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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:
Carla Frigo – “Bésame”
Boris – 2 – “The Female Almacor: An overproduced, autotuned, incoherent mess of a song with metallic vocals that contain not a single drop of humanity. “Bésame” is fake. If it had a smell, it would be that of singed polyester.”
David – 2 – “I’m skeptical here, it seems like a song I would give a chance when I’m finally used to it, but I absolutely have no idea when that will happen. As for now, it just leaves me with no impression. Going for a song with rhythm and beats, but it’s all put together in a very messy way, as there’s nothing that pulls me in right now.”
James – 1 – “A monotonous atrocity from start to finish. Deadpan vocal delivery, even under the layers of production. The video makes it look like a joke that only Carla and her friends would get.”
Jasmin – 6 – “Another latino pop song that relies on hair flips and a dance break. If nothing else, they mixed a bit of electro beat in the drop and the chorus to make it stand out a bit more. As a studio track, it’s pretty average but could elevate with the live.”
Rebecca – 4.5 – “It’s got a really funky beat and does a good job of hooking you in with it, but the vocals are far too buried beneath the instrumentals for my liking. Doesn’t give me hope for a good live performance, and reeks of relying on backing to cover it up. I don’t hate it, but I definitely don’t love it.”
Sam – 7 – “One of the most modern of the pop entries and definitely the most club-friendly (sorry, J. Kbello). I worry it lends itself more to that kind of environment than to a live performance in a song competition. Songs like “Luktelk” and “We Will Rave” had moments of punctuation, whereas “Bésame” flows from the beginning to end without any standout moments that could anchor a stage performance, and the ending seems to peter out.”
Total: 22.5 points (Average = 3.75)
Celine Van Heel – “La casa”
Boris – 4 – “As my friend André called it: “What racists think Spanish music sounds like”. As I call it: “Track #3 on Tropico 4’s Soundtrack”. So yeah, a plain bachata that would leave El Presidente deposed if he played it on Tropico FM.”
David – 2 – “This is bringing ALL of Spain to the table, I have no other way to describe it. Personally, this is what I imagine I might hear in Spain and only there, but to a European audience? I don’t think it works overall, this is not exactly something I personally would listen to voluntarily at all. I’m just REALLY tired of this stereotypical Spanish stuff, I just want something else.”
James – 6 – “People think salsa and feisty romance feeds into Spanish stereotypes, but I think this feeds into an American one – divorcees and salsa. If it wasn’t for divorce, would salsa classes exist at community colleges? Anyway, that’s what this dance number where our protagonist repetitively proclaims that her beau can keep the house has me thinking. It’s not as engaging as I’d like, considering it had me thinking about real estate and reading the Yelp review of Pierce College’s dance instructors.”
Jasmin – 8 – “Salsaaaa, let’s go! This is something I can get on board with. If executed well, this could be among my favorites after the show. I love the rhythm as well as the vocal but I am slightly worried if she decides to dance a lot and sacrifice the quality of her vocals. Fun and almost seductive, works for me.”
Rebecca – 7 – “Immediately attention-grabbing. Salsa is such an infectious sound for me, so I want to dance the whole time this is on. I also really enjoy the lyrics because they’re a slightly fresher spin on an overdone topic—the focus being on “the house” offers a unique premise, as well as simply playing off of what often happens in those situations. Just plain old fun, really! Solid vocals, solid instrumentals, solid chances!”
Sam – 7 – “In the outro, Celine says (if Google Translate is to be believed): “I want everyone to know…that I’m not going to pay for the house.” She certainly makes her point – 90% of the lyrics are “tú quédate con la casa” or variations. Otherwise, this is an interesting entry genre-wise as the most traditionally Spanish. It stands out in a sea of pop bangers, although I’m not sure if that will work to its benefit or detriment.”
Total: 34 points (Average = 5.67)
DeTeresa – “La pena”
Boris – 8 – “Bless DeTeresa SO MUCH for being a breath of AIR in a dusty, plain selection and attempting to go against the grain of mass-produced pop with her own musical theatre nonsense. “La Pena” takes a few unexpected turns and they’re all interesting. With Benidorm’s tendency to outstage the crap out of even the dullest song, this should be an entrant that gives me a sparkle of hope. Unlike, you know, nearly everyone else in this lot.”
David – 2 – “This song is just absolutely messing with me, when I expect it to go somewhere specific, it completely changes its course and throws me into the unknown, and it does so multiple times throughout the song. It’s a fun listen, but not enjoyable. It’s not what one would expect, so it becomes rather confusing.”
James – 6 – “I feel like the chihuahua in the music video, pinned down by an alcoholic yelling about how rotten men are and getting more agitated as the song speeds up and gets louder. It’s fun, but exhausting, like how LuAnn DeLesseps from Real Housewives of New York would be as a friend on a Friday night out. You’d be looking for the nearest exit or a man named Harry Dubin to distract her if it goes on too long.”
