Sal Da Vinci Crowned Champion of Sanremo 2026, Marking a Shift in Italian Music

Sanremo 2026 concluded on Saturday, February 28th, with Sal Da Vinci’s “Per sempre sì” taking the top prize. The 76th edition of Italy’s most beloved music festival saw a surprising victory for Da Vinci, followed by Sayf, Ditonellapiaga, Arisa, and the duo Fedez and Marco Masini, completing the top five.

A Dominant Performance by Sal Da Vinci

Sal Da Vinci’s win was described as “nothing short of perfect,” with the artist captivating both the public and industry professionals throughout the week. A particularly memorable moment was his impromptu dance with Mara Venier during the final performance of “Per sempre sì.”

Surprises and Standout Performances

Sayf emerged as a significant surprise, climbing the charts throughout the festival and securing second place. The Genoese singer, of Tunisian origins, resonated with audiences and brought his mother on stage in a touching moment. Ditonellapiaga secured third place, bolstered by their victory in the cover evening with TonyPitony, performing “The Lady is a Tramp,” and winning the award for best musical composition, as voted by the orchestra masters.

Established Artists Shine

Arisa reaffirmed her position as a leading voice in Italian music, achieving fourth place and receiving standing ovations throughout the week. Fedez and Marco Masini, with their collaboration “Male necessario,” rounded out the top five, earning the award for best lyrics – a fitting recognition for the unexpected pairing of a contemporary rapper and a veteran singer-songwriter.

Other Notable Rankings

The final rankings placed:

• Night – “Prima che” at sixth place
• Fulminacci – “Stupida sfortuna” at seventh
• Ermal Meta – “Stella stellina” at eighth
• Serena Brancale – “Qui con me” at ninth
• Tommaso Paradiso – “I romantici” at tenth

Industry Recognition

The Lucio Dalla press room award went to Serena Brancale, recognized for her emotional performance of “Qui con me” while wearing her deceased mother’s dress.

Streaming Numbers and Festival Impact

“Male necessario” by Fedez & Masini topped the official singles chart, with “Che fastidio!” by Ditonellapiaga and “Tu mi piaci tanto” by Sayf following closely behind. However, streaming numbers for Sanremo 2026 songs on Spotify experienced a 33% decrease compared to 2025, although this aligns with a general 26% decline in Spotify’s top 200.

Fedez and Masini’s song has garnered 1.877 million streams, Sayf’s 1.790 million, and Ditonellapiaga’s 1.750 million as of the festival’s conclusion.

Looking Ahead

Sanremo 2026 has showcased a blend of established artists and rising stars, signaling a dynamic shift in the Italian music landscape. The festival continues to be a crucial platform for launching new talent and solidifying the careers of established performers.