The third night of the 75th edition of the Festival di Sanremo is set to captivate viewers this evening as the beloved Italian music festival continues its run. Under the artistic direction of Carlo Conti, the event showcases another round of performances at the Teatro Ariston, following yesterday's successful second evening which garnered 11.7 million viewers for a 64.5% audience share.
Scheduled for tonight, the event will feature performances from 14 Big artists who have not yet taken to the stage this week. Artists slated to perform include Brunori Sas, Clara, Francesco Gabbani, and the legendary Massimo Ranieri, among others. The night kicks off at approximately 20:40 CET, immediately followed by the special segment PrimaFestival, available on various streaming platforms, including RaiPlay.
Controversies continue to swirl around certain participants, particularly Fedez, as the rapper faces scrutiny related to his recent legal issues. Carlo Conti, when addressing this matter during the press conference, stated, "Fedez is not under investigation," assuring fans and viewers alike of the artist's participation. He emphasized his role as director, stating, "I am responsible for the artistic direction, not for judgments against the artists." This remark aims to quell the storm of negative press surrounding the rapper.
Another significant highlight tonight will be the announcement of the winner of the New Proposals category, where up-and-coming artists Alex Wyse and Settembre compete for the coveted title. The audience will have the chance to vote, with the process reflecting similar methods used previously—50% of the score coming from televotes and the remainder from radio jury votes, setting the stage for potential surprises.
Star-studded guests are also on the lineup, including iconic band Duran Duran, who will perform a medley of hits to commemorate their 40 years since debuting at Sanremo. Edoardo Bennato is also prepared to grace the stage, alongside the celebrated actress and director Iva Zanicchi, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award this evening.
The event, known for its ability to spotlight both legendary and contemporary musicians, is also addressing broader societal issues. During discussions at Casa Sanremo, Health Minister Orazio Schillaci praised musicians for raising awareness around Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting it as "a social illness" and stressing the importance of artists discussing relevant topics.
Meanwhile, returning to the stage are co-hosts Elettra Lamborghini, Miriam Leone, and Katia Follesa, who expressed their excitement to participate. Follesa, known for her comedic charm, remarked on her enthusiasm, stating, "I deserve this stage after so many years of work and am thrilled to share it with my colleagues." Leone reflected on her significant opportunity, noting how she once turned down Conti's invitation ten years prior, emphasizing how much this event means to her as both an Italian and as someone who has grown up watching Sanremo.
Fans are eagerly engaging with the social media challenge FantaSanremo, which adds layers of interaction and excitement to the viewing experience. Historical engagement data indicates the festival is thriving, with the second night reaching impressive viewer numbers—11.8 million and a 64.6% share, establishing it as one of Italy's most-watched events.
With social media interactions surging and the festival's video-on-demand views hitting record numbers, Sanremo 2025 seems poised for success. Viewers, particularly younger demographics, have shown significant engagement, contributing to the overwhelming success of the festival. The responses from social media platforms suggest the younger audience finds resonance with performances and artist interactions, marking the festival as a cultural pillar for Italian entertainment.
The Festival di Sanremo continues to navigate various controversies and triumphs as it strives to maintain its relevance and charm within the cultural fabric of Italy. The night promises thrilling performances, community engagement, and heartfelt moments, making it one to watch for fans both at home and abroad.