Today : Feb 19, 2025
Arts & Culture
14 February 2025

Duran Duran Returns To Sanremo 2025 Stage After 40 Years

Edoardo Bennato and new artists shine as Sanremo festival presents third night performances.

Sanremo 2025 has reached its third night, showcasing another exciting round of performances at the famed Ariston Theatre. After kicking off with the vibrant flair characteristic of the festival, host Carlo Conti, along with co-hosts Miriam Leone, Katia Follesa, and Elettra Lamborghini, steered the evening filled with musical talent and electrifying guest appearances.

One of the highlights of the evening included the beloved Italian singer Edoardo Bennato, who made his presence known by performing his iconic hit, "Sono solo canzonette." At 78 years old, Bennato's energy and charisma lit up the stage, and he reflected on his successful past, saying, "That year we did 15 stadiums," reminding the audience of his enduring legacy.

This night also marked the finale for the New Proposals category, where young artists Alex Wyse and Settembre went head-to-head, promising to captivate audiences with their unique performances. With voting mechanisms involving the public and juries, anticipation grew as fans awaited the announcement of the night's winner.

Returning to the stage after 40 years, the legendary band Duran Duran electrified the audience with their performance, which included classics like "Wild Boys" and the iconic medley featuring "Psycho Killer," supported by Victoria De Angelis, the bassist of Måneskin. Their return was not just marked by music but also by playful moments; Katia Follesa humorously interrupted one of the performances, teasingly dressed as a bride, and claimed, "I’ll marry Simon Le Bon," leading to light-hearted banter between the band’s frontman and the host.

The festival’s emphasis on diversity was also evident with segments dedicated to social issues, such as the special performance by the theatrical group Teatro Patologico, featuring young people with disabilities. Their touching presentation moved the audience to their feet, underscoring the message of inclusion.

The competition among the 14 big artists tonight was fierce. Kicking off the second round of performances were Clara, Brunori Sas, and Sarah Toscano, among others, who brought their songs to life once again. Each performance confirmed the talent present on this star-studded night.

Lively banter flowed throughout the evening between the hosts, especially between Conti and Follesa, who injected their unique personalities and humor, with Follesa commenting on the previous Sanremo formats, “But come on, at least one nice letter to my childhood self!”

Also featured was Iva Zanicchi, who received the prestigious Premio alla Carriera, celebrating her illustrious contributions to music. Her medley performance was well received, highlighting her status as a pillar of Italian music.

With such dynamic performances and engaging discussions, the third night of Sanremo 2025 was not just about music; it was about celebrating culture, nostalgia, and the incredible talent within the industry.

The audience eagerly awaited the results of the New Proposals, with the voting process echoing through the hall as fans participated actively, sharing their support through texts and calls. Viewership numbers indicated record interest, cementing Sanremo's position as one of the most-watched festivals annually.

Tonight’s show promised to be memorable as it culminated at 1:15 AM with the live announcement of the top performers, providing closure to this vibrant evening. The festival continues to resonate deeply with fans, both old and new, as it transitions through history with each performance.

Further adding to the festivities, the cast of the popular TV show Mare Fuori made their appearance to promote their upcoming fifth season, marking the crossover between television and music genres.

With the excitement of performances, unexpected humor, poignant moments, and fan engagement, the third night of Sanremo 2025 has proven to be yet another demonstration of the festival’s enduring charm.