The countdown to Sanremo 2027 has officially begun. Rai has published the festival’s new rules, revealing the format devised by Stefano De Martino, who is making his debut as host and artistic director of the Festival. The new edition will maintain its connection to tradition, while introducing some important changes aimed at bringing music back to the center of the show.
24 artists in the competition and a new format for the evenings
There will be 24 artists competing in the single “Champions” category, including the winner of “Sarà Sanremo 2026.” Therefore, there will be no separate category for “New Proposals.”
All singers will perform on each of the five nights, while the cover night, scheduled for Thursday, February 18, will have its own separate ranking and a dedicated winner, without affecting the final result.
Sanremo Giovani will also change its format: six artists—three from the television competition and three from Area Sanremo—will be featured directly during prime time on Rai 1.
The Performance Night will select the representative for Eurovision
Friday, February 19, will mark the debut of the Performance Night, during which the contestants will present their songs with new arrangements, choreography, and stage concepts.
The winner will be chosen by the public and a new International Jury of Experts and will represent Italy atthe 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. The winner of Sanremo will therefore not automatically be Italy’s candidate for the European competition.
Among other new features will be free online voting via RaiPlay, with a maximum of three votes per user. The rules also set limits on the use of artificial intelligence: lyrics and music must be the result of human creativity. Autotune, on the other hand, will remain permitted, especially for genres such as rap, trap, and drill.
While waiting for Sanremo 2027, let yourself be captivated by the Candlelight concerts
While waiting for Sanremo 2027 to begin, experience the thrill of live music with the Candlelight concerts in Milan. Amid thousands of candles and evocative venues, string quartets and professional musicians reinterpret classic hits, soundtracks, and pieces of classical music. An intimate and immersive experience to get into the Festival spirit and await the event at the Ariston to the sound of music.
