The culmination of Benidorm Fest’s third edition is imminent this Saturday with high hopes, especially for the potential victory of St. Pedro from Tenerife and his bolero ‘Two Strangers (String Quartet)’ being showcased at Eurovision 2024.
The Canarian artist, who has been a frontrunner in many predictions, secured the highest score in the recent second semi-final, accruing 94 points, only two points shy of the maximum score. This remarkable achievement stems from a strong performance in televoting, demoscopic vote, and jury ratings.
Unlike the previous editions of the Spanish preselection for Eurovision, this year lacks the uncertainty that characterized previous contests. St. Pedro’s main competitor, Nebulossa, appeared inconsistent in scoring, being the jury’s favorite with a lower overall score of 84 points.
Professional judgment holds great importance in Benidorm Fest, as the cumulative maximum points from individual jury members outweigh the total points from televoting and demoscopic voting. St. Pedro’s ability to secure high ratings from the professionals sets him apart from previous winners.
Notably, St. Pedro has garnered a rare consensus from the professional jury, receiving overwhelmingly high scores. This robust support is expected to carry into the final, giving him a significant advantage.
While there will be minimal changes in the performance staging, the focus remains on perfecting each rendition, with minor adjustments to enhance the overall presentation. Such attention to detail underscores the dedication to delivering an impeccable performance.
The outcome of Benidorm Fest’s final will be driven by more than just technical execution. Despite criticisms on the negligible influence of an artist’s execution and tuning on the final jury vote, St. Pedro’s widespread appeal and exceptional performance make him a formidable contender.
The upcoming final at Palau d’Esports l’Illa in Benidorm (Alicante) will bear witness to an array of talented artists. However, St. Pedro’s standout performance and widespread support place him in a commanding position to triumph.
The grand final lineup will open with María Peláe’s ‘Remitente’, followed by the strong contender, St. Pedro. Subsequent performances will include Angy Fernández with ‘Sé qué soy’, Jorge González with ‘Caliente’, Nebulossa with ‘Zorra’, Sofía Coll with ‘Here to stay’, Miss Caffeina with ‘Bla Bla Bla’, and Almácor with ‘Brillos platino’.
