The Sanremo 2025 Festival kicked off on February 11, 2025, with much anticipation and excitement. Directed by Carlo Conti and hosted by familiar faces Antonella Clerici and Gerry Scotti, the opening night featured 29 prominent artists competing for the coveted title. Among them were stars like Fedez, Achille Lauro, and the evergreen Simone Cristicchi, setting the stage for another memorable iteration of Italy's iconic music festival.
Opening the night was Gaia, performing her catchy track "Chiamo io, chiami tu". This energetic performance launched the competition, which would be interspersed with appearances by special guests. Notably, the beloved Jovanotti entertained the crowd with his lively repertoire, showcasing his ability to engage with various musical forms. His performance helped ignite the audience's energy, bridging the traditional aspects of Sanremo with contemporary flair.
Following Gaia, the performances rolled out with Francesco Gabbani delivering "Viva la vita", and Rkomi presenting "Il ritmo delle cose", both receiving mixed reviews. Critics were vocal about how artists such as Gabbani maintained their signature styles, but some felt the performance lacked innovation. Noemi's rendition of "Se ti innamori muori" was marked by her powerful vocals, garnering appreciation from both fans and critics alike.
Among the standout performances, Simone Cristicchi delivered "Quando sarai piccola", which earned him a standing ovation from the audience. His emotive presentation and the lyrical depth of the song left many moved, reinforcing his status as one of the festival's favorites. Notably, critics gave him the highest score of the night, with one reviewer stating, "A performance of another time, yielding pure intensity. A well-deserved standing ovation!"
Achille Lauro also made headlines with his melancholic number "Incoscienti giovani". His unique blend of style and substance captivated the audience, drawing rapturous applause from the audience. His fashion sense matched the energy of his music, marking him as both a visual and auditory highlight of the night.
Another notable moment came from Giorgia, who performed "La cura per me". Critics remarked on the overwhelming talent she showcased, calling her interpretation "superior" and destined to earn its place within her impressive catalog of songs. With her performance, she reaffirmed her status as one of the current frontrunners for the Sanremo title, receiving enthusiastic cheers.
Yet not all performances were received with high praise. Fedez's "Battito" and Rocco Hunt’s "Mille vot'ancora" fell short of expectations. While their fan bases continue to support these artists, critics noted the need for more compelling content. The mixed reviews echoed through many discussions following the festival, leaving many debate whether the artists can re-ignite their creative muses amid the rapidly changing music scene.
On the guest front, seasoned artists such as Noa and Mira Awad delighted the audience with their rendition of John Lennon’s classic "Imagine," which bridged cultural divides and reinforced the festival's commitment to inclusivity.
Controversy also brewed during the festival's opening night, as Emis Killa announced his withdrawal from the competition amid legal troubles. His absence was felt, but discussions around the issue highlighted the growing pressures faced by public figures, particularly within the spotlight of famed platforms like Sanremo.
This year's format introduced new voting rules, allowing audience members to vote for only three artists rather than five. This change was debated as potentially shifting the balance of influence from the competing artists to the voting audience. Carlo Conti explained, "I wanted to prioritize Italian music over the spectacle of the show. The competition must remain the primary focus." Some suspect this new mechanism aims to keep the influence of journalists' votes from overwhelming the popular vote.
Despite the highs and lows of the night, audiences and viewers across Italy tuned in eagerly. The early social media buzz reflected the festival's cultural significance, drawing millions to stream performances and discuss impacts, with over 600,000 users already engaged on Raiplay.
With the first night of Sanremo 2025 now behind us, the festival promises to deliver more surprises and heartfelt performances. Tonight's lineup sets the stage for what is shaping up to be another legendary edition of the Festival di Sanremo, and fans can hardly wait for what the rest of the week will bring.