The 2025 Sanremo Music Festival continued to captivate audiences with its third night, showcasing vibrant performances and emotional moments at the iconic Ariston Theatre. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as the co-hosts—Carlo Conti, Miriam Leone, Katia Follesa, and Elettra Lamborghini—took the stage, welcoming both guests and viewers to what promised to be another unforgettable evening.
This night, held on February 13, 2025, spotlighted 14 of the 29 competing artists and marked the halfway point of the competition as it transitioned toward the final showdown on Saturday. Among the headliners was none other than the legendary British band Duran Duran, who electrified the crowd with their iconic hits, marking their triumphant return to the festival after 40 years.
The band, accompanied by Victoria De Angelis of Måneskin, delivered a dazzling medley featuring classics like "Invisible," "Ordinary World," "Girls on Film," and concluded with the crowd favorite "Wild Boys." The vivacity and nostalgia of the performance had everyone on their feet, capturing the spirit of the 80s, as fans recorded the moments on their phones and sang along.
Katia Follesa added comedic flair with her lively presentation style. Dressed flamboyantly, she playfully expressed her infatuation with Duran Duran's lead vocalist, Simon Le Bon, by brandishing signs reading, "Sposerò Simon Le Bon." Her antics, including attempting to kiss Le Bon, led to uproarious laughter from the audience. "Mi sono quasi limonata Simon Le Bon! Mi si è aperto il body contenitivo," she exclaimed post-event, poking fun at the unexpected turn of events.
Meanwhile, Iva Zanicchi, who received the prestigious lifetime achievement award, brought heartfelt emotion to the stage. With over six decades since her first Sanremo appearance, Zanicchi reflected on her storied career. She remarked, "Il premio alla carriera meglio da viva che da morta," humorously pointing out the meaning of receiving such accolades alive.
The night was filled with memorable moments from various artists. Olly, another promoting star, left the audience breathless with his performance, leading to emotional reactions. The audience showered Massimo Ranieri with applause as he took the stage, reminiscent of his past triumphs. Katia Follesa also cheekily commented on the absence of monologues this evening, directly referencing fellow co-host controversies during the festival.
Beside providing entertainment, this third night also focused on recognizing new talent. The show concluded with the long-awaited winner announcement of the Nuove Proposte category, which showcased up-and-coming artists. Voting processes saw feedback from the public and media juries, highlighting popular choices made throughout the evening.
Ermal Meta connected via livestream from the Suzuki Stage, capturing the responsiveness of the festival's spirit, the excitement of both performers and the engaged audience, making the festival truly inclusive this year.
Overall, the Sanremo Music Festival continues to embrace its legacy by blending nostalgia with fresh talents, providing something for everyone. The Duran Duran show, complete with surprise interaction from Måneskin, encapsulated one of the evening's highlights, meriting accolades as both exciting and timeless.
With beloved performers taking the stage and the excitement of competition fueling the energy, the Sanremo Music Festival remains one of Italy's defining cultural events, bridging generations through the love of music. Fans eagerly anticipate the next performances as both old and new artists contribute to the show, uniting the audience under the banner of musical celebration.