Giorgia Cardinaletti’s Sanremo Debut and Reflections on a Festival Amidst Global Events

Giorgia Cardinaletti, a journalist for Tg1, experienced a memorable debut as co-host of the final evening of the Sanremo 2026 festival. Her participation occurred against the backdrop of emerging international conflict, adding a layer of complexity to the event.

A Surprise Invitation and Dual Role

Cardinaletti received a surprise invitation from Carlo Conti, the artistic director and host of the festival, during a live broadcast on Tg1. Conti asked her to co-host the final evening alongside himself and Laura Pausini. She initially expressed disbelief, questioning whether it was a joke before accepting the offer. Source

Her role at Sanremo was described as “halfway,” balancing co-hosting duties with the responsibility of providing updates on unfolding global events. Conti chose to allow Cardinaletti to address the festival audience regarding the breaking news of a new conflict, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging reality even within the celebratory atmosphere of the festival. Source

Reflections on the Experience

Cardinaletti described the experience as both fun and challenging, particularly given the context of the escalating conflict. She expressed enjoyment in the “infotainment” aspect of the role and indicated a willingness to explore similar opportunities in the future. However, she emphasized that her primary commitment remains to her work at Tg1 and to reporting on important events like the ongoing war. Source

Passing of the Baton and Future of Sanremo

During the festival, the official appointment of Stefano De Martino as the next host and artistic director was announced live. Cardinaletti witnessed this unprecedented event and praised Carlo Conti’s elegant gesture. She expressed confidence in De Martino’s abilities, acknowledging the challenges of the role but believing he is well-equipped to succeed. Source

Favorite Performances

When asked about her favorite performances from the festival, Cardinaletti highlighted Fulminacci, Nayt, and Ditonellapiaga. She too expressed particular happiness for Sal Da Vinci’s success, noting his long and distinguished career and the popularity of his song “Lipstick and coffee.”