This Tuesday marked the beginning of the long-awaited Benidorm Fest 2024, a contest organized by RTVE to select the Spanish representative in the Eurovision Song Contest. With eight first candidates in contention, the event promised to be a display of talent and emotion, but social networks condemned the first semifinal with criticism that highlighted several aspects.
Ruth Lorenzo, the renowned singer who participated in Eurovision in 2014, led the presentation along with journalist Marc Calderó and TVE reporter Ana Prada, in charge of the Green Room. The audience was looking forward to the gala, but comments on social networks attacked the pace of the program and its hosts from the beginning.
Among the criticisms that flooded social networks after the first semi-final of Benidorm Fest 2024, comments stand out that describe the experience as “very uncomfortable to watch.” The lack of connection between the presenters, coupled with sound failures considered “unforgivable”, contributed to an atmosphere of discontent among the audience. The performances also received a dose of criticism, described as “bland, boring and lacking professionalism.”
“Oh no, what a flop the start seems to me, what a flop the presenters,” said a user on Twitter, reflecting dissatisfaction with the beginning of the musical event. Other comments pointed out the lack of dynamism and rhythm in the first fifteen minutes, while some described the beginning as “bland and boring.”
The choice of broadcast time, exceeding 10:50 p.m., also generated criticism from the audience. “What a time to start the fucking semi-final for real…” indicated one tweeter, reflecting dissatisfaction with the selected time slot.
But not only the rhythm and time of broadcast were the subject of criticism. The sound quality was also in the spotlight. “Have you forgotten to turn on the microphones?” asked a spectator. “The most important thing about a music program is the sound and the ‘Benidorm Fest’ thing is horrible,” said another, reflecting the public’s concern about the listening experience.
The voting system was also the subject of controversy on the networks, with comparisons to the Sanremo Festival. “The voting system still seems absurd to me, colleague. Couldn’t they do like in Sanremo, which is much more equitable?” expressed one user, questioning the fairness of the process.
The staging and costumes did not escape public scrutiny, with comments highlighting the lack of coherence between the visual image and the musical proposal. “Tell me that you have also felt embarrassed by others,” said one user, highlighting the importance of harmony between music and visual presentation in an event of this magnitude.
Amid criticism and expectations, the ‘Benidorm Fest 2024’ moves towards its grand finale, with the question of whether the organization will take measures to address the concerns expressed by the audience, especially those related to sound.
With the date of the grand final already set for Saturday, February 3 at 10:15 p.m. on TVE’s La 1, intensity and musical passion will continue to be the protagonists, leaving the eight selected artists to face an exciting challenge in looking for the opportunity to bring the Spanish flag to the European stage.
