The Festival di Sanremo 2025 kicked off with great anticipation on February 11, culminating the night with emotional performances, celebrity guests, and the reveal of the top five rankings, all curated by the journalists from the Radio, TV, and Web Press Jury. This year, the festival introduced significant changes under the guidance of host Carlo Conti, shifting the dynamics of how rankings are presented throughout the competition.
Rather than showcasing rankings explicitly, as has been the tradition, the results of the first night were communicated without the precise order of preference for each contestant. "We want to keep the suspense high until the end," said Conti. After the initial performances, the public was informed merely of the five top artists chosen, marking this year's departure from standard ranking practices.
Following Tuesday's show, the top five artists announced were:
- Brunori Sas - “L'albero delle noci”
- Giorgia - “La cura per me”
- Lucio Corsi - “Volevo essere un duro”
- Simone Cristicchi - “Quando sarai piccola”
- Achille Lauro - “Incocscenti giovani”
This unique ranking method aims to create more excitement among fans, delaying the complete standings until closer to the festival’s conclusion on February 15. Alongside these announcements, the performances featured all 29 artists in competition, showcasing their unique styles and themes.
The opening night was marked by electrifying performances by notable figures. Brunori Sas captivated audiences with his heartfelt debut and emotional poignancy surrounding parenthood. His song, “L'albero delle noci,” discusses the transformative joy and anxieties of becoming a parent and landed him high on the charts straight away.
Following closely was Giorgia, who performed “La cura per me,” written by celebrated artists Blanco, Mahmood, and Michelangelo. This romantic ballad touches on love as salvation from fear and loneliness, captivating the audience with its elegance. Similarly, Simone Cristicchi's dedication to his mother, whose memories fade due to Alzheimer's, sparked tears among viewers as he delivered “Quando sarai piccola”—a performance described by many as the emotional core of the night.
Lucio Corsi, who made his Sanremo debut, presented “Volevo essere un duro,” which explored themes of vulnerability and societal expectations. The song’s whimsical and poignant delivery won hearts on the stage. Meanwhile, Achille Lauro returned for his fourth stint at Sanremo, delivering “Incocscenti giovani.” Known for his flamboyant style, Lauro enthralled the audience with his elegant appearance and stirring lyrics. Post-performance, he sent journalists intriguing letters signed only by the initial 'S'—a alluring mystery yet to be unraveled this festival.
The night wasn’t just about competition; it also brought messages of peace and unity with special performances from duets featuring Israeli singer Noa and Palestinian singer Mira Awad, who sang John Lennon's “Imagine,” presented with heartfelt introductions, including impactful words from Pope Francis shared via video message.
To keep the night flowing, Carlo Conti, along with co-hosts Antonella Clerici and Gerry Scotti, maintained rapid pacing between performances, leading to lighthearted moments and humorous interactions reflected on social media. Some performances left lasting impressions—like Jovanotti's super show featuring music from the Rockin’1000, highlighting the night and announcing his own upcoming Olympic ambitions.
The festival continues through the week, offering audiences varied performances, including the unique cover night dedicated to classic hits, which won’t factor directly back to the main competition's scoring system this year.
Sanremo 2025 promises to push artistic boundaries, prompting discussions and analyses well beyond the festival's culminating finale. This shift keeps viewers engaged as they anticipate not just who will win, but how these performances will reshape the festival's rich cinematic legacy.