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The Spanish broadcaster RTVE has formally withdrawn Spain from the 2026 Eurovisio Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that Israel would remain in the lineup, following political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.
Overview
This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:
Weekly markets and street trading
Live music in bars and small venues
Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)
Small cultural events and exhibitions
Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm
BENIDORM – Events and Activity
Markets and street life
Cultural activity
Nightlife and entertainment
Overall feel
Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.
ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere
Live music
Sea activities
Overall feel
Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.
ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity
Markets
Live music
Cultural venues
Overall feel
Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.
LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus
Markets
Sports activity
Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events
Overall feel
Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.
FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle
Markets
Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods
Beachfront activity
Entertainment
Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events
Overall feel
Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment
Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed
Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life
La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused
Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

Local & Spanish


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