All opinions expressed in this article are those of the person quoted and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the other team members or ESC United as a whole.
Such has been the success of Spain’s Benidorm Festival as a national selection for Eurovision, it’s hard to believe it’s only the 4th installment beginning today!
Though still firmly mid-winter in most Europeans’ minds, Benidorm Fest has the refreshing feel of summer come early, with sixteen acts budding to be Spain’s representative in Basel, Switzerland.
Six ESC United regulars will offer their opinion on the eight Semi-Finalists performing tonight, and which four they’d like to see in Saturday’s Grand Final.
Offering their opinion for ESC United this evening is the following squadron of diverse rogues:
- Boris Meersman (Belgium)
- David Popescu (Romania)
- James Maude (USA!)
- Jasmin Prišć (Croatia)
- Rebecca Green (Australia)
- Sam Siegal (USA!)
And here are their thoughts on this evening’s Semi-Finalists:
Chica Sobresalto – “Mala feminista”
Boris – 5 – “She came to fight, she came to fight for yuouoouououoou. This was going somewhere until it didn’t anymore. Another “Promising Verses into a Disappointing Chorus” classic to add to the collection.”
David – 1 – “I’m a bit confused with this mix, with it being a bit slow in tempo, but also slow in the beat. The song overall seems quite slow, so there it stands, but then it still tries two different tempo styles, which really doesn’t work at all for me. Eventually, I’m just not feeling anything, other than being overly bored.”
James – 7 – “I am not sure what being a good feminist or bad feminist has to do with our protagonist being mad at her ex and, by extension, his new girlfriend. I don’t think it’s a conflict to want equal pay for equal work while at the same time being jealous of an ex’s new squeeze and raging about it. And I suspect that’s what the song is about – it’s a cheeky middle finger to those who blend the political and personal as an excuse to forgive dodgy behavior or criticize personal failings. The implication is it’s the ex himself calling her the “bad feminist.” It’s perfectly fine to be jealous of a specific person, and it is not a failing of some political ideal just because you dislike the new side-piece of your d*head ex.”
Jasmin – 5.5 – “Mid-tempo electro usually doesn’t do much for me. I miss the power in the vocal which is a bit flat in the studio track. The last chorus saves it a bit but I can’t say I’m a huge fan.”
Rebecca – 6.5 – “The song itself is fine, I have nothing overly positive or negative to say about it. The lyrics, however, are really fascinating to me. They’re incredibly distinctive, talking about the meaning of feminism when viewed through the lens of heartbreak, and how our emotions are not always indicative of how we think and feel in level-headed situations. Finally, I’m knocking off a few points for talking at me before the final chorus. I still hate that. Overall though, pretty good.”
Sam – 4 – “This has something in common with “Me Gustas Tú” – it sounds like I heard it in a department store in 2001. Fortunately, I’m a deeply nostalgic person so that’s not an issue for me, but this is a really underwhelming song overall. How does something like this compete against “Hartita de Llorar” or “La Pena” or “Esa Diva” or…most songs in this lineup, really? As Salvador Sobral and others have taught us, mellower songs can do well in competition if they have something captivating about them. I’m just not getting anything here. Also, it may just be the translation, but the lyrics seem a little clunky. Feminist guilt is a worthwhile subject for a song, but surely there are more sophisticated ways of writing about it.”
Total: 29 points (Average = 4.83)
Daniela Blasco – “Uh nana”
Boris – 6 – “To my understanding, Daniela teased this song as having MANY DIFFERENT STYLES, and in reality it’s just a string of unnecessary, poorly executed tempo shifts and rap breaks ♥ Bless her. I enjoy “UH NANA” as trashy filler and there’s no way that acceleration at the end won’t result in a fun live car crash. Have those 6 points, girl.”
David – 3 – “Chiquita in the house! It started out promising, but eventually I’m lost when the beat drops. The song has a lot of attitude, and so does the singer, but the song should’ve remained at the same tempo throughout the song. The interest really hit the ground when the beat goes deep and all bass like.”
James – 3 – “There’s a slack jawed laziness to this, probably not helped by the chewing gum references, that make me wonder more about the logistics of dancing with chewing gum than about the song itself. Does the EBU have a rule about performing with chewing gum? If so, is there a limit to the BPM and the sort of movements allowed, such as no death drops with gum as some Commission in Heidelberg deemed it unsafe? Anyway, the lyrics are dumb, the attitude is half-arsed, and only the BPM ramp up at the end gives this flailing fish of a dance track a bit of life.”
Jasmin – 7.5 – “Seeing the music video for this song, I can only assume Daniela will bring her A game with the choreo which this song needs. It’s a typical bop that relies on performer’s energy and somewhat on staging. Will it be another Chanel? Hardly. But we can give it a chance. The hook in the chorus and the bridge bring the song down a bit for me.”
