At 1:30 p.m. today, during the Tg1 news broadcast, Carlo Conti announced the 30 Big artists competing at the 2026 Sanremo Festival. The event will air from February 24 to 28, 2026, with Conti returning as artistic director and host for the fifth time. Following a recent regulation change, the number of competing artists rises to 30, along with four emerging acts in the Newcomers category.
Conti highlighted the great musical variety of the selected cast, chosen from more than 270 excluded songs, with the aim of presenting tracks that can last over time, climb the charts and appeal to a wide audience. Among the names, Tommaso Paradiso stands out as the favorite, marking his debut at the Festival after years of invitations he had previously declined.
The lineup brings together long-awaited returns, debuts and several artists seeking a new chapter in their careers. Malika Ayane, J-Ax and Levante are among those looking to relaunch, as well as three former winners: Arisa, Ermal Meta and Francesco Renga. Serena Brancale continues her strong artistic momentum, while Michele Bravi, Mara Sattei and Enrico Nigiotti return with different motivations.
Artists with a long break from studio releases also appear, such as Raf, who has not released an album in ten years, and Patty Pravo, absent from the discographic scene since 2019. The more playful side of the Festival is represented by Elettra Lamborghini, while Dargen D’Amico and Ditonellapiaga make their return after notable previous showings that they struggled to replicate outside Sanremo.
Talent-show alumni are fewer this year: Trigno, winner of Amici, has not included Sanremo in his plans, while Mimì, winner of X Factor, will compete among the Newcomers. However, LDA & Aka 7even, now working together on a joint project, will be on the Big stage. This edition also includes several children of well-known Italian artists, such as Tredici Pietro and Leo Gassmann.
Chiello and Fulminacci represent two distinct songwriting styles: one with an urban, punk-influenced edge, the other a more traditional cantautorato approach. Alongside them stand Sayf, buoyed by significant recent collaborations, Nayt, Luchè and Samurai Jay. The neomelodic tradition returns with Sal Da Vinci.
The cast also includes artists unfamiliar to the wider public: Maria Antonietta & Colombre, a duo who are also partners in life, the all-female punk-rock band Bambole di Pezza, and Eddie Brock, an indie singer-songwriter who gained viral attention on social media.
The 30 Big Artists of Sanremo 2026
1. Tommaso Paradiso
2. Chiello
3. Serena Brancale
4. Fulminacci
5. Ditonellapiaga
6. Fedez & Masini
7. Leo Gassmann
8. Sayf
9. Arisa
10. Tredici Pietro
11. Sal Da Vinci
12. Samurai Jay
13. Malika Ayane
14. Luchè
15. Raf
16. Bambole di Pezza
17. Ermal Meta
18. Nayt
19. Elettra Lamborghini
20. Michele Bravi
21. J-Ax
22. Enrico Nigiotti
23. Maria Antonietta & Colombre
24. Francesco Renga
25. Mara Sattei
26. LDA & Aka 7even
27. Dargen D’Amico
28. Levante
29. Eddie Brock
30. Patty Pravo
Sanremo 2026 is shaping up to be an edition rich in diversity, balancing established stars, long-awaited comebacks and new voices ready to win over the audience. At the center of attention is Tommaso Paradiso, entering the competition as one of the clear favorites.
