a laid-back production and continues in the same line as the first verse. We also have some backing vocals.
• The second verse is based on acoustic guitar and violin playing. The second chorus starts small and develops. We get another color of his voice, slightly raspier. The bridge is faster, and based on guitar and keyboards playing. The chorus that comes after features some backing vocals.
• The song is pleasant, but there it stays. It doesn’t bring anything new to the table, and develops expectedly. The song lacks a peak point of some melody changes.

#8.J Kbello – “VIP”

• It is a dance-pop song.
• The song starts with fading vocals. The first verse is based on a mid-tempo beat. His voice stands in the center, it is tender. smokey and in a mid-low tone. The pre-chorus is composed of drums, trumpets, and string elements. It continues to the chorus, where the trumpets play a major role, and the song becomes more festive. The first chorus relies on a dance-club hook. The second verse comes after, the beat is combined with violin playing, and the singing is slightly faster.
• The chorus is quite long, and for a reason, it is the catchiest part of the song. The bridge is based on keyboards playing, and the production is silenced for a while. Drum beats and vocal decoration lead us to the last chorus.
• I think the song has a great chance of succeeding, as this is what voters usually expect to get from Spain: Latin pop with the right beat and sensual romantic flavor. The song features upbeat drops which will probably be utilized for a dance break.

#9.K!ngdom – “Me gustas tú” (Eng: I like you)

• It is a mid-tempo pop.
• The song starts with pre-recorded backing vocals. The first verse’s melody is based on keyboards playing. The lead singer has a thin and breathy voice. Later on, a guitar-based beat is added. The production sounds like a piece from the 1980’s-1990’s music. The chorus is based on constant drums and bass beats. which are covered by digital keyboards playing. The lyrics are repetitive but at the same time create a clear frame. The second verse is more uplifting, and we get more effects. Before the second chorus, a short electronic drop appears, and 1990’s dance club beat decorates the chorus. The bridge starts with gentle singing, that transforms into choir singing and then explodes to one last chorus.
• The song reminds me a lot of “Nochentera” by Vicco (The song competed in “Benidorm Fest 2023”). For some reason, it is a song that I can see as something that the Spanish voters will stand behind. On one hand, it was craeted to guarntee accessiablity and catchiness. On the other hand, I am not sure about how original and special it is.

#10. Kuve – “Loca Xti” (Eng: Crazy for you)

• It is a Eurodance electro-pop with influences from 1990s.
• The song starts with a keyboard playing and a bass beat. The first verse is based on pleasant singing, and the bass blends into light-synth elements. The pre-chorus sounds like a build-up to a summer club hit, the production is more airier. The chorus is a festive Europop dance with a big electro drop and very repetitive lyrics. Keyboards playing leading the instrumental part that follows.
• The second verse is more upbeat and faster, it is served by a lower tone of voice and plenty of studio effects. The pre-chorus is more energetic than the previous one. The electro-dance bass beat dominates the chorus, which this time is based on more lyrics. The outro is performed in more fragile singing.
• As a 1990’s child, I enjoy this kind of hyper-pop, but at the same time, I feel like the chorus is letting me down. I would appreciate a chorus with more lyrics.

#11.Lachispa – “Hartita de llorar” (Eng: Tired of crying)

• It is a fusion of Flamenco and mid-tempo lyrical ballad.
• The song starts with acoustic guitar playing. Lachispa sings effortlessly and intentionally. The pre-chorus is more harmonic. She sings with longer notes and some vocal decorations, the atmosphere is romantic and sad. The chorus is powerful, it is dominated by trumpet and drums. Her singing sounds like an outcry or a prayer. The vocals are powerful, with a mature interpretation. The first chorus is finalized with a faster beat and reciting of the song title.
• The second verse continues the traditional line introduced in the first chorus. The melody is “heavier” and the drums create some tension. The pre-chorus is much softer and unplugged, with soft singing. The second chorus brings the trumpets back, alongside drums beat.
• It is one of the most exciting songs in the line-up, combining modern and traditional. Her voice is out of the world. It can create a moment if the live performance is accurate. However, I wonder if Spain will take the risk of going with something traditional and less commercial. On the other hand, this song is more modern than Blanca Paloma’s song in 2023.
• My only criticism in that the song is a bit shorter than expected.

#12. Lucas Bun – “Te escribo en el cielo” (Eng: I write to you in heaven)

• It is an emotional balllad.
• The song opens with cello playing. Lucas opens the singing part with a soft and high tone of voice. Later on, we hear piano playing and the atmosphere is quite magical, romantic, and sad. The pre-chorus connects us to the chorus. The chorus features longer notes, it is more contemporary. The second verse is mostly based on piano and violin playing. The second pre-chorus is based on some percussion elements. Therefore, the second chorus features drums and beats (which for some reason is less natural). The bridge puts his voice in the center. The song ends out of the blue.
• The general genre is something between a Disney ballad and an orchestral ballad.
• For some reason, this song didn’t impress me from the first time. It was a process and, it came to me for the 3rd time listening to it.

