Laura Pausini will co-host the 76th Festival di Sanremo with presenter and artistic director Carlo Conti from 24 to 28 February 2026 at the Teatro Ariston.
The Italian singer-songwriter will take part in all five nights of the festival, marking a return to the stage where she first rose to fame. Pausini won the Newcomers’ category in 1993 with 'La solitudine' and returned to compete in 1994 with 'Strani amore'. Since then, she has made six appearances as a special guest between 2001 and 2022, making Sanremo 2026 her ninth appearance at the festival, this time in a new capacity.
During the announcement on TG1, Carlo Conti expressed his gratitude for Laura Pausini accepting his invitation “immediately and enthusiastically”, while also hinting that additional co-hosts are expected to take part throughout the week. “It’s a great honour and a joy to share the festival’s hosting duties with such a strong, charismatic and entertaining artist and woman as Laura. Each evening, we will be joined by various co-hosts, both male and female, who will enliven the Ariston stage,” Conti said.
Laura Pausini also shared her excitement about returning to the festival, describing Sanremo as an integral part of her artistic journey.
“Sanremo is my destiny. My smile. My temptation. My fear. I was born artistically in Sanremo in 1993, and this year I return proud and moved because, with all the honour and joy in the world, I will host the 76th edition of the Festival with Carlo Conti. First times are never forgotten, and like the first kiss, I feel emotional. I have spent every year of my life watching Sanremo and never thought I would find myself in this role. I thank Carlo; the respect I have always felt for him has also turned into trust.”
Pausini is one of Italy’s most internationally recognised artists, with a long and successful career that has earned her many awards around the globe. In addition to her music career, she has also taken on the role of co-hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 in Turin with Mika and Alessandro Cattelan.
Sanremo 2026 will be broadcast live on Rai 1, RaiPlay and Rai Radio 2.
