Benidorm Fest 2025: Daniela Blasco and Kuve Shine as Favorites; Legendary Duo Fails to Qualify
Daniela Blasco Lachispa Kuve and Lucas Bun have secured their spots in the grand final of the Benidorm Fest 2025 after an intense semifinal round filled with unexpected outcomes. Held at the Lilla Sports Palace in Alicante, this event marked the beginning of the search for a successor to Nebulossa, who will represent Spain at the Eurovision festival in Basel, Switzerland, this coming May.
In a first for the competition, the complete results of the semifinal were not revealed. However, three of the four finalists received overwhelming support from both the jury and the audience. Among them was Lachispa, a performer from Cádiz who garnered significant attention from betting houses. At just 16 years old, she served as a backing vocalist for the acclaimed Rosalía during the El mal querer tour. In her performance of "Hartita de llorar," Lachispa displayed her vocal prowess, blending flamenco and folklore with modern trap elements. Her use of mirrors in staging symbolized her personal battle against fears and insecurities, making for an authentic and heartfelt presentation, although there were some concerns regarding the production quality and lighting.
Equally impressive was Mallorcan artist Daniela Blasco, who has become a fan favorite this year. In her performance of "Uh Na Na," Daniela focused primarily on showcasing her dancing abilities, even omitting some of the song's verses to highlight her choreography alongside four dancers. The inclusion of pyrotechnics elevated her visually stunning act, which seemed perfectly crafted for the European festival audience.
A surprising highlight of the night was the qualification of Kuve from Murcia, who many did not expect to advance. Opening the show, Kuve delivered an acrobatic performance that mixed nostalgic sounds from the 90s with electronic music, earning applause for her flair and inclusivity in addressing themes of LGBTQ freedom.
In a slightly controversial decision, Lucas Bun made it through as the fourth finalist, thanks to the jury's strong support. Lucas performed "Te escribo desde el cielo"—a moving tribute to his late mother, who passed away just a year prior. His performance, characterized by a sparse stage setup and emotionally charged vocals paired with two cellists, left the audience visibly affected, especially during the poignant concluding words, "I love you mom."
The night, however, was marked by the elimination of the beloved duo Sonia and Selena, who had returned to the stage with their new song "Reinas." Despite nostalgic lyrics and a vibrant performance celebrating their legacy, it did not earn enough votes to qualify for the final. Sonia stated, "We consider ourselves part of the history of Spain," acknowledging their longstanding impact even if they did not advance.
Also missing from the final lineup were Chica Sobresalto, whose feminist anthem fell short due to a lackluster stage concept, and Maialen, who struggled with lyrical missteps. While David Afonso showcased impressive vocals, his song hardly matched his evident talent. The group Kngdom failed to impress as well, despite bringing a love-themed performance ahead of Valentine's Day.
Looking ahead, another eight contenders will compete on Thursday for the four remaining spots in the grand final on Saturday, February 1. Among these performers are Mel Ömana, Henry Semler, DeTeresa, J Kbello, Carla Frigo, Mawot, Celine Van Heel, and Melody. Renowned artists Chenoa and Isabel Aaiún will also grace the stage as special guests, adding to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming heats.
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