On November 23, or more likely the 30th, on Tg1 at 13.30 Carlo Conti will reveal the names (and also the number can reach 30 out of 26 specified in the Regulations) of the Bigs who will perform at the next Sanremo Festival (24-28 February 2026). And like every year, rumors, previews and often even fantasies emerge regarding who might be there, with the list of actual spots available being much longer. It’s a tough job for an artistic director who is still accepting last-minute proposals (November 17 is the deadline for submissions).
Many women tried to be there, some young people, some singer-songwriters and practically no bands from the predictions. Among the most popular names for a place in the sun is California, now part of Coma_Cose, who after separating from her husband and partner Fausto Lama will try as a soloist. The two of them together at Ariston always did well. In terms of veterans, Patty Pravo may play her cards, while Angelina Mango – who just released a digital-only album, a hypothetical prelude to a physical format in February – after a break after victory in 2024, she may find the right motivation to start again from Sanremo. Levante, Arisa, Malika Ayane will also submit their proposals to Carlo Conti. Likewise with Serena Brancale after her positive experience last year. Among the qualified candidates is Sarah Toscano, who also competed a year ago. It could be a first time among the festival’s big names for young Emma Nolde, and for Neapolitan singer-songwriter La Nina. We also focus on the presence of Emma, Madame, Francesca Michielin, Anna Tatangelo and Amara. There is little chance of Elodie’s presence.
There will certainly be no shortage of rap, which has made inroads in recent years, asserting itself strongly even on the Riviera with almost certainly Tedua, Chiello, Luchè, Rancore, Clementino. Also taking part is the very young Kid Yugi. It’s harder (but not impossible) to see Geolier and Lazza again, who also left their mark on the respective editions they participated in. Fedez’s story with Marco Masini seems more like a suggestion than a spoiler, after the duet at last year’s cover night. Bresh wanted to try again, which last February did not disappoint at all. Like September, winner among Youth.
Every year there is talk about the possible presence of Tommaso Paradiso and who knows if this is not the right time, they are interested in a tour of the sports hall coming in the spring (as is the case with Fulminacci). In terms of songwriters, Ermal Meta is also trying, having been absent from Sanremo since 2021, while Fabrizio Moro looks like he’s going to try hard (“Festivals are increasingly becoming TV shows and not singing competitions and this scares me”). Also welcome back will be Tananai, who owes much to the festival, and Diodato. And Blanco, who caused controversy in 2023 for destroying the stage and entering a competition as a writer, is ready to lose face.
Daniele Silvestri – who is not currently among the candidates – could be a last-minute surprise. Venus could be an underdog like Lucio Corsi. Among his hypotheses there is also Sal da Vinci.
As mentioned, the bands are gone. After the reunion announcement, could Litfiba give it a try? Subsonica, back to work? Zero Assoluto sends the song, maybe even Benji & Fede who left a year ago.
In the midst of the complicated puzzle of organizing a festival, the names of those who will join Conti on stage are clearly still missing. In the past there has been talk about Giorgia, who from December will be free from her commitments as host of the X Factor and could fly to Sanremo, perhaps accompanied by Achille Lauro, to take revenge after being eliminated from the top five of the last edition. Laura Pausini’s arrival has been awaited for years.
Reproduction protected by law © Copyright ANSA
