The 75th Sanremo Music Festival kicked off on February 11, 2025, with grand expectations and remarkable performances. The event, held at the iconic Ariston Theatre, has traditionally been the pinnacle of Italian music, showcasing both popular and up-and-coming artists.
This year, the festival features twenty-nine competing songs from artists who span the musical spectrum—from fresh faces to established icons. Notable performers include the likes of Achille Lauro, Giorgia, Fedez, Francesco Gabbani, Marcella Bella, and Rocco Hunt. Four rising talents from Sanremo Giovani 2024 are also vying for the title of New Proposals, ensuring fresh talent is highlighted alongside seasoned performers.
Hosted by Carlo Conti and flanked by twelve co-hosts, the festival aims to create an atmosphere of camaraderie and collective celebration, echoing the sentiment of the esteemed composer, Ezio Bosso, who said, "Music, like life, is made together." The event runs until February 15 and is broadcasted on Rai 1, Rai Radio2, RaiPlay, and Rai 4K. This expansive coverage aims to reach as many viewers as possible from all demographics.
The format features five distinct evenings, starting with the introduction of all the competing songs, evaluated by the Press, TV, and Web Jury. The subsequent nights allow for public votes through televoting and evaluations from the Radio Jury. A special cover night will see artists perform iconic tracks with special guests.
Attracting significant attention this year, international artists will grace the stage, including Duran Duran—who return after 40 years—and the peace advocates Noa and Mira Awad, who will perform their rendition of John Lennon’s anthem, "Imagine." The final night will be decisive, culminating in the announcement of the festival winner based on combined voting from both the public and the jury.
An innovative, state-of-the-art stage design by architect Riccardo Bocchini promises to deliver visually stunning performances. The "Techno Hall" will feature dynamic mobile walls and cutting-edge lighting technology. With over 340 professionals behind the scenes and advanced UHD cameras, viewers can expect impressive audio-visual experiences, including 4K broadcasts and Dolby Atmos audio.
Media coverage has been immensely comprehensive, utilizing both traditional and digital platforms. Rai Radio2 serves as the official radio partner, providing coverage from strategic locations, including the Blue Room backstage. Rai News24 assures daily updates and insights, ensuring the audience remains engaged and informed. For Italian expatriates, Rai Italia broadcasts the festival globally, allowing them to partake in this cultural phenomenon from afar.
Accessibility remains at the forefront of this year's festival. Rai Pubblica Utilità is committed to providing various services, including real-time subtitles and audio descriptions via Televideo, and sign language translations on RaiPlay. Special formats will highlight daily activities and backstage insights, allowing audience interaction with festival participants, enhancing viewer engagement even more.
Following the festival, the "Dopofestival" will provide summaries and reactions to each evening's events, featuring a mix of live music and social media highlights. Similarly, the "PrimaFestival" will build anticipation each night with exclusive interviews and previews.
The culinary aspect of the festival also deserves mention, reflecting Italian culture as restaurants and delivery services noted significant spikes, with Just Eat reporting over 20% more pizza orders during the festival. Nearly 3,000 kilograms of pizza flew off the shelves, reaffirming the connection between music and community gatherings.
Carlo Conti's acknowledgment of the viewers’ interest is clear, as viewership data is impressive. This year's festival saw 12.6 million viewers tuned in for the opening night, translating to over 65.3% of the audience share, showcasing the festival’s enduring appeal. The atmosphere buzzed with social media activity as 52.6 million video views were logged, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for the event.
This year's Sanremo Music Festival is not just about music; it serves as a celebration of culture, interaction, creativity, and inclusivity. The harmonious bidding of artists across generations exemplifies the universal language of music, reinforcing its power to unite diverse groups under the same roof.
With its ambitious itinerary and high-profile guests, Sanremo 2025 promises to leave lasting impressions not only on attendees but also on every viewer who tunes in. The excitement only amps up as we anticipate what the festival’s remaining nights will bring.