The 76th edition of the Sanremo Festival has begun, with 30 artists competing over five nights to represent Italy at Eurovision. Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini are hosting, and the winner will be announced on Sunday morning.

The Sanremo Music Festival sees Laura Pausini moved while remembering Pippo Baudo, political figures like La Russa and Conti debating the festival's autonomy, and comedian Ubaldo Pantani performing his popular character Lapo. The festival's history of political influence is also highlighted.

The musical marathon begins, tonight for the first evening on stage with Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini, also Can Yaman.

During the Sanremo Festival, hosts Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini paid emotional tributes to the late television maestro Pippo Baudo, with Conti dedicating his dressing room to him.

The program for the opening night of the Sanremo 2026 Festival has been announced, featuring performances by 30 artists, with Can Yaman, Carlo Conti, Laura Pausini, and Tiziano Ferro among the guests.