The second semi-final of the 2026 Benidorm Fest, which took place on Thursday, did not meet audience expectations, achieving only an 11.1% share and averaging 857,000 viewers. Despite being a highly technical and artistic night, the event fell short compared to competing programs on Antena 3 and Telecinco, marking a decline in viewership from previous years.

While the overall figures were deemed respectable, particularly among younger viewers aged 13 to 24, who made up a significant 21.7% share, and those aged 25 to 44 with 23.7%, the show still struggled to capture a broader audience. The premiere of this year's semi-final was particularly notable because it is the first edition that has been distanced from Eurovision, which may have impacted its draw and potential audience engagement.

The competition continues with eyes on how the final performances will pan out and whether the event can regain traction and interest as it progresses. The ratings this year may prompt producers to rethink the structure and appeal of future editions to better attract the national audience.