The 2025 Festival of Sanremo officially kicks off today, February 11, at 8:40 PM on Rai 1, marking the start of Italy's most anticipated music competition. This year's event, hosted by the beloved Carlo Conti alongside Antonella Clerici and Gerry Scotti, will feature 29 artists competing for the coveted title. Each year, the festival not only showcases established talent but also serves as the Italian selection for the Eurovision Song Contest.
On this opening night, viewers can expect to see numerous artists take the stage, including well-known names like Gaia, Francesca Michielin, and Francesco Gabbani. The lineup for the first evening is reflective of immense talent, with performances scheduled from the likes of rkomi, Noemi, and Achille Lauro, among others.
During the festival, each artist must perform their entries exclusively in Italian, maintaining the tradition upheld since its inception. This year’s list of competitors includes noted performers such as:
- Gaia – "Chiamo io chiami tu"
- Francesco Gabbani – "Viva la vita"
- Massimo Ranieri – "Tra le mani un cuore"
- Elodie – "Dimenticarsi alle 7"
- Rkomi – "Il ritmo delle cose"
According to Carlo Conti, the order of performances tonight follows the sequence from the final rehearsal. Following the show, the initial top-five provisional ranking will be announced, based solely on the votes from accredited press members, which adds unique anticipation to the event.
Among the special guests expected to perform on the opening night are Lorenzo Jovanotti, who is set to deliver a unique rendition of John Lennon’s iconic "Imagine" alongside fellow artists Noah and Mira Awad. Their performance promises to carry significant messages of peace, encapsulating the festival’s core values.
The festival runs throughout the week, culminating with the grand finale where the ultimate winner will be crowned. Voters will include the press, radio juries, and the public, reflecting the festival's collaborative spirit across different demographics. Each day will offer new performances as artists vie for the top spot, incorporating feedback across various voting platforms.
This year marks the 75th edition of the festival, showcasing its historical significance since it first launched back in 1951. Over the decades, Sanremo has catapulted numerous Italian artists to international fame, reinforcing its status as both a cultural and musical cornerstone.
While excitement builds among audiences, Carlo Conti expressed his personal motivations for conducting such a prestigious event. During a press conference, he stated, "I have been inspired by my mother, who taught me respect and honesty." His heartfelt sentiments resonate throughout the festival, highlighting the intertwining of personal stories and artistic expression.
Simona Sala, director of Radio2, remarked, "We will focus on what we believe is right and beautiful through music," articulately addressing the importance of music's role in society. This sentiment extends to the festival's mission of not merely presenting songs but also portraying narratives reflective of contemporary themes.
The combination of competitive spirit, well-known performances, and heartfelt messages makes the Sanremo Festival not merely about music, but about representing the heartbeat of Italian culture and society. The festival’s rich legacy continues to shape the future of both musical talent and cultural engagement.
It’s more than just showbiz; it’s the embodiment of Italian artistry which captures the attention of audiences far and wide. With every note sung and every performance executed, the Sanremo Music Festival 2025 reaffirms its place as both tradition and festival of dreams.