Overview

• Sanremo 2026 is slated for February 24–28 at the Teatro Ariston, with a controversy over the festival’s brand still unresolved.
• Carlo Conti is confirmed as artistic director and is selecting entries, with the first unconfirmed lineup indications reported by Panorama from Adnkronos.
• Possible first-time Big participants include Tommaso Paradiso, Frah Quintale, Emma Nolde and La Niña, with an international note in Estonian rapper Tommy Cash.
• Rumored returnees range from Blanco, Sangiovanni, Angelina Mango, Diodato, Ermal Meta, Fulminacci and Alfa to long-standing figures such as Michele Zarrillo, Fausto Leali, Enrico Ruggeri, Donatella Rettore and Patty Pravo.
• Speculation points to a strong female slate and potential collaborations, citing Emma, Arisa, Malika Ayane, Serena Brancale, Chiara Galiazzo and California, possible duets like Tiziano Ferro with Madame or Fedez with Marco Masini, and Settembre likely moving up from Nuove Proposte.