Laura Pausini to Co-Host Sanremo 2026: Artist Announces Return to the Ariston Theatre Stage

The upcoming 76th edition of the Sanremo Italian Song Festival promises to be one of the most exciting media events of the coming year. The central figure, alongside legendary presenter Carlo Conti, will be global music icon Laura Pausini. The artist, who launched her illustrious career on the stage of the Ariston Theatre, returns this time as co-host. Pausini expressed immense emotion via social media, calling this challenge "the craziest professional adventure." Simultaneously, she firmly addressed recent critical remarks about her tribute album to other artists, declaring full readiness to enjoy every moment of the festival regardless of naysayers' opinions. The Sanremo Festival, inaugurated in 1951, is the oldest and most prestigious song contest in Europe, serving as direct inspiration for the creation of the Eurovision Song Contest. The event program includes five evenings filled with music, featuring competition among thirty performers in the main category and the Nuove Proposte contest. Organizers have already confirmed the participation of distinguished special guests, including Tiziano Ferro, Eros Ramazzotti, and Alicia Keys. The final evening will be graced by a performance from tenor Andrea Bocelli. For Carlo Conti himself, this will be a special edition, as he announced it will be his last festival as host. He emphasized the need for rotation in this role and introducing new ideas and sounds to the program's format, which, despite the years, still attracts millions of viewers to screens. The technical and organizational aspects of the festival generate no less interest than the performer lineup itself. This year's edition will be a test for broadcaster Rai in maintaining the high viewership ratings achieved by the previous artistic director, Amadeus. Carlo Conti, experienced in hosting major spectacles, relies on a proven formula combined with modern production. Innovations will include an expanded "green carpet" ceremony, starting a day before the official competition inauguration, giving fans closer contact with their favorites. „I've known the Festival since birth, I know all the songs and stage designs... and I know how many words describe it each time. I won't let anyone ruin this exceptional moment.” — Laura Pausini 76. — edition of the legendary Italian song festival