Carlo Conti Opens Sanremo 2026 with Tribute to Pippo Baudo

The 76th edition of the Festival di Sanremo opened with a heartfelt tribute to the late Pippo Baudo, led by artistic director Carlo Conti. Conti dedicated the entire festival to Baudo, marking the first Sanremo without the iconic host.

A Baudo-Style Festival

Carlo Conti described the festival as “Baudian in style,” emphasizing his intention to honor Baudo’s legacy. He stated, “It’s up to me to host the first Festival without Pippo Baudo.” LaPresse reported that Conti appeared visibly moved when speaking about Baudo’s contributions to the festival.

Homage and Dedication

Conti’s tribute began before the live broadcast, with his dressing room being dedicated to Baudo. RaiNews detailed that Conti had repeatedly announced his intention to dedicate the 2026 festival to Baudo.

Opening Night and Beyond

The opening night of Sanremo 2026, broadcast on Rai 6, featured Conti’s homage to Baudo. RaiPlay showcased the moment, highlighting the significance of the gesture. YouTube similarly features footage of the opening, capturing Conti’s tribute.

Festival Format

Conti orchestrated a format reminiscent of Baudo’s work, updating it for a modern audience. This included a segment evaluating the popularity of songs, similar to Baudo’s approach, but adapted for contemporary metrics like clicks and online engagement.