Carlo Conti Announces Final Sanremo Festival, Stefano De Martino Eyed as Successor
Carlo Conti has confirmed that the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival will be his last, marking the finish of a five-year run with the prestigious Italian song competition. The announcement came during an appearance on Radio2’s “Il pomeriggio,” hosted by Savino Zaba and Diletta Parlangeli.
“When you get to five, it’s enough,” Conti stated, suggesting a desire for fresh perspectives. “It’s too good to have this alternation, bringing new ideas, new enthusiasm, new sounds. It is one of the strengths of the Festival to periodically have these changes of pace.”
Succession Plans and Potential Candidates
Speculation is already mounting regarding Conti’s replacement. Stefano De Martino is currently the frontrunner, with discussions suggesting he could potentially take on the role, possibly with Conti remaining involved as artistic director.
Other names circulating within RAI include Amadeus, Antonella Clerici, Nicola Savino, and potentially a return for Antonella Clerici, who has hosted the festival four times previously.
Conti’s Vision for the 2026 Festival
Conti emphasized the importance of music at the heart of the festival. “The fundamental thing is the music,” he explained. “When all the smoke clears before the festival, what remains is this attractive steak on the grill, which is the music, with beautiful things around it.” He hopes the songs featured will gain radio play and become integrated into listeners’ daily lives.
Festival Format and Rhythm
The 2026 festival will feature a diverse range of genres, including love songs, rock, Latin rhythms, country, and rap. Conti, with a background in radio, stressed the importance of maintaining a good rhythm throughout the demonstrate. “If I get bored, I risk auto-zapping alone,” he joked, highlighting his role in pacing the event.
A Fond Farewell
Conti shared that his son, Matteo, will be attending the festival, though he has requested that his father not introduce him to any of the singers. He intends to enjoy the experience while it lasts, stating, “I feel it’s right for me to have fun with this last Festival.”
While firm in his decision to step down, Conti didn’t entirely rule out a future return, stating, “You never know what might happen in life.”