The Festival di Sanremo is one of Italy’s most cherished cultural events, captivating audiences with its blend of music, entertainment, and spectacle. The 2025 edition, marking its 75th anniversary, was held at the Teatro Ariston in Sanremo from February 11 to 15. Under the guidance of Carlo Conti, both as host and artistic director, the festival embraced a fresh approach, focusing more on musical performances and less on political discourse. This shift was well-received, drawing significant viewership and praise for its refined atmosphere.
Leadership of Carlo Conti
Carlo Conti, a seasoned television presenter, took the helm of the 2025 Festival di Sanremo, stepping into the role previously held by Amadeus. Conti’s leadership brought a sense of tradition and professionalism to the event, ensuring a seamless blend of entertainment and musical excellence. His experience and rapport with the audience contributed to the festival’s success, maintaining high levels of engagement throughout the five-night event.
Co-hosts of the Festival
Enhancing the festival’s dynamic, a diverse group of co-hosts joined Carlo Conti each night, bringing their unique flair to the stage
- First Night (February 11)Antonella Clerici and Gerry Scotti
- Second Night (February 12)Bianca Balti, Cristiano Malgioglio, and Nino Frassica
- Third Night (February 13)Miriam Leone, Elettra Lamborghini, and Katia Follesa
- Fourth Night (February 14)Geppi Cucciari and Mahmood
- Final Night (February 15)Alessandro Cattelan and Alessia Marcuzzi
This rotation of co-hosts added variety and excitement to each evening, keeping the audience engaged with fresh personalities and interactions.
PrimaFestival Hosts
Leading up to the main event, the PrimaFestival served as a prelude to the Sanremo nights, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses, interviews, and musical previews. The hosts for this segment were
- Bianca Guaccero
- Gabriele Corsi
- Mariasole Pollio
The PrimaFestival aired daily from February 8 to 15, providing fans with exclusive content and building anticipation for the main festival nights.
Festival Highlights
The 2025 festival showcased a rich tapestry of performances, with 33 artists competing in two main categories Campioni (established artists) and Nuove Proposte (emerging talents). The competition was fierce, but ultimately, the winners were
- CampioniOlly with the song Balorda Nostalgia
- Nuove ProposteSettembre with the song Vertebre
Olly’s victory was particularly notable, as he had previously participated in the festival two years earlier, finishing in 24th place. His triumph in 2025 marked a significant comeback, showcasing his growth and resilience in the Italian music scene.
Eurovision Representation
Traditionally, the winner of the Campioni category earns the opportunity to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest. However, due to Olly’s decision to decline the offer, the second-place finisher, Lucio Corsi, was given the chance to represent Italy. Corsi’s song Volevo essere un duro earned him the honor, and he went on to achieve a respectable fifth-place finish at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Basel, Switzerland, in May 2025.
The 2025 edition of the Festival di Sanremo was a celebration of Italian music, talent, and culture. Under Carlo Conti’s leadership, the festival returned to its musical roots, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work. The diverse group of co-hosts added a dynamic element to each night, ensuring that the audience remained captivated throughout the event. With memorable performances and a successful representation at Eurovision, Sanremo 2025 reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone of Italy’s entertainment landscape.