Carlo Conti has confirmed that the official line-up for Sanremo 2026 will be announced on Sunday, 30 November, during the 1:30 p.m. edition of TG1. The number of competing artists has now been officially increased to 30.
Conti Confirms Expanded Line-Up and New Announcement Date
Speaking at Vanity Fair Stories during Milano Music Week, Conti explained that the announcement, originally scheduled for the previous week, had been postponed as a mark of respect following the passing of Ornella Vanoni. He also revealed that the increase in the number of artists, from 26 to 30, is now final. This adjustment was due to a surge in late submissions, which led to the final count being pushed up.
A Festival in Honour of Pippo Baudo
Conti also shared that the 2026 edition of the festival will be dedicated to the legendary Pippo Baudo, who revolutionised Sanremo. “I’ve already decided who the opening will be dedicated to,” he said. “It will be a Festival entirely for Pippo Baudo. The Sanremo we know today was invented by him.”
Italy and Eurovision: A Long-Standing Legacy
Italy’s relationship with the Eurovision Song Contest has been a rich and celebrated one. The country has participated since the competition’s inception, winning three times— in 1964, 1990, and 2021. After withdrawing in 1997, Italy returned in 2011 with Raphael Gualazzi, who finished second with “Madness of Love” after scoring 189 points.
In 2025, Italy was represented by Lucio Corsi with “Volevo essere un duro,” which earned 256 points in the Eurovision Grand Final, securing a 5th-place finish. Of these, 159 points came from the juries, while the remaining 97 points were from the televote.
As we await the big reveal, who do you think will make the final 30 for Sanremo 2026? Let us know in the comments below!