The first show of Operación Triunfo takes place this evening, with eighteen singers vying for just 16 spaces in the Academy.

Tonight the eighteen singers who have made it through to Operación Triunfo 2018 will be taking to the stage. Each of the singers will be performing a cover version of a well known song, and are hoping to convince the public and the jury that they deserve a place in the next Gala.

The eighteen singers are:

África (22) – Madrid

Albra Reche (20) – Elche

Alfonso (22) – Madrid

Carlos Right (25) – Esplugues de Llobregat

Damion (21) – Adeje

Dave (20) – Cádiz

Famous (19) – Bormujos

Joan Garrido (22) – Palma de Mallorca

Julia (23) – Cádiz

Luis (19) – El Masnou

María (26) – Madrid

Marilia (18) – La Palmas de Gran Canaria

Marta (18) – Málaga

Miki (22) – Terrassa

Natalia (19) – Pamplona

Noelia (22) – Málaga

Rodrigo (25) – Seville

Sabela (24) – A Coruña

The public will vote for their favourite performer, the public favourite is guaranteed a place in the next round. The jury will then nominate five of tonight’s performers to be up for eviction. Of the five singers, two will be saved by the Academy’s staff, while one singer will be saved by a public vote.

The show will this year feature its largest setting to date, with just under 900 fans able to support the participants each week in the studio. In addition to a change in the day the show is broadcast, one member of the judging panel has changed. Monica Naranjo will be leaving the show, with Ana Torroja taking her place.

Operación Triunfo 2018 will be used to select the Spanish participant for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. RTVE revealed today that the show which returned to Spanish screens last year will once again be used to determine the Spanish entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest.

The show is live from 22:30 CET and can be watched live on the TVE website here.