What Happened
RAI has officially announced the running order of the 30 artists competing at the 76° Festival di Sanremo, set to commence on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Teatro Ariston. The festival will feature a classic five-night format, with the opening night dedicated to the first live performances of the competing entries.
Why It Matters
Sanremo is a significant cultural event in Italy, having started in 1951 and serving as a precursor to the Eurovision Song Contest. The winner of Sanremo has the opportunity to represent Italy at Eurovision, although participation is not mandatory. This year’s festival promises to be an engaging spectacle, hosted by Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini, showcasing 30 new songs that reflect the evolving landscape of Italian music.
What’s Next
The festival will unfold over five nights, with the first night featuring all 30 artists. The second night will see half of the lineup return, while the remaining artists will perform on the following night. Voting will be conducted by a jury of professional journalists, with the top five acts announced at random at the end of the first night. The festival will culminate in the announcement of the winner on Saturday.