The Benidorm Fest 2026 is set to commence with its first semifinal on February 10, 2026, marking a pivotal moment as it gains recognition as an independent festival, separate from Spain's previous selection process for Eurovision. This change follows RTVE's withdrawal from the European song contest, allowing the festival held in Benidorm to establish its own identity and significance from February 10 to February 14, 2026.

The live broadcasts will be hosted by Jesús Vázquez, Inés Hernand, and Javier Ambrossi, adding a lively touch to the event that showcases a mix of established and new talent. The first semifinal will feature performances from 18 contestants who will compete in this round, promising a night filled with diverse musical styles and performances. The event is scheduled to be aired live on La 1, starting at 23.00 and concluding at 01.20 AM.

As the festival progresses, viewers will be treated to a variety of performances, beginning with artist KITAI followed by others such as María León and Izan Llunas. This year's festival is particularly significant because it represents a new chapter for the Benidorm Fest as it steps onto the stage as a key platform for emerging artists, and it could have larger implications for future Spanish entries in international music competitions.