Sanremo 2025 kicked off with flair and emotion as the 75th edition of Italy's beloved music festival commenced on February 11. This year’s festival brings together 29 talented artists, all vying for the prestigious top spot in Italian music.
The opening night showcased a variety of performances marked by both joy and unexpected twists. One of the standout moments was the emotional tribute to the late pianist Ezio Bosso, which set the tone for the evening.
Hosted by Carlo Conti, alongside affable co-hosts Gerry Scotti and Antonella Clerici, the festival not only emphasized music but also camaraderie and nostalgia. Conti humorously remarked to Clerici, “I have never seen you so sexy,” delighting the audience. Their chemistry added to the atmosphere of celebration.
This year's format focuses significantly on audience engagement. Previous years saw external performances and lengthy monologues; this year, the emphasis is on the competing artists. After each performance, the artists sought to connect with the hosts and earn points—an innovative twist through the event’s Fantasanremo game. The audience eagerly supports their favorites, making the stakes even higher.
Simone Cristicchi delivered one of the most gripping performances with his heartfelt song dedicated to his mother, which left many audience members visibly moved. His emotional rendition prompted Carlo Conti to comment, “It’s important to listen to these new voices and embrace all genres of music.”
The night also had its challenges. A sudden audio blackout ironically went unnoticed by Conti, but the energy remained high thanks to the performers’ professionalism. Even the technical hiccups didn’t deter the spirit of the gala, as the show concluded on time at 1:20 AM, eliciting humorous comparisons among viewers about past festivals.
One of the evening’s highlights was the show-stopping entrance of Jovanotti, electrifying the audience with his medley of hits. Performing outside the Teatro Ariston, he was flanked by drummers and dancers, exuding energy and joy. This legendary performer embodied the festival's blend of nostalgia and modernity.
Dynamic performances continued with special guests, one including Damiano David of Måneskin, whose tribute to beloved Italian musician Lucio Dalla brought tears of pride to many, highlighting the cultural significance of music as shared commentary across generations.
The festival also adopted voting methods to increase viewer participation. The audience's engagement through televote will shape the results along with votes from the jury consisting of press and radio stations. This combination promises not just thrilling performances, but also dynamic results anticipated by fans.
After the first night, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement suggested promising prospects for the contest. With more performances lined up for the subsequent nights, the competition heats up, as everyone anticipates who will rise to the top.
Not to be overlooked, Gabry Ponte introduced the event with the catchy new theme song, “Tutta L'Italia,” certain to become another earworm for the festival.
The 75th Sanremo Festival not only commemorates great musical talents but reaffirms the power of music to connect and enrich lives. Expect more electrifying performances and engaging moments as the festival progresses toward its grand finale on February 15.