End of the Carlo Conti Era in Sanremo: Stefano De Martino Takes the Helm of the Festival

This year's Sanremo festival will go down in history not only for its high musical level but primarily as a moment of symbolic and rarely seen transfer of power in the spotlight. Carlo Conti, who successfully hosted the 2026 edition, decided on an unprecedented gesture, announcing live that his successor in 2027 would be Stefano De Martino. This choice is interpreted as a bold move by the Rai broadcaster towards rejuvenating its audience. De Martino, only 36 years old, will become the youngest artistic director in nearly three decades, since a similar role was entrusted to Fabio Fazio. Conti himself emphasized that he personally sought this public 'transfer,' seeing it as an expression of respect for the company and a continuation of the festival's good run. The financial dimension of this year's edition confirms Sanremo's dominance in the media market – advertising revenues reached a record high of 72 million euros. Economic success went hand in hand with a spectacular show, which featured stars like Nino Frassica. The comedian presented a satirical 'decalogue of the ideal host,' in which he ironically advised successors to reject applications from stage veterans like Al Bano. Despite the joyful atmosphere, a shadow of immense responsibility hangs over De Martino's nomination. Legendary showman Fiorello spoke up, congratulating the successor by phone but also warning him of the relentless pressure from Italian public opinion. The Sanremo Festival, inaugurated in 1951 in the municipal casino, later moved to the Ariston Theatre, becoming a cornerstone of Italian cultural identity and a window to the world for local artists.The emotional moment on stage, when a visibly moved De Martino thanked Conti for his 'generosity and trust,' became the most commented-upon part of the finale. The new artistic director admitted he would need support from his experienced colleague, jokingly asking him 'not to turn off his phone' in the coming months. Although official plans for 2027 are still in the early stages, media speculate about the potential involvement of Antonella Clerici as a co-host. Carlo Conti ends his mission with a 'gold medal' for viewership, leaving the festival in excellent financial and organizational shape. „Carlo Conti è generoso, annunciando De Martino stasera si toglie la sua gloria domani. Ma anche Stefano avrà una pressione assurda, gli romperanno le palle tutti.” (Carlo Conti is generous, announcing De Martino tonight he gives up his glory tomorrow. But Stefano will also face absurd pressure, everyone will bust his balls.) — Fiorello „Ricorderò per sempre la tua generosità. Carlo, non spegnere il telefono: ne avrò bisogno.” (I will forever remember your generosity. Carlo, don't turn off the phone: I will need it.) — Stefano De Martino