Italy: RAI announces the 30 artists competing in Sanremo 2026

 

RAI has officially revealed the 30 artists who will compete in the 76th edition of the Festival di Sanremo, taking place from 24 to 28 February 2026 at the iconic Teatro Artison in Sanremo. One of these acts will be crowned the winner and may be offered the opportunity to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

Preparations for the legendary Italian festival are well underway. Earlier this year, Olly won the 75th edition with 'Balorda Nostalgia', though he declined the Eurovision invitation. Italy was ultimately represented in Basel by Lucio Corsi with 'Volevo essere un duro', securing a respectable 5th place. Both artists have secured their place in Sanremo’s rich history — and soon, a new name will join them.

The 2026 lineup was curated by artistic director Carlo Conti, who will also host all five nights of the show. While the list of artists is now public, the song titles will only be revealed during the Sanremo Giovani final on 14 December. The songs themselves will not be heard until the festival’s opening night on 24 February.

Sanremo 2026: What to Expect

This year’s festival will once again follow the classic five-night format:

Night 1 – Tuesday, 24 February

All 30 acts take the stage for their first performance. Voting is carried out exclusively by the press jury (TV and online media). A Top 5 ranking, in random order, will be revealed at the end of the night.

Night 2 – Wednesday, 25 February

Fifteen artists perform their songs again. Voting is split evenly between a radio jury (50%) and televoting (50%). A random-order Top 5 will be announced.

Night 3 – Thursday, 26 February

The remaining fifteen artists return to the stage under the same voting system as Night 2. Another Top 5 will be revealed.

Night 4 – Friday, 27 February – Cover Night

All 30 acts perform a cover of their choice, either solo or with a guest artist. The winning cover is awarded separately from the main competition. Voting is divided between the radio jury (33%), the press jury (33%), and the televote (34%).

Night 5 – Saturday, 28 February – The Grand Final

All acts perform once more. After the votes from Nights 1, 2, 3, and 5 are combined, the top five artists advance to the Superfinal. The winner of Sanremo 2026 — determined through 33% radio jury, 33% press jury, and 34% televote — will also receive the chance to represent Italy at Eurovision 2026.

With the lineup revealed, the countdown to Sanremo 2026 officially begins. Italy now looks ahead to another unforgettable week of music, emotion and tradition — and the public eagerly awaits to discover the next artist who will leave their mark on Sanremo’s storied legacy. Meet the participants:

Tommaso Paradiso
Chiello
Serena Brancale
Fulminacci
Ditonellapiaga
Fedez & Masini
Leo Gassmann
Sayf
Arisa
Tredici Pietro
Sal Da Vinci
Samurai Jay
Malika Ayane
Luchè
Raf
Bambole di pezza
Ermal Meta
Nayt
Elettra Lamborghini
Michele Bravi
J-Ax
Enrico Nigiotti
Maria Antonietta & Colombre
Francesco Renga
Mara Sattei
LDA & Aka 7even
Dargen D’Amico
Levante
Eddie Brock
Patty Pravo

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