Jasmin – 7.5 – “I didn’t expect Spain will give us something artsy inspired by the Spanish culture while still sounding current. I am not completely sold on it but at least it has character. The vocal goes slightly too high in places for my taste, especially by the end of the song. Hopefully they won’t make it too colorful and crazy on stage.”
Rebecca – 7 – “This one is really interesting! There’s a unique flow to it and an air of dramatics that I can totally get behind. It tells a story without needing to explicitly understand the lyrics. The violins and drums and castanets all make this big production of theatrics that feels like it’s straight out of a musical. Really looking forward to seeing how this one is staged.”
Sam – 8 – “This song is bold. It’s a very effective blend of traditional and modern. I love the biting lyrics and decisive vocal delivery. My only criticism is that the song doesn’t have much of a climax – although perhaps it stands out enough without one.”
Total: 38.5 points (Average = 6.42)
Henry Semler – “No lo ves”
Boris – 3 – “Unlike Amor Barato, I can’t and WON’T overlook the heavy fuckboy-tinged smarm permeating Henry’s little BOO HOO break-up ballad here. It gives me the ick.”
David – 1 – “Excuse me, but… I got sleepy from this.”
James – 2 – “Could Celine Van Heel just invite Henry to stay in her house with her ex? Just so we don’t have to listen to this break-up whine fest?”
Jasmin – 4.5 – “I’m struggling to pick up the rhythm of this song. It feels messy and a bit all over the place while at the same time, I am not getting anything from it. It didn’t catch my interest.”
Rebecca – 6 – “Very pretty in a quiet and gentle sort of way. A bit of a slow burn, and it definitely does get me more invested the longer it goes, but I feel like it just needs something a bit more towards the end to have a strong impact on the listener. Vocals? Staging? Not sure, but there’s probably a few different things that they could try to elevate it with.”
Sam – 6.5 – “This is another pretty, gentle song sung by a male vocalist – and Henry has a lovely voice – but it doesn’t have the wow factor that Lucas Bun’s entry does. Unfortunately, I see this getting lost in the shuffle.”
Total: 23 points (Average = 3.83)
J Kbello – “VIP”
Boris – 2 – “Pretty privilege is very much a real thing because these days ANY conventionally attractive himbo can get a smack-ton of clout for the most autotuned tin can uptempo nothings based on an A- face card. (see also: IVXN in Croatia)”
David – 5 – “Alright, I gotta admit, this is slick and modern. I respect that, it has my curiosity and interest. Vocally, not the strongest, but the music is quite enjoyable. I feel like, this is one of those song, that does deserve a chance to shine. For now, I am a bit split on it, whether it will go up or down, so for now, I remain in the middle.”
James – 5 – “As a PhD in Bar Science – okay, I read Jon Taffer’s book – I am sceptical of VIP sections at clubs and love to rip on the sort of doofus who thinks spending $750 for a table and a bottle of Ciroq at a crappy nightclub in Houston is going to get him laid. I guess J Kbello is playing to that fantasy – you spent the money, big boy, now you get the club’s premier gigolo for the night, too! But the track is basic, like DJ Khaled slapped it together while on the toilet.”
Jasmin – 7.5 – “The studio track sounds slightly overproduced to me as I am not the biggest fan of electro music but I see the great potential for the live performance. He might stand out among the competition but the performance must be amazing. Serving a bit of attitude and a great light show could elevate this for me.”
Rebecca – 6 – “Okay look. We aren’t breaking any musical barriers here or anything. This is a dance track that is trying to sell you sex appeal. Love it or hate it, it’s doing that job very well. Give it a good choreography and honestly, I’m sold. This is a solid package that is very clearly intended for mass appeal at Eurovision, and if it gets there it could be something eccentric and fun.”
Sam – 4.5 – “Unfortunately, this is giving basic club filler. It’s called “V.I.P.” It includes the lyric, “baila conmigo.” It’s fine for what it is. I wouldn’t mind if it came on at the club, but I wouldn’t request it.”
Total: 30.0 points (Average = 5.0)
Mawot – “Raggio di sole”
Boris – 5 – “Bugo walked so Mawot could run himself into the ground with this Frankenstein’ed San Remo monstrosity <3 HUUUUGE ironic fave of mine. But I wouldn’t DARE to be caught listening to it in public.”
David – 5 – “This is throwing my Latin thinking brain off for a ride. The mixture of Italian and Spanish does makes me wonder where exactly it’s switching. Probably easy to tell if you’re fluent in either language, but me who has minimal knowledge of both languages, is just a bit confused. Music wise, it’s actually very catchy and it’s quite the tune.”
James – 8.5 – “If Umberto Tozzi and Raf collaborated with Depeche Mode, you’d get a perky throwback dance track with moody undertones like this.”
