Melody Wins Benidorm Fest 2025: A Divided Reaction as Spain Prepares for Eurovision
Chanel Blanca Paloma Nebulossa and Melody made headlines this weekend as the Sevillian singer was crowned the winner of Benidorm Fest 2025. This victory means that Melody will represent Spain at the Eurovision festival in Basel, Switzerland, on May 17. Her triumph came through massive support from the public, with a staggering 39% of over 235,000 votes cast in her favor, despite being deemed only the third choice by the jury. This year, Melody, the iconic rumba artist, finally achieved her long-standing dream of becoming Spain's voice at Eurovision with her song 'Esa diva,' a classic pop anthem aspiring to promote equality and inclusion.
Melody's performance dazzled the audience, featuring an impressive array of theatrical elements including an eight-meter train, a Córdoba hat, a throne shaped like a comb, and an energetic dance routine. Her vocal prowess shone through even as she executed a daring 360-degree turn during one of the highlights of the show. To cap it off, she performed her signature hair move, infamously known as the helicopter, truly delivering an unforgettable spectacle. In an interview with El HuffPost, she expressed her determination to make changes to the song, ensuring it resonates more broadly and aligns with international standards. 'It's a song with a strong melodic range that allows for various arrangements,' she noted with optimism.
However, Melody's win sparked significant debate on social media. Many fans commended her stage presence and years of experience, while others, particularly Eurovision enthusiasts, criticized her song for being outdated. The 2022 revival of Benidorm Fest aimed to embrace modern, avant-garde proposals, raising concerns among some followers that the contest's originality may be compromised.
The specialized press weighed in, questioning the viability of Spain achieving its third Eurovision win following historic victories in 1968 and 1969. While some experts express doubts regarding Melody's competitiveness at Eurovision, pointing out that her style may not resonate with a contemporary audience, others believe in the unpredictability of the contest. Rocío Muñoz from EurovisionSpain.com expressed that Melody's candidacy might seem outdated, cautioning that this vintage approach could struggle against younger, more innovative competitors. Merce Moreno of Bluper echoed similar sentiments, stating that while the concept was intriguing, it ultimately lacked the fresh appeal that current listeners seek.
Carlos Pecharromán from Euromovidas took a more pessimistic view, predicting a lower placement for Melody due to what he referred to as a 'more is more' approach that may no longer be viable at Eurovision. Elian Vayá from Cadena SER offered a more balanced perspective, noting the importance of Melody's public representation and state pride. Despite the anticipated adjustments she plans to make, including re-evaluating her wardrobe for a more current visual, concerns linger over the possibility of her performance being overloaded.
Beyond the individual performance, Melody’s win raises broader questions about the future of the Benidorm Fest brand. While many see her as a familiar face to the audience, there is apprehension that this outcome may deter emerging artists and indie musicians from participating in future contests. Pecharromán articulated concerns that the perception might solidify—that established artists with a dedicated fanbase could overshadow innovative newcomers.
In conclusion, Melody's victory at Benidorm Fest is a complex affair, stirring a mixture of excitement, skepticism, and concern. As Spain gears up for Eurovision, the emphasis will be on how effectively she can reshape her performance and song to win over an international audience, all while navigating the expectations of her loyal supporters and the critical eye of the specialized press.
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