The Sanremo Music Festival continues to captivate audiences, setting new records during its 2025 second night. With an extraordinary average of 11.7 million viewers and a remarkable 64.5% share, the event not only surpassed the previous year’s figures but also achieved impressive growth across various demographics.
This year’s festival, hosted by Carlo Conti for the fourth time, featured co-hosts Bianca Balti, Cristiano Malgioglio, and Nino Frassica. The night's viewing figures reflect how well the festival is being received, especially compared to last year when the second night garnered 10.36 million viewers with only 60.1% share.
According to data released by Auditel, the first part of the show aired from 21:16 to 23:28, attracting 14.84 million viewers, which accounts for 63.62% of the audience. The second portion, from 23:33 to 1:12, maintained substantial interest with 7.58 million viewers and 67.14% share. Notably, the pre-show segment, "Sanremo Start," captured the attention of 12.24 million viewers at 50.27%. Viewership peaked at 22:15, reaching 16 million when the special feature on the upcoming Rai1 show "Champagne" aired.
This year’s statistics reveal not only the overall popularity of Sanremo but also its increased appeal among younger demographics. The festival has seen significant engagement from audiences aged 15 to 34, reflected by the 8.2% rise from the previous year’s figures. Social media buzz surrounding the event has been equally noteworthy, with singer Fedez leading the discussions online.
Marcello Ciannamea, the director of Prime Time Entertainment at Rai, expressed enthusiasm over the figures, indicating this festival is “a Sanremo for the youth.” This focus is evidenced by the considerable interactions on social media, totaling 21.5 million, marking a 12% increase from 2024.
Despite comparing numbers based on traditional television viewing methods, the integration of audience data from digital platforms, referred to as total audience, has shown favorable results for the current edition. Auditel's new method of measuring viewership, which includes audiences from smartphones and tablets, was implemented just this year. When taking this broader approach, Sanremo 2025’s figures represent not only growth but also adaptability to changing viewing habits.
Viewership comparisons with the prior years augment the current festival's narrative. The 2024 second night, conducted by Amadeus, boasted lower numbers, with averages around 10.36 million. Even the prior year’s average of 10.54 million viewers appears modest against the backdrop of the latest statistics.
While discussing viewer engagement, it was noted how the viewership among younger groups significantly outpaced older audiences, with figures hitting 91.4% for the 15-24 age range during peak times. The overall numbers illustrated the importance of the festival’s appeal to younger audiences, as targeted segments saw exceptional engagement rates: 74.7% for ages 4-14, 85.6% for 15-24, and impressive figures across all age brackets.
Performances remained one of the highlights of the evening, including the enchanting act by the six-year-old prodigy Alessandro Gervasi, who captivated the audience with his rendition of "Champagne" by Peppino Di Capri. This touch of youthful talent resonates well with the festival’s push to appeal to younger viewers.
Looking at the broader picture, the festival has not merely regained its stature; it’s also expanded its influence, becoming increasingly relevant to today’s digital audience. With 103 million video views and audience engagement doubling the figures from last year's second night, the festival indicated its prominence on digital platforms.
Sanremo, once again, reaffirms its cultural significance within Italy, showcasing the blend of tradition and modernity. The festival's ability to adapt to changing viewing habits and demographic trends positions it firmly as one of the most-watched and engaged cultural events, setting standards for future editions.
With these extraordinary results, it's clear the momentum of Sanremo 2025 is set to continue, captivating both conventional viewers and new, young audiences alike.