Rebecca – 1 – “Sounds like a knockoff Beyoncé song from the mid-2000’s. Hate it. Does nothing for me. That’s all I have to say.”
Sam – 7.5 – “Love the rap and R&B elements. As someone who has listened to SHUM so many times I can sing it phonetically, I ‘m a huge fan of the sped-up final chorus, but I do feel the production could be a bit bolder. The song ends kind of abruptly (and not in an intentional way like a certain song from a different country’s selection this year).”
Total: 28 points (Average = 4.67)
David Afonso – “Amor barato”
Boris – 4.5 – “My general policy for BenidormFest I (1) Quickly form an opinion on the women and (2) pretend the men don’t exist. And perhaps that’s for the best, because if I actually paid attention to David Afonso I probably would dislike his st. Pedro-style smarm.”
David – 3 – “There’s a part of me, that REALLY wish to appreciate this VERY Spanish styled song, and then there’s also a part of me, that is REALLY over this kind of song. As the song goes, I’m leaning more toward the second part. I just want to hear something more interesting, instead of the same old style, which so many Spanish artists have already done, since the birth of the civilization.”
James – 7 – “The side piece sings! And he’s had enough! I am not sure if trumpets blaring in celebration of a man being fed up of being some tossed aside man beef is appropriate, but maybe in Spain that’s something you triumphantly declare? A gigolo anthem would be weird, thematically, for Eurovision, but David gives it his all and is a compelling vocalist. You feel his being spurned, the desperation in his voice that he wants something better, deserves something better. David does, and maybe one day he’ll return to Benidorm with a song with grander themes.”
Jasmin – 7 – “Alright, not bad rhythm at all. One would expect such a song from Spain. It is enjoyable and David’s vocal fits the spirit of the song. Lacks originality though.”
Rebecca – 3 – “A lot of these Benidorm entries have at least a chord or a note in them that remind me of something else. For this one the first note David sings reminds me of “Let Me Love You” by Mario. I’m aware that these songs have very little in common, but the ad-libbing at the beginning consequently gives it a very dated vibe from the get-go. It’s kind of catchy, but honestly it’s not giving me much.”
Sam – 7 – “Of all the male entries in Benidorm Fest 2025, we have Mawot and J. Kbello serving dance bops, Lucas Bun and Henry Semler taking the slow and sensitive route, and in the middle: David Alfonso. I think this is a good song overall, although perhaps not the most memorable. His vocals are impressive, and the traditional elements work well. Like the other male singers in this contest, his vocals will need to be excellent live, because I think that’ll be his best chance of elevating this song.”
Total: 31.5 points (Average = 5.25)
K!ngdom – “Me gustas tú”
Boris – 7 – “Silly, campy lightweight pop. Nothing ground-breaking, nothing that won’t get Spain out of a bottom three finish. But it has a hook, it has positive energy, it makes me bop my head a little. That is enough to put it in my personal to three, where it has zero right to be.”
David – 6 – “Okay, this is an earworm, it’s your average bubblegum cutesy pop track, and it’s somehow effective. Hear me out, it has easy lyrics, despite sung in Spanish, with a simple chorus that anyone would be able to sing along with straight away. Blended with that catchy soundtrack, it eventually become one of those songs you’ll hate to admit that you enjoy… and yes, I’m there already.”
James – 6 – “Tonally, it’s a strange one. With Ane’s vocals and the peppy beat, this comes off like a JESC dance song, then the lyrics about going home and tying your lover to the bed hit. The incessant “I like you” makes it sound juvenile, then following it up with a desire to get physical makes you a bit puzzled as a listener. On top of vocals that sound more processed than Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese.”
Jasmin – 7 – “I would like to hear a bit stronger production in the chorus because I think it has some potential. The melody is kind of an earworm not gonna lie. However, I don’t see anything original in this entry, so I expect it to be middling for most people.”
Rebecca – 6 – “A track that feels straight off the radio in the 2010’s. Think “Good Time” by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen, that sort of radio-friendly pop hit that is very catchy, has a good beat and is entirely inoffensive. I think that really sums this one up: I like it, but it doesn’t really do anything that excites me and makes me want to listen to it of my own volition.”
Sam – 5.5 – “All rise for the stalker national anthem. Kidding aside, this is a very pleasant, fun little bop. Like “Esa Diva,” it sounds like a radio hit from 2003, but doesn’t quite have the same oomph. Maybe the live performance will elevate it?”
