The 75th edition of the Festival di Sanremo kicked off on February 11, 2025, with excitement and anticipation. Hosted by Carlo Conti alongside co-hosts Gerry Scotti and Antonella Clerici, the first night featured 29 artists competing for the audience's attention at the iconic Ariston Theatre. The festival, known for its rich musical heritage, continues to attract large viewership, and the opening night did not disappoint.
This year, Sanremo introduced changes to its voting system, aiming for more transparency and faster results. Instead of the usual lengthy deliberations, the new format involves three different juries: the public via tele-voting, the press, and radio stations, with unique voting methods assigned for each evening.
Among the standout moments was Gianmarco Tamberi, the Olympic gold medalist high jumper, who graced the stage alongside musical guest Jovanotti. Tamberi announced his intent to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which energized the audience. "I want to be there!" he exclaimed, presumably after reflecting on his setbacks from the previous year.
Jovanotti electrified the auditorium with his performance, starting with "L'ombelico del mondo" performed among the audience, bringing everyone to their feet. He later collaborated with the hosts, making the night feel even more festive.
One of the highlights of the evening was the poignant performance by singer Simone Cristicchi, who dedicated his song "Quando sarai piccola" to his mother suffering from neurodegenerative disease. His heartfelt delivery received a standing ovation, demonstrating the emotional depth often found at Sanremo. "There is nothing more powerful than music to express our deepest feelings," Cristicchi voiced after his performance.
The festival also served as a platform for peace, featuring a surprise video message from Pope Francis. The Pontiff addressed the audience before the duet performance of Noa, the Israeli singer, and Mira Awad, the Palestinian artist. They performed John Lennon’s iconic song "Imagine" to convey messages of hope and reconciliation. "Music can open the heart to harmony and joy,” the Pope announced, stirring emotions throughout the venue.
The first night ended with the top rankings determined by the press jury, announced by Conti. The top five artists, revealed randomly, included:
- Brunori Sas
- Giorgia
- Lucio Corsi
- Simone Cristicchi
- Achille Lauro
This initial ranking offers insight as audiences speculate on who may emerge as the eventual winner of the festival.
Each performance was met with various audience reactions, for example, Lucio Corsi opened with his unique style, stirring interest and applause. Fedez also turned heads with his dramatic entry, wearing dark contact lenses as part of his thematic performance for "Battito." Audience responses ranged from excitement to joy, fostering the electric atmosphere characteristic of Sanremo nights.
Another notable act was the performance by female artist Elodie, who garnered attention with her impactful rendition of "Dimenticarsi alle 7," displaying her vocal prowess and stage presence.
Despite minor glitches, such as Francesca Michielin's initial technical issues forgetting her ear monitors, the event carried on smoothly, maintaining the audience's delight. The swift pacing of the show was particularly noted, as this year’s proceedings promised to break the festival's traditional long-winded format.
Curious and whimsical moments were also captured when Antonella Clerici playfully carried pasta onto the stage, referencing her culinary background. Such playful interactions added to the community spirit of the event.
With several performances still to go, the excitement continues to build as fans eagerly mark their calendars for the next evenings of competition. The festival provides not only entertainment but also moments of reflection and community, bridging cultural gaps through the universal language of music.
Overall, the first night of Sanremo 2025 has set the stage for what promises to be another memorable week of music, emotion, and, of course, competition.