Sanremo 2026 Lineup Revealed: Mix of Veterans and newcomers to Compete for Eurovision Spot
Sanremo, Italy – RAI has announced the artist roster for the 2026 Festival di Sanremo, the prestigious music competition that traditionally selects Italy’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. The lineup features a blend of returning favorites and debutantes vying for the top prize.
Several artists previously representing Italy at Eurovision will return, including Ermal Meta (who competed in 2018 with fabrizio Moro) and Raf (who participated in 1987 alongside Umberto Tozzi). Other past Sanremo participants include Arisa, Dargen D’Amico, Ditonellapiaga, Elettra Lamborghini, Enrico Nigiotti, Fedez & Masini, Francesco Renga, J-ax, LDA & Aka 7even, Leo Gassman, levante, Luke, Malika Ayane, Mar Sattei, Michele Well done, Patty Pravo, Sal da vinci, and Serena Brancale.
The field also includes debutantes: Bambole di Pezza, Chiello, Eddie Brock, Filminacci, Maria Antonietta & Colombre, Nayt, Samurai Jay, Sayf, Tommaso paradiso, and Tredicipietro.
This year’s competition will consist solely of “Champions” category artists competing for both the Sanremo title and a potential place at Eurovision.A separate “Young” selection will showcase new artists, but they will not be eligible for the final prize.
The artist draw is scheduled between February 24th and February 28th, with a final decision likely on March 1st. The first four programs will feature multiple performances by each artist, with voting from both the public and jury groups. These votes will contribute to a final broadcast where a top five will be persistent, followed by a final round to select the winner.
The winner of Sanremo will be offered the opportunity to represent Italy at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, with the option to decline, passing the opportunity to the runner-up and subsequent artists. While Italy has used the festival as its Eurovision selection process since 2011, the winner has declined the offer only twice (in 2016 and 2025). Prior to 2011, Italy’s Eurovision representatives were appointed directly or through internal selections in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Carlo Conti returns as artistic director and main program director for the second consecutive year. Guest presenters have not yet been announced.The later-than-usual broadcast schedule is due to Italy hosting the Olympic Winter Games in early February.
