The Sanremo Music Festival, Italy’s iconic song competition, has been shaping Italian music and culture since its first edition in 1951. Each year, the festival crowns outstanding artists who go on to leave their mark on the national and international music scene. From legends like Nilla Pizzi and Domenico Modugno to contemporary stars such as Laura Pausini, Marco Mengoni, and Måneskin, the Sanremo winners’ roster reflects over seventy years of evolving musical trends.
Sanremo 2026 Winners
The 76th edition of Sanremo concluded with Sal Da Vinci winning the main “Campioni” category with his song Per Sempre Sì. As the winner, he also earned the opportunity to represent Italy at Eurovision 2026. In the “Nuove Proposte” (Newcomers) category, Nicolò Filippucci won with Laguna, highlighting Italy’s emerging musical talents.
Recent Sanremo Champions (2020–2025)
In the last few years, Sanremo has continued to serve as a major platform for Italian artists, combining tradition with modern appeal:
- 2025: Olly – Balorda nostalgia
- 2024: Angelina Mango – La noia
- 2023: Marco Mengoni – Due vite
- 2022: Mahmood & Blanco – Brividi
- 2021: Måneskin – Zitti e buoni
- 2020: Diodato – Fai rumore
These recent winners demonstrate the festival’s ability to launch careers and showcase Italian music to a global audience. For instance, Måneskin, the 2021 winners, achieved international success, topping global charts and bringing Italian rock back into the spotlight worldwide.
Notable Moments
The festival also celebrates memorable performances beyond the competition. During the Sanremo 2026 cover night, Ditonellapiaga and TonyPitony wowed audiences with a rendition of The Lady Is a Tramp, a classic performed by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Lady Gaga.
Legacy of Sanremo
Sanremo remains not only a competitive platform but a cultural institution, reflecting Italy’s musical evolution while providing artists a springboard for both national fame and international exposure. With its 76th edition now concluded, the festival continues to uphold its reputation as the pinnacle of Italian music excellence, celebrating both established stars and promising newcomers.