Total: 37.5 points (Average = 6.25)
Kuve – “Loca xti”
Boris – 7 – “Starts like a bop, grabs your attention and then dives off a cliff in the second half because the rest of the song is the EXACT SAME as the first minute. *sigh*. I still enjoy “loca xti” because it HAS a good beat and hook, but Kuve had the potential to be more than a mildly likeable filler.”
David – 3 – “I believe someone is crazy for you… or that is all I hear. Does the song have a beat, yea, but it does also get boring quite fast. Plus, the how we have this one line repeated to the extreme, that I rather not hear the song anymore. It just doesn’t get anywhere, and instead I’m just in some loop, over a small part of the song. If that’s all I remember, then the rest becomes pointless, and that’s not quite the best impression to leave.”
James – 8.5 – “Simple, fun and high energy. It’s a bit of a lowest common denominator club track in that there’s elements that clubbers from Gen X to Gen Z could gravitate to, but that’s largely why, with a compelling stage performance that replicates a night club or a rave, this could do well. The semi-rap verse gives it a bit of personality, the lyrics are simple and straight forward, it moves at a good clip and guarantees three minutes of flirtatious fun.”
Jasmin – 4.5 – “Pop girlies will go “loca” for this one. I am unmoved though… it is overly repetitive and I don’t know how one can stage this to make it interesting.”
Rebecca – 5 – “Another very 2010’s radio-friendly song. It’s not bad, but there’s just not much about it that captures my interest. Wouldn’t turn it off if it came on, but I wouldn’t buy the CD.”
Sam – 4.5 – “Okay girl, we get it – you’re crazy for whoever this song is about. Thank God the rap bit kicked in just as I was getting bored. The piano riff sounds very similar to the one at the start of Windows95man’s “No Rules!” which amuses me.”
Total: 32.5 points (Average = 5.42)
Lachispa – “Hartita de llorar”
Boris – 7.5 – “Is nothing for a full minute. Then she opens her yap to start SCREAMING and it becomes something. Gratz, girl! Somehow, shrieking about NOT WANTING TO CRY at full vital capacity over an electronic drone of a beat was enough to convince the Cigarillos she is THEIR BEST CHANCE. The problem with that assumption is that eccentric flamenco/modern fusions have proven to be televote repellent in Eurovision. I merely hope that the live is fierce enough to beat out trash like Bésame and VIP. If either of those two win, the Spanish fans will be unbearable on social media (again), and I’ll be forced to mute them all (again) and be deprived of hairy chest content for the rest of the season (again). :-/”
David – 2 – “Before I fall completely asleep, out of nowhere, there is this SCREAMING in my ear! With all respect, to sing like that, is absolutely incredible, which the Spanish are distinctively amazing at doing. On the other hand, I’m sorely confused with this very loud and very slow and silent mix. What the heck was going on here?”
James – 9 – “I can hear ESC United’s Matt yelling right now, “It’s only 2:35! There’s 25 seconds left! Where’s my refund?” Well I would argue 3 minutes is a limit, and sometimes you can say what you need to say in 2:35 and it feels like a wholly contained song. I also suspect Lachispa, with her powerful, emotionally charged vocals, would collapse in a heap if she went longer. She is upset, watching some dodgy TV (probably Netflix’s unwatchably awful La Palma and repeating “gas ass lover” ad nauseum like the burnt out geologist) and wearing a man bun and no make-up. The power in her vocals sells it, the scene is simple, and you want to reach out to her friends and beg them to take her out on the town and save her from bad Norwegian streaming TV.”
Jasmin – 7.5 – “A total contrast to all the bops in the contest. The production is great here, combining the traditional with modern but allowing for the vocal to shine. Could be improved and some parts of the song are overproduced and could be left intact and pure, but overall I am impressed. Umm, it is rather short so should we expect a revamp? Definitely can be improved but it’s unique and with the good stage concept it beats the dancing girlies.”
Rebecca – 6.5 – “I think you can really feel the emotion is Lachispa’s vocals. I really enjoy that there’s three(ish) distinct sections that represent a different feeling—quiet, loud, and frantic. They’re blended together in a way that feels appropriately jarring for the subject at hand. The vocals in the chorus remind me of Blanca Paloma’s, I believe it’s a kind of style common with flamenco music? I could be wrong but either way it’s always great to see those more cultural elements used in new and interesting ways. Very cool song.”
