The prestigious Sanremo 2025 Festival of Italian Song continues to enthrall audiences with its third night filled with stunning performances and emotional moments.
This year, the stage of the Ariston Theatre is graced by renowned and budding artists alike, and last night was no exception as the top five performers were announced based on the audience and radio votes. The lineup saw Coma Cose, Brunori Sas, Irama, Olly, and Francesco Gabbani making it to the coveted top five positions.
Among the notable highlights of the evening was the victory of Settembre in the New Proposals category, winning with his heartfelt song, Vertebre. An emotional Settembre expressed his gratitude on stage, saying, “I can’t believe it, thank you all. I have won because I have a family who loves me, I have a roof over my head. Many people didn’t believe in me, and I didn’t believe in myself either because of them.” His win also secured him the Mia Martini Critics' Award and the Lucio Dalla Press Room Award.
Adding lightness to the event, co-hosts Katia Follesa, Miriam Leone, and Elettra Lamborghini engaged the audience with humor, discussing their 'ideal man'; they mused about comedian Carlo Conti’s appeal.
Singer Francesco Gabbani energized the crowd with his performance, captivating the audience with his signature upbeat rhythm. Meanwhile, iconic artist Iva Zanicchi, celebrated for her historic wins at Sanremo, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, commemoratively marking 60 years since her festival debut. She delivered a nostalgic medley of her greatest hits, expressing her gratitude: "Thank you for inviting me, thank you for the award. Many said it's best to be alive than dead. They are right; thank you Carlo for thinking of it on time!"
The excitement didn’t stop there as the legendary band Duran Duran took to the stage, performing hits alongside Victoria De Angelis from Maneskin, bolstering the festival's legacy of showcasing exceptional music talent. Duran Duran, celebrating 40 years since their first Sanremo performance, delivered an electrifying medley including their classic, “Wild Boys,” and received the “Friends of Sanremo” award.
Comic relief also came from Follesa, who humorously referenced the experience of influencer Chiara Ferragni during her festival hosting. She bantered with Conti, insisting on delivering monologues, only to be humorously rebuffed.
Following performances from notable artists like Noemi and Ermal Meta, the audience also enjoyed the heartwarming presentation by young actors from the cult series Mare Fuori, introducing viewers to the upcoming fifth season, set for release on RAI2.
A standout performance was delivered by the Teatro Patologico, showcasing the transformative power of theater and art. Director Dario D’Ambrosi and his cast, comprising young artists with disabilities, received wild applause for their dynamic presentation, emphasizing resilience through creativity.
Another captivating moment came with 11-year-old Samuele Parodi stepping onto the illustrious Ariston stage, showcasing the festival's commitment to nurturing young talent.
Throughout the night, Follesa's vibrant personality shone, as she made jokes about her own fitness regimen and her commitment to represent body positivity, reminding everyone, “I promise I won’t sing, dance, or donate my fee to charity; I’m just a single mother.”
The festive atmosphere was palpable as Italian euro-deputy Roberto Vannacci attended the event, reflections of the festival's cultural weight evident as it attracted political figures alongside television personalities and the general populace.
Finally, the evening commenced with Edoardo Bennato opening with his classic song, also serving as the title for his upcoming documentary “Sono Solo Canzonette,” set to air soon on RAI1. The festival airs live daily on RAI1 at 20:40, and this year's festivities promise to maintain the tradition of musical excellence and cultural engagement.
Viewers can catch up on the action via streaming on RAIPlay, ensuring no highlights are missed as performers continue to dazzle and deliver heartfelt messages throughout the five night series.