#13. Mawot – “Raggio di sole” (Eng: Ray of sunlight)

• It is a mid-tempo ballad with 1980s and 1990s elements.
• The song opens with pre-recorded children singing and playing a keyboard. The atmosphere is mysterious, and the production is a bit old-fashioned. Mayot opens the singing part with a mid-low tone of voice. The first verse is based on a constant amplitude melody. The chorus is performed more powerfully, and the melody is also based on a guitar beat. Later on, the production becomes more electronic and kicking, and yet sounds like a piece from the 1980’s. The bridge continues in the same direction, as well as backing vocals.
• Sadly, I think it is one of the weakest songs in the line-up. Something about its development doesn’t leave a solid impression. For some reason, the song sounds like a forgotten track from “Sanremo” 20-30 years ago.

#14. Mel Ömana – “I Am The Queen”

• It is a fusion of urban pop and Flamenco.
• The song opens with electric guitar stringing, the atmosphere is quite sad, and Mel sings softly with a fragile and warm voice. Very quickly after, the song changes direction out of the blue. In the beginning, it is more moderated: She sings much faster in an entertaining way. The chorus continues in the same way
• The chorus is more urban, it is performed and acted in the same way. The production is more electronic and has some house influences. The part that follows resembles the first verse, but this time features piano and orchestral elements. Mel challenges herself with a quite long and high note. The second chorus follows with the electro-house production and sassy singing,
• Something about her interpretation reminds me of Netta. It is super original and demands the listener’s attention in the best way.
• I find this song as one of the most modern in the line-up. It is refreshing, innovaitve and original. Well done!

#15.Melody – “Esa diva” (Eng: That diva)

• It is a Rumba-pop song.
• The song starts with guitar stringing. Later, we hear Castanets. The first verse is based on acoustic guitar and dance beats. Melody sings in a velvety, warm voice. The pre-chorus is more tense and dramatic and includes some vocal decorations. The chorus puts the dance beat in the front, she sings it powerfully. The vibe is of a party.
• The second chorus has a higher tempo (compared to the first one), but we hear the Spanish guitars and some synth. The second pre-chorus is short. The second chorus is even more festive, the beat is also composed of drums. The post-chorus is based on metallic processed singing of “Diva Diva Diva”. The bridge follows, Melody sings it intentionally with long notes. The song ends with the last chorus.
• In my opinion, The song is dated. It sounds like something we could have heard in the early 2000s. I feel like Melody is “bigger” than this song. The beat is quite basic. It can be nice as part of a gay club playlist, but not for Eurovision.

#16. Sonia & Selena – “Reinas” (Eng: Queens)

• It is an Europop-dance club song,
• The song starts with a string-based beat. The first verse is based on the mid-tempo beat. One of them sings the main part in a low-tone of voice, while the another sings the backing vocals in a higher tone of voice. They sing the pre-chorus together, and the focus is on their vocals, with some effects. The first chorus brings the dance club beat to the front. The beat is quite constant, and they sing together. As the chorus comes to the end, the drop hits. The second verse is based on string elements and the mid-tempo beat from previously. The second pre-chorus builds up with constructed beat. The second chorus is upbeat, but starts quite sparse with string elements and keyboards. Towrards the end, tempet taked over the melody with some make backing vocals.
• The bridge resembles the chorus, but it is more laid back. The song ends with the last post-chorus with different lyrics.
• Overall, I will classify this sone as old-fashioned as well. In fact, it sounds dated even relative to the 2000’s: I guess it is something in the interpretation. The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, but it is kinda expected due to its “formula”.

Prediction

In general, “Benidorm Fest 2025” brought a combination of several genres. It looks like Spain will have to choose between something more commercial to something more traditional. It will be hard to predict the winner. However, I believe the following songs will do well:

• Lachispa – “Hartita de llorar”
• J Kbello – “VIP”
• K!ngdom – “Me gustas tú” (Eng: I like you)

My Personal Ranking

1. Lachispa – “Hartita de llorar” (Eng: Tired of crying)
2. Mel Ömana – “I Am The Queen”
3. Celine Van Heel – “La casa” (Eng: The house)
4. Chica Sobresalto – “Mala feminista” (Eng: Bad feminist)
5. De Teresa – “La pena” (Eng: The pain)
6. J Kbello – “VIP”
7. Carla Frigo – “Bésame” (Eng: Kiss me)
8. David Afonso – “Amor barato” (Eng: Cheap love)
9. Daniela Blasco – “Uh Na Na”
10. Lucas Bun – “Te escribo en el cielo” (Eng: I write to you in heaven)
11. K!ngdom – “Me gustas tú” (Eng: I like you)
12. Kuve – “Loca Xti” (Eng: Crazy for you)
13. Henry Semler – “No lo ves” (Eng: You don’t see it)
14. Melody – “Esa diva” (Eng: That diva)
15. Sonia & Selena – “Reinas” (Eng: Queens)
16. Mawot – “Raggio di sole” (Eng: Ray of sunlight)

Who is your “Benidorm Fest 2025″ winner?
Who will win the selection?

Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland on the 13th, 15th and 17th of May 2025