Sam – 9 – “It took me around seven listens to go from “why is she wailing like that?” to “this is a masterpiece, actually.” This, in my opinion, stands head and shoulders above most of the other songs in the selection. It’s striking, creative…and incredibly risky. Even if Lachispa nails the vocal delivery, I really worry about the song’s accessibility if it goes to Eurovision. As stated, although I grew to love this song, I found it a little too abrasive on the first listen, and casual viewers tuning in for the Grand Final may feel the same. The obvious point of comparison is “Eaea,” and we all know how that went…”
Total: 41.5 points (Average = 6.92)
Lucas Bun – “Te escribo en el cielo”
Boris – 6 – “Absolutely NOT my thing, but this ballad counts a song, unlike :gestures a fat, heavy, hairy arm at everyone else: and one that COULD perhaps make a play at jury votes if Lucas proves vocally strong and charismatic enough. Hypothetically of course. Again, NOT my thing, so I won’t give him more than a generous 6.”
David – 1 – “This is a Spanish lullaby… which had me gone “zzzzzzzzz…””
James – 8 – “Has the vibe of “Moon River,” but more sad and more ethereal. I doubt its viability as a Eurovision entry, but as a compelling song of longing for someone who’s left it works. Lucas’s vocals express sadness, and on top of a simple and minimalistic score where he has nowhere to hide, Lucas shines.”
Jasmin – 5.5 – “Something doesn’t add up here. Good vocal but I feel the song would be more impactful if it stayed low-impact and quiet. The song literally stopped, there was no sign of it getting closer to the finish, it just stopped. Good effort but it misses the mark for me.”
Rebecca – 3.5 – “I really appreciate the message of this one, and the softness does well to emphasise the emotion of the song, but there’s sadly just not much going on that captures my interest. I am very impressed by those high notes though, and if he can pull those off live, it’ll definitely push this up in my rankings.”
Sam – 8 – “I listened to this for the first time while doing laundry and it didn’t grab my attention at all until the sustained note around 2:18. This is a very pretty ballad that (like most ballads I suppose) will depend HEAVILY on its live vocals. If Lucas can pull it off, I think this could be quite competitive.”
Total: 32 points (Average = 5.33)
Sonia & Selena – “Reinas”
Boris – 7 – “See, *this* is an enjoyable “Here to stay” clone.”
David – 5 – “My first thought was Spain’s entry last year, instant “Zorra” flashback. However, this is a bit more modern. Something I can jump on with this time, because it comes out as more open and invites to some fun. I probably would get tired of it fast, but it’s not bad. Unfortunately, the fun would only last a few more listens.”
James – 6.5 – “Nostalgia is trendy right now, and “Reinas” cashes in on that from every angle (the sentiments in the lyrics, the dated club sound). Unfortunately, hankering for the past in and of itself is not healthy. If you’re being nostalgic, be sure to be, like the revelers in Slade’s “Merry Xmas Everybody,” looking to the future. Having a music video mimicking watching it on a VCR on a CRT TV and the sentiment “when we were queens” is not enough. They still need to sell that they are queens, they don’t give a damn who’s watching, and they’ll be queens forevermore.”
Jasmin – 6.5 – “I’d like to hear them individually. They both sing the song fully which isn’t really my idea of a duet. The song is catchy I guess. I like the bridge despite being a bit too short – a dance break in sight? Maybe…”
Rebecca – 4 – “The Real Housewives of Benidorm are not exactly serving me a song that I’m into. It’s incredibly dated, but it sort of feels like it’s on purpose? So props to them for leaning into the skid I guess. This will absolutely appeal to a certain demographic of Eurovision fan, but unfortunately I’m not it. I do hope they put on a hell of a stage performance though!”
Sam – 6.5 – “On its own this is a perfectly fine, fun, feminist girl bop. Its main issue here is that it’s sonically, lyrically, and thematically similar to “Esa Diva,” yet not quite as strong. Am I just a sucker for a key change, or does this song desperately need one?”
Total: 35.5 points (Average = 5.92)
Our six writers clearly want Lachispa, K!ngdom, Sonia & Selena, and Kuve to progress to the Final, with Lachispa averaging almost a full letter grade above the next best. We shall see if, on the aggregate, this is a good prediction (given our history, unlikely).
- Lachispa – “Hartita de llorar” – 41.5 points (Average = 6.92)
- K!ngdom – “Me gustas tú” – 37.5 points (Average = 6.25)
- Sonia & Selena – “Reinas” – 35.5 points (Average = 5.92)
- Kuve – “Loca xti” – 32.5 points (Average = 5.42)
- Lucas Bun – “Te escribo en el cielo” – 32 points (Average = 5.33)
- David Afonso – “Amor barato” – 31.5 points (Average = 5.25)
- Chica Sobresalto – “Mala feminista” – 29 points (Average = 4.83)
- Daniela Blasco – “Uh nana” – 28 points (Average = 4.67)
Who do #YOU want to see make it to Benidorm Fest’s 2025 Final? Let us know in the comments below, on social media, or in our forum.