The 75th edition of the Festival di Sanremo kicked off on February 11, 2025, marking the return of Italy's most beloved music contest. The introduction began at 20:45 with heartfelt images of the late composer Ezio Bosso, whose melodic piece, "Following a Bird," set the emotional tone for the evening. Carlo Conti, serving as the artistic director and host, guided viewers through the event, eagerly awaiting the performances of 29 talented artists.
This year, participants span various genres, showcasing the diversity of Italian pop and rap music. Notably, the lineup includes established names like Gaia, with her opening song "Chiamo io chiami tu," and Francesco Gabbani, who performed "Viva la vita," shortly after her. Other artists like Rkomi and Noemi followed suit, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.
The excitement didn’t stop there! With initial predictions from bookmakers leaning heavily toward Giorgia and Olly, who have maintained top positions for their competitive nature, the competition promises to be fierce. The artistic blend of seasoned performers and rising stars appeals to diverse demographics, creating what many are calling a "generational clash" of music talent.
The event's format involves various voting mechanisms, particularly significant this first night where outcomes will only be determined by the press jury, television, and web votes. This structure alters the dynamics greatly, influencing strategies as artists aim to make their mark early on.
Following the first few acts, the energy escalated with the introduction of co-hosts Gerry Scotti and Antonella Clerici, enhancing the excitement with humorous anecdotes and local anecdotes about the participating artists. The presentation wasn't just about the music; it evoked sentiments of nostalgia, especially when collaborating renditions, such as Noa and Mira Awad's performance of "Imagine," slipped seamlessly between segments.
During the evening, the performances included emotional narratives and upbeat numbers alike. Hits like "Lentamente" by Irama and "Cuoricini" by Coma_Cose painted a vivid picture of the contemporary musical scene, capturing the audience's attention from the very first chord strummed.
Between performances, Conti and his co-hosts kept the mood light, ensuring quick transitions and maintaining high energy. Marcella Bella then brought elegance to the stage with "Pelle diamante," followed by Achille Lauro’s energetic act with "Incoscienti giovani." This dynamic blend of energy and emotion set the scene for another thrilling Sanremo festival.
The planned schedule was ambitious, spanning well past midnight, with the show expected to conclude around 01:35. With returning favorites to original creations, the performances intended to leave lasting impressions on viewers and voters alike.
Betting analysts kept their eyes peeled on the performers throughout the evening, chalking up expectations and potential outcomes for the later rounds of the contest. With stakes running high, fans eagerly watched to see which electrifying performances would ignite audience interest and dominate the airwaves.
Closing the night, performances reached their climax with the likes of Fedez and The Kolors rounding off the event with spirited renditions of their latest hits. The anticipation grew for the upcoming results, as the night would set the tone not just for the artists involved but for the entire festival, culminating with the announcement of the top five spots.
Overall, the vibrant kickoff of Sanremo 2025 reinforced its celebrated legacy within Italian culture and music, providing both artists and fans with rich experiences. The blend of skill, depth, and emotional truth embodied by each performer highlighted the spirit of competition and creativity.
With the first night now concluded, all eyes were set on the upcoming evenings where public votes and jury assessments would come together to shape the narrative of this prestigious festival.