The Sanremo Music Festival 2025 is already making headlines with exciting performances and unexpected guests. One highlight is the opening act for the festival's finale, where Italian DJ Gabry Ponte will present his latest hit, 'Tutta l’Italia'. This upbeat track, chosen as the official jingle for the festival's 75th edition, sets the tone for what promises to be a lively event.
Gabry Ponte is no stranger to success, being the most streamed Italian artist globally on Spotify. With over 5.5 billion streams and remarkable monthly listeners, he has firmly established himself as one of the country’s prominent music figures. Ponte's achievements include 18 million monthly Spotify listeners, three diamond records, and numerous platinum and gold discs. His track 'Tutta l’Italia' has garnered almost one million views on Instagram just days before the festival started, demonstrating the enthusiasm surrounding his performance.
“Mamma stasera non ritorno, ma sicuro finisco in qualche letto e poi dormo... lasciateci ballare con un bicchiere in mano,” Ponte’s lyrics celebrate the exuberance of Italian nightlife, emphasizing the festival’s vibrant energy. Fans are eagerly awaiting Ponte's performance on February 15, 2025, at the historic Ariston Theatre, where he aims to bring his signature electronic sound to the stage.
While Ponte’s performance is highly anticipated, the festival has also seen political undertones as Roberto Vannacci, the controversial general and League eurodeputy, announces his attendance. Vannacci, who previously hinted at his plans to join the event, stirred discussions, prompting the Rai to clarify his invitation status. “Non l’abbiamo invitato noi, non è un biglietto omaggio della Rai,” stated Marcello Ciannamea, the Director of Rai Daytime Entertainment, during a press conference, distancing the public broadcaster from Vannacci's appearance.
Vannacci plans to participate on February 14, attending the festival to observe rather than perform, enjoying the festive atmosphere among the crowd. Previously speaking on Radio1, Vannacci remarked, “Io a Sanremo? È la prima volta che partecipo, per me è una cosa nuova…” This new experience for the general highlights the festival's impact beyond music, blossoming as a socio-political stage where figures from various walks of life converge.
Another artist, Irama, also announced significant news during the festival. He performed 'Lentamente' on stage, captivating audiences with his medieval romantic imagery depicted through the song's accompanying video. This performance was particularly noteworthy as he took the opportunity to reveal plans for his first concert at San Siro Stadium, set for June 11, 2026. Irama's ascent boasts 53 platinum plaques and over 2.5 billion streams, securing him as one of Italy's top-selling artists.
The concert, organized by Vivo Concerti, is expected to draw massive crowds and showcases Irama’s popularity, which seems to grow with each new release. His concerts are not just musical performances; they are large-scale events full of theatrical visuals and engaging storytelling.
The Sanremo Music Festival not only serves as a platform for established artists to shine but also elevates newcomers and celebrates the artistry present within the Italian music industry. It is significant for artists to connect with audiences and establish their place within the cultural fabric of Italy. With Ponte, Vannacci, and Irama, the festival exemplifies the rich diversity of Italian music, whether through dance tracks, reflective performances, or discussions on contemporary issues.
Each night, the festival presents new talents alongside household names, making it one of the most important events on the cultural calendar. With spectacular performances, captivating music, and the buzz of media attention, attendees and viewers alike are drawn to the event.
All eyes will be on the Ariston Theatre as the festival continues to develop, intertwining music with the spirit of the nation. It is this fusion of high-profile names and political figures, combined with the unyielding energy of the festival, which makes Sanremo 2025 not just another music competition, but rather, a celebration of Italian culture.
It holds the promise of creating memorable moments for viewers, ensuring each performance resonates long after the final curtain falls. Sanremo remains Italy's beloved musical showcase, and as this year's festival continues, everyone is left wondering what surprises still await.