“Pop, rock, rap, ballads: different rhythms and styles coming together to tell the story of Italian music today.” With these words, Carlo Conti summed up the spirit of the 76th edition of the Festival di Sanremo, airing from tonight through Saturday in prime time on Rai 1, Rai Radio2, RaiPlay and Rai 4K.
The Teatro Ariston is set to welcome audiences this evening, Tuesday, February 24, with the live broadcast starting at 8:40 p.m. During the opening night, all 30 Big artists will perform their competing songs for the first time. Performances will be judged exclusively by the Press, TV and Web Jury, which will compile a provisional ranking. At the end of the night, viewers will learn the five most appreciated songs, without knowing their exact order.
Carlo Conti will be joined throughout all five evenings by Laura Pausini, with additional co-hosts rotating nightly, including Can Yaman, Pilar Fogliati, Achille Lauro, Lillo, Irina Shayk, Bianca Balti, Giorgia Cardinaletti and Nino Frassica. Gianluca Gazzoli will also appear during the second and third nights to present the Young Artists competition.
Live connections from the cruise ship Costa Toscana are planned each night, with Max Pezzali performing alongside Olly, winner of the 2025 edition, on opening night. Among the most anticipated guests are Tiziano Ferro, Eros Ramazzotti, Alicia Keys, Virginia Raffaele, Fabio De Luigi and Andrea Bocelli. Career Awards will be presented to Caterina Caselli, Mogol and Fausto Leali.
At the heart of the festival remains the music, with all competing artists accompanied by the Festival Orchestra, conducted by Pinuccio Pirazzoli.