The air was electric at the Teatro Ariston as the 2025 Sanremo Festival kicked off on February 11, anticipated as one of Italy's premier music events of the year. Carlo Conti, the seasoned host and artistic director, promised viewers and attendees alike unique performances, emotional tributes, and engaging conversation. The night featured 29 artists, each vying for their moment to shine on this illustrious platform.
Opening the festival was Gaia, with Francesco Gabbani and Rkomi following closely behind. The atmosphere intensified as each act delivered their best, with artists representing the vibrant spectrum of Italian music today. Conti revealed with excitement, "Jovanotti will perform halfway through the show, starting with a dynamic medley outdoors and then continuing on stage." This set the stage for what many anticipated to be the highlight of the night.
But it wasn't all about the music. The conference leading to the opening night was marked by emotional moments, particularly from Conti himself, who became visibly moved when discussing the influence of his late mother. He shared with the press, "She taught me respect and honesty, always ensuring we had dinner together, just the two of us." This personal reflection struck a chord with many celebrity attendees and set the tone for the festival's celebration of heritage and artistic integrity.
Simona Sala, the Director of Radio2, contributed to the conversation by addressing censorship, emphasizing, "We are vigilant about the content we choose to air but want to reflect society accurately through our music selections." Her comments were significant amid concerns over certain contemporary lyrics, particularly within rap, paralleling Conti’s sentiments about the role music plays as societal commentary.
Alessandro Cattelan, slated to host the Dopofestival, echoed aspirations for the late-night show to remain light-hearted, avoiding confrontation over celebrity gossip. He remarked, "The Dopofestival won’t be like a courtroom but rather a space to enjoy and play around the events of the night." Questions arose surrounding Fedez's apparent absence due to personal conflicts, which Cattelan dismissed, reiteratively emphasizing the festival’s focus on enjoyment.
Reflecting deeply on the artistic direction of the festival, Carlo Conti stated, "Music is far more important than just the television show itself." He underscored the festival's commitment to showcasing Italian talent, considering his audience's preferences for genuine music experiences over extravagant displays. With verses from renowned singer Rocco Hunt, who discussed the dire situation of youth violence he faces daily, the festival aimed to be more than mere entertainment; it aspired to fulfill its role as cultural commentary.
The festival is set to continue with nightly surprises and performances, including Carolina Kostner’s participation related to the 2026 Olympics. The excitement built significantly leading to the confirmed presence of various stars over the week, delivering much more than just songs but unforgettable cultural moments woven through narratives of resilience, heritage, and artistry.
With 1,487 journalists covering the event and expressing enthusiastic anticipation, the 2025 Sanremo Festival promised to be not only a showcase of music but also of collective sentiment as artists and audiences embrace their shared culture. Wrapping up the night was The Kolors, closing the evening on high energy as every performance left its mark.