Madrid 2024: Guest performers announced

It's not just the 17 competing entries that TV audiences will be watching on Saturday 16 November, when they tune in to the 22nd Junior Eurovision Song Contest (at 18:00 CET - here's how you can watch).

RTVE has now revealed the opening and interval acts that will be coming to us live from the Caja Mágica in Madrid. And from former Junior Eurovision icons to current Eurovision talent plus an international Spanish superstar - there's lots of unmissable performances to look forward to on Saturday evening.

In the opening number, three renowned figures from Junior Eurovision's past will be joining us once again: María Isabel, Contest winner for Spain in 2004 with Antes Muerta Que Sencilla; Zoé Clauzure, reigning winner for France in 2023 with Cœur; and Sandra Valero, Spain’s representative who finished in second place with Loviu in Nice. 

During this performance, all of this year's participants will join in on singing the common song, fostering a spirit of unity and musical celebration. This will coincide with the traditional Flag Parade that opens every Contest.

For the interval number, singer, songwriter and producer Abraham Mateo is set to energise the audience with Maníaca. 

With a 14 year career behind him at the age of just 26, Mateo’s internationally acclaimed stage presence promises an exhilarating performance that celebrates music and global talent, ensuring the audience joins in the celebration.

Abraham Mateo hails from Cádiz in Spain, and has scored hits at home, across South America and on the US Billboard Latin charts, too.

Another special performance that viewers can look forward to will be Time To Bloom, conceived by artistic director Sergio Jaén. Jaén gained recognition across the Eurovision Song Contest community at Malmö 2024, when he directed the performance of Doomsday Blue by Bambie Thug for Ireland. 

The song Time to Bloom, with music by Federico Jusid and choreography by Borja Rueda, explores self-growth and acceptance, emphasising the value of authenticity. Designed to captivate both children and adults, the performance will combine a cinematic visual style with evocative dance, which promises to make for a powerful and engaging presentation.

All performances will unfold on a stage that's been designed with natural elements like flowers and plants, balancing simplicity with modernity. 

At the centre of it all, there is an impressive vertical LED screen that mimics a large smartphone display, reflecting the digital environment familiar to today’s youth.

The opening performance at Junior Eurovision 2024 will depict the growth of a garden, celebrating the Contest’s journey from its inception over 20 years ago to its current blossoming. 

This performance aims to showcase the creative and transformative power of youth. A video introduction, enhanced with cutting-edge image generation, will take viewers on a European tour, where nature takes centre stage. 

The music is composed by Federico Jusid and complemented by the choreography from Borja Rueda. It will be performed by 21 dancers capturing a vibrant portrayal of cultural diversity. 

The traditional Postcards preceding each act are also set to stand out for their technological innovation, tailored for a young audience. 

The production carefully integrates reality with the metaverse, creating an engaging fusion that respects children’s developmental stages and promotes responsible use of technology. This blend offers the best of both worlds, ensuring digital content that is appropriate and enriching for young viewers. The videos allow each artist to express the slogan 'Let’s Bloom' through concepts that mirror the festival's core values, such as harmony, joy, and diversity.

You can now stream the official #JESC2024 album and watch all 17 songs over on the official #JESC YouTube channel! 

Make sure to keep up to date with all the latest news and BTS action by following #JESC2024 on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, before Junior Eurovision returns LIVE from the Caja Mágica in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday 16 November.

You can watch the show live on the #JESC YouTube channel and don't forget to vote for your favourites over at JESC.TV when voting opens!