Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


Benidorm / 15 February 2026
Tony Grox and LUCYCALYS have triumphed at Benidorm Fest 2026 with their powerful ballad “T AMARÉ” (“I Will Love You”), securing the honour of representing Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest.
The highly anticipated final took place this evening at the Palau d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm, delivering a spectacular night of music, celebration and high production values. The show was hosted by Javier Ambrossi, Jesús Vázquez and Inés Hernand, who guided audiences through an evening filled with standout performances and special guest appearances.
A Star-Studded Final
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, last year’s winner Melody returned to the Benidorm stage as an interval act. She was joined by previous champions Chanel, Blanca Paloma and Nebulossa, alongside popular past participants including Daniela Blasco, Agoney, Almacor, Jorge González and Vicco, turning the final into a true showcase of Spain’s recent Eurovision legacy.
How the Winner Was Decided
The result was determined through Benidorm Fest’s established voting system:
The eight-member professional jury comprised leading figures from across the Spanish-language music industry:
After combining all votes, Tony Grox and LUCYCALYS topped the scoreboard with 166 points, earning 82 from the jury, 36 from the demoscopic panel and 48 from the public televote.
Rosalinda Galán finished third with 140 points, while ASHA secured second place with 144 points for “Turista”.
Full Results – Benidorm Fest 2026 Final
Prize and Additional Awards
As winners, Tony Grox and LUCYCALYS will receive a total cash prize of €150,000, with €100,000 awarded to the performers and €50,000 allocated to the songwriter(s).
Two additional industry prizes were also presented during the evening:
The Spotify Award, including a partnership and recording session at Spotify’s studios in Stockholm, was awarded to ASHA.
A TelevisaUnivision Prize, consisting of a trip to Miami to record a single with an international producer, was awarded to Tony Grox and LUCYCALYS.
About Benidorm Fest
Benidorm Fest was launched in 2022 as Spain’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. The event revived the legacy of the historic Benidorm International Song Festival, which first began in 1958 and last took place in 2006.
Previous Benidorm Fest winners include:
The Spanish broadcaster RTVE has formally withdrawn Spain from the 2026 Eurovisio Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that Israel would remain in the lineup, following political controversy. This marks the first time since the country’s debut in 1961 that Spain will miss Eurovision.
Although Spain still held Benidorm Fest 2026 as a national music festival (where Tony Grox & LUCYCALYS won), that event is not selecting an official Eurovision entry this year due to the withdrawal.
The Costa Blanca enters another fantastic week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy programme of sporting, cultural and family-friendly events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.
Visitor numbers continue to climb as August reaches its peak, with hotels across the region approaching full occupancy ahead of the 12 August Total Solar Eclipse, which is expected to attract thousands more visitors to the Costa Blanca.
☀️ Benidorm
Beaches & Summer Activities
Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity, with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.
Popular activities include:
Visitors continue flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's most popular new photo spots.
International Mermaids & Mermen Convention
Aqua Natura Benidorm continues hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention.
Visitors can enjoy:
The famous Benidorm Cable Ski continues celebrating its 60th anniversary with commemorative displays and special summer activities honouring one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife remains in full swing with:
🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi
Nature & Coastal Walks
The accessible bathing service at Racó de l'Albir Beach remains available until 30 September, with trained staff and adapted equipment helping visitors with reduced mobility enjoy the sea safely.
Things to enjoy:
🏰 Guadalest
Recently strengthening its commitment to becoming a Smart Tourist Destination, Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's must-visit inland attractions.
Explore:
🍫 Villajoyosa
Colourful Coastal Heritage
La Vila Joiosa continues welcoming visitors to one of the Costa Blanca's most colourful seaside towns.
Popular attractions include:
🏟️ La Nucía
Sport & Family Activities
Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:
Throughout the week La Nucía continues its summer cultural programme featuring:
🌅 Finestrat
Outdoor Adventures
Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular activities include:
La Marina Shopping Centre continues offering:
🎭 Altea
Arts & Culture
Altea continues its vibrant summer programme with:
🌞 Solar Eclipse Countdown
Hotels across Benidorm and the Costa Blanca are nearing capacity ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August, with tourism officials expecting one of the busiest weeks of the summer.
Visitors planning to stay for the eclipse are advised to book accommodation, restaurants and excursions as early as possible.
🚔 Summer Safety
Following another successful week with enhanced policing, additional patrols remain in place across beaches, promenades, nightlife areas and tourist hotspots.
The high wildfire risk also remains in force across much of Alicante Province. Visitors are reminded not to light fires or barbecues in rural areas and to report any signs of smoke immediately by calling 112.
📅 Coming Up
🌴 Quick Summary
🌤️ Weather Outlook
Another week of classic Mediterranean sunshine is expected.
🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C
Warm sea temperatures make conditions ideal for swimming and water sports, although visitors should stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon. Local authorities also continue to monitor wildfire conditions, with restrictions possible in some natural areas if the fire risk increases.


Local & Spanish


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