The fourth night of the Sanremo 2025 Festival has left spectators buzzing with excitement as the evening unfolded with duets and cover songs featuring prominent artists from Italy and abroad. A total of twenty-nine competitors took to the stage, performing renditions of songs from the Italian and international repertoire, all released by December 31, 2024.
Hosted by Carlo Conti alongside co-hosts Alessandro Mahmood and Geppi Cucciari, this night promised star-studded performances and emotional renditions. A surprise guest this evening was actor Paolo Kessisoglu performing alongside his daughter, discussing youth issues today through their song about hikikomori, those who withdraw from social life.
Among the surprises on stage was the beloved Roberto Benigni, who captivated the audience with his charm and charisma, eleving the evening’s entertainment quotient. Meanwhile, across the street at the Suzuki Stage, popular duo Benji and Fede delighted fans with their own set.
The night kicked off with Rose Villain paired with rapper Chiello for “Fiori di rosa e fiori di pesco.” Moving quickly through the lineup, Modà took to the stage with Francesco Renga to serenade the crowd with “Angelo,” before Clara teamed up with Il Volo to take on “The Sound of Silence.” The crowd responded eagerly to Noemi and Tony Effe's lively rendition of “Tutto il resto è noia,” showcasing their chemistry.
Francesca Michielin and Rkomi delivered “La nuova stella di Broadway,” which, albeit creative, left some audience members yearning for more. Spectators were entertained by Lucio Corsi alongside Topo Gigio, who brought sentimentality and nostalgia to their interpretation of “Nel blu dipinto di blu.”
For the duet of the night, perhaps, one could not overlook the collaboration between Simone Cristicchi and Amara, who evoked deep emotional responses with “La cura.” The intensity of their performance illustrated just how powerful music can be as they sang Battiato’s timeless love ballad. The closing act for the night was marked by Giorgia and Annalisa's powerful cover of “Skyfall,” which left the audience breathless.
After each performance, the audience was presented with rankings reflecting the duets and covers enjoyed throughout the night. Giorgia and Annalisa emerged as top contenders, alongside Rocco Hunt and other favorites. The results of the rankings stirred discussions on social media, with fans showcasing their preferences.
The lively Kessisoglu and daughter pairing added warmth to the evening as they performed their piece. "It’s never just about the music; it’s about the stories we tell," Kessisoglu remarked during their medley, touching on how music can highlight current societal issues.
Many performances produced not only applause but also critiques. For example, Willie Peyote alongside Tiromancino and Ditonellapiaga received mixed reviews for their take on “Un tempo piccolo.” Despite some technical difficulties, they managed to create memorable moments on stage. Critics highlighted their spirit, pointing out, “They didn’t let minor setbacks deter the emotional connection they forged with the audience.”
Later on, the crowd was treated to Fedez and Marco Masini's duet of “Bella stronza,” showcasing the emotional resonance of their histories intertwined with the lyrics. Observers noted the palpable tension during the performance, as Fedez seemed to channel personal feelings through the song.
The duets continued with Brunori Sas, Riccardo Sinigallia, and Dimartino’s interpretation of “L’anno che verrà.” A slight misstep was noticeable, yet the audience clapped appreciatively at their effort to honor Lucio Dalla’s legacy. Willie Peyote’s performance with Tiromancino and Ditonellapiaga later on was reflective of his usual style, which some critics said included “a gentle nod to the past,” successfully merging hip-hop elements with classic tunes.
Reflecting on his performance, Peyote acknowledged the difficulty of balancing tradition with contemporary expression, stating, “We bring something fresh, yet we honor those who’ve paved the way for us.”
Meanwhile, Marcella Bella’s collaboration with Twin Violins was noted as one of the evening's highlights. Their mastery blended beautifully, earning them standing ovations from the audience. Commentators praised Bella, saying “At 72, her energy and talent resonate stronger than ever!”
Conversely, not every performance was received warmly. Olly with Goran Bregović and the Wedding & Funeral Band received criticism for their rendition of “Il pescatore,” with some stating the energy felt more akin to “a market seller.”
The whimsical tone returned with Coma_Cose and Johnson Righeira performing “L’estate sta finendo,” receiving applause for its upbeat ambiance. The night drew to a close with Sarah Toscano and Ofenbach, whose collaboration managed to transform the Ariston Theatre momentarily to echo the vibes of contemporary clubs.
Overall, this night of duets and cover songs not only entertained but also reminded the audience of the powerful stories and emotions conveyed through music, as artists embraced the essence of their predecessors with vigor.