Spain: Blanca Paloma wins Benidorm Fest 2023 with "Eaea"

The busy and ambitious Benidorm Fest 2023 is officially over with the victory of Blanca Paloma, who will have the honor and responsability of representing Spain at Eurovision 2023 with the song "Eaea."

Not a lot changed from the semi-finals during tonight's show: the professional jury, composed of names such as Sweden's Christer Björkman and Nina (Spain 1989), was worth 50% of the decision, whereas the demoscopic jury and the televote were each worth 25%.

Moreover, the Palau Municipal d'Esports l'Illa de Benidorm was again packed with fans, national and international media and, of course, louder than ever as the die-hard fans had their last shot at supporting their favorite entry.

As for interval acts, Ana Mena was one of the invited guests and Monica Naranjo, also the host, got to perform again. Chanel (Spain 2022) was also part of the show, handing out the trophy. Manuel Carrasco, former Operación Triunfo alumnus, opened the Final.

Blanca Paloma

Blanca Paloma is a 33-year-old Spanish singer born in Elche.

Even if her solo breakthrough only came last year, in the first edition of Benidorm Fest with "Secreto de Agua" to be precise, her résumé lists experience as a part of groups such as De mar a mar or Afalkay.

So far, Paloma has three singles to her name including the now winning song, "Eaea."

Blanca's been involved indirectly with Eurovision since 2003 when her sister competed to represent Spain in Junior Eurovision's first edition. Regardless, music hasn't always been her main job as she's previously worked as a stylist in Madrid and as a set designer.

Benidorm Fest 2023

Benidorm Fest returned for a second year in a row as Spain’s national selection for Eurovision after Chanel’s (Spain 2022) massive success. The city of Benidorm dressed up for the occasion and turned their national selection into a Eurovision event on a smaller scale as fans and media from all over the world flew to the city to watch the live show and celebrate the world's biggest musical event.

There were three shows, all in order to pick the best candidate for Liverpool. Inés Hernand, Mónica Naranjo and Rodrigo Vázquez were in charge of guiding each night's broadcasts as the show's hosts.

• 31 January 2023: Semi-final 1
• 2 February 2023: Semi-final 2
• 4 February 2023: Final

Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest

Spain has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 61 times since their debut in 1961. They have won twice: in 1968 (La, La, La...) and the folowing year, 1969 (Vivo Cantando).

Spain is a member of the "Big-5," which means they don't have to go through the Semi-final round and are automatically qualified for the Grand Final. Spain is also a member of "club zero" because they have managed to get zero points 3 times. They have finished in last place 5 times in Eurovision history, the latest coming in 2017.

Spain's best-known song is probably "Eres Tú" from Eurovision 1973 (2nd place, only four points away from victory).