Eurivisión is a format that is experiencing a second youth. In the time of our grandparents and parents, it was the most anticipated television moment of the year. On the other hand, in recent years, it has become the laughingstock of the national music scene and the good songs could be counted on the palm of one hand in each edition. To everyone’s surprise, last year was a real bombshell.
The Benidorm Fest 2022 became the preselection to choose the representative of Spain in Eurovision and the process was overwhelmingly successful. With a dynamic and more youthful rhythm, the great role of Inés Hernand and names on the grid like Rigoberta Bandini or Varry Barry nothing could go wrong. In the end, Chanel was selected as the representative of Spain and her “SloMo” has marked a before and after in Europe (although we will admit that Chanel’s popularity promised much more than what she ended up being).
After a few months of silence, the contest is back in the news. 18 songs have been presented to guide Spain to the top in Eurovision. Yes, in our opinion the level has hit a significant drop compared to last year’s options. Little by little, we are going to unravel the keys to the themes that will be seen from January 31 to February 4 at Benidorm Fest 2023.
Agoney, Alfred and Famous: the ex-trumps return to the fray
First of all, it is essential to refer to the three names of former triumphs that have come on the scene. Agoney with ‘Quiero arder’, Alfred García (let’s remember that he already went to Eurovision 2018 with Amaia) with ‘Since you are here’ and Famous with ‘La Lola’ make it clear that the latest editions of OT have left an endless number of names that are still present in the television universe. Regarding the themes, there is not much to add, Agoney has opted for a theme with electronic overtones that does not stick to anything, Alfred continues with his ballads “ni fu ni fa” (an expression we use in Catalonia when something leaves you indifferent) and Famous presents a song that could be ‘Torero’ by Chayanne, but without going down in music history.
Alice Wonder proposes one of the best songs although it lacks claw
Surely the name of Alice Wonder sounds familiar to you, the Madrilenian arrives in Benidorm with one of the best songs of the contest, ‘I would like’: great lyrics, but lack of rhythm to win Eurovision.
Blanca Paloma, Fusa Nocta and Sofía Martín remember Rosal’ía
Blanca Paloma, who repeats at Benidorm Fest, does so now with ‘Eaea’, a song that It is very reminiscent of the songs that flooded Rosalía’s second album‘El Malquerer’.
Saving a lot of distances, ‘Mi familia’ by Fusa Nocta could be included in the drawer of songs with Rosalía touches (flamenco, urban and electronic music, all together). In this bag we could also add Sofía Martín with ‘Tuki’.
José Otero boasts a big voice
‘Inviernos en Marte’ by José Otero can be a song that works well live if it has a correct stage design, but in itself it’s a very simple piece of work.
Karmento puts the alternative touch
Karmento puts the point folk and “alternative” to the festival with ‘Quiero y duelo’, an original theme that escapes the mainstreambut what has everything to end up as the mythical “Terra” by Tanxugueiras, in an undeserved background.
Megara says metal is cool
If there is a performance that promises to leave no one the same, it will be that of Megara, the quartet launches ‘Arcadia’, a metal song that is accompanied by a look savage. We like that, at least, the sound is different from other proposals.
Meler brings good vibes
‘They will not move us’ by Meler is like listening to any song by Nil Moliner, good vibes without anything that stands out in particular.
Rakky Ripper is something like Bad Gyal revved up
‘Traction’ by Rakky Ripper It’s like listening to Bad Gyal at x1.5 speeda subject that surely more than one dances without stopping.
Siderland confirms that the Catalan deserves a space in Eurovision
‘Que esclati tot’ by Siderland adds a dose of Catalan to the festival and shows that not only Spanish works for making music (something we all know, but it’s good to remember from time to time).
Sharonne, Aritz Arén and E’Femme do not offer anything new
‘Aire’ by Sharonne (winner of the second edition of the national version of the program RuPaul’s Drag Race) has little that is different, ‘Flamenco’ by Aritz Arén is more of the same and ‘Uff!’ of E’Femme deserves a Show of ten to save himself.
Twin Melody brings the TikTokero touch and Vicco has a song that enters the first
To close, Twin Melody will surely triumph on TikTok with ‘Sayonara’ (with many numbers it will not do so in Eurovision) and Vicco’s ‘Nochentera’ is a simple song that fits well and is easy to sing, which is already a lot. What’s your opinion about it? On Twitter the debate is burning.
Photos | Gtres