Jasmin – 7.5 – “San Remo wants its dance number back! I actually enjoy it even though it surely sounds a bit dated. The song is pleasant and brings me positive vibes.”
Rebecca – 6 – “This is giving Drag Queen performance, and I’m not sure if it’s intentional? Either way I’m not super into it, but I can appreciate what it’s going for. It’s very uplifting which I like, but it’s just not doing a whole lot to get me excited or singing along or dancing in my seat.”
Sam – 7.5 – “Um, excuse me, Eurofans – where is the hype for this certified banger? It’s dated, sure, but in the best way. The late 80s/early 90s synths? The soaring production? Are you kidding me? I’m obsessed.”
Total: 39.5 points (Average = 6.58)
Mel Ömana – “I’m a Queen”
Boris – 4 – “Viva la República.”
David – 2 – “This song spent waaaay too much time trying to reach the buildup, and what makes it worse, is probably that the song never feels like it goes back to some certain part. It’s like one path, and it just goes that way. I have no clue where the chorus, where the bridge, how many verses there is… what did I just listen to?”
James – 4 – “I am not a big fan of the vocal parts where vocal modulation is set to “Angry Baby.” This is hip hop for Generation ADHD.”
Jasmin – 4 – “It’s original, I’ll give it that. Vocals are not for me and I don’t know how this will sound live when it is obviously overproduced from all sides. It’s messy and too niche for me.”
Rebecca – 7.5 – “This is… intensely fascinating. I feel like I’m constantly on my toes listening to this because it changes or adds something I wasn’t expecting at a steady pace for the entire runtime. I keep coming back to it. There’s nothing else like this and it stands out. Definitely my favourite of this lineup.”
Sam – 6.5 – “This is another club banger that fixes Bésame’s main issue – it lends itself to some potentially epic staging. Weirdly though, I feel like it’s weaker overall as a song. It’s a lot more dynamic, with some interesting production…but maybe the verses are a little too quiet?”
Total: 28.0 parts (Average = 4.67)
Melody – “Esa diva”
Boris – 7 – “Melody’s song feels like a missed opportunity, but I still enjoy the overall package. “Esa diva” is fun an camp, but also difficult to take seriously as a song, because it tries to take itself seriously? “Esa diva” isn’t really that far off from being a good “Here to Stay”, but rather than doubling down on the camp decides to profile itself as competent *while also keeping the camp fun* and that grand écart doesn’t quite work. If only Melody had the foresight and confidence of an Erika Vikman, eh? Overall, a fun entry, but like many fun entries in Benifest2025, not living its full potential.”
David – 6 – “Okay! I was worried in the start, that we would get something, VERY Spanish, but instead, we have a song that manages to incorporate traditional style with modern, and it works really well. Enjoyable vocally and not bad either lyrically. The overall package combines very well, but it’s not quite original either. Sure, it might be modern, with some hint of Spanish, but it’s far from perfect, but it’s a great beginning.”
James – 7 – “Hundreds have sang about being a diva, but this is the first I have heard sing about what it means to be a diva. What qualities a diva should possess. Of course, by song’s end, Melody reveals she has them. It’s a perfectly serviceable Spanish dance track, though doesn’t really pull out the bag of tricks that would, technically, make Melody a diva.”
Jasmin – 7 – “The amount of bop entries striving for dance breaks and catchy choruses is bigger than I expected. Melody seems like someone who can outperforms the rest of the competition and get the votes from the audience. The song itself is not doing much for me as I see it as just another bop, but at least the vocal is on point.”
Rebecca – 2 – “I have no idea what’s going on with the vocals. It honestly sounds like it’s being pitch-shifted throughout the whole song? It’s very distracting, and also gives me no indication of what the live vocals may sound like. The Spanish guitar riffs are very cool, but they feel quite mismatched to the rest of the song.”
Sam – 8 – “At first glance this appears to be a middling girl bop but quickly reveals itself as a certified banger. The melody (pun intended) has a very bright, poppy Y2K vibe. It’s an incredibly catchy, fun song. It’s not winning Eurovision, but with strong vocals and staging I see it doing reasonably well if it goes.”
Total: 37 points (Average = 6.2)
So from the second Semi-Finals, our writers would love to see Mawot, DeTeresa, Melody and Celine Van Heel in the Grand Final.
- Mawot – “Raggio di sole” – 39.5 points (Average = 6.58)
- DeTeresa – “La pena” – 38.5 points (Average = 6.42)
- Melody – “Esa diva” – 37.0 points (Average = 6.2)
- Celine Van Heel – “La casa” – 34.0 points (Average = 5.67)
- J Kbello – “VIP” – 30.0 points (Average = 5.0)
- Mel Ömana – “I’m a Queen” – 28.0 (Average = 4.67)
- Henry Semler – “No lo ves” – 23.0 points (Average = 3.83)
- Carla Frigo – “Bésame” – 22.5 points (Average = 3.75)
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.