Carlo Conti Introduces Exciting Changes for Sanremo 2025

Carlo Conti, the new host and artistic director of the Festival di Sanremo, has unveiled a series of significant changes for the 2025 edition, aiming to revitalize the iconic Italian music festival. Conti, who previously helmed the festival from 2015 to 2017, shared his vision in an interview on Tg1 Mattina Estate on Rai1, promising to bring fresh energy while respecting the legacy of his predecessors.

Reviving the Newcomers Category

One of the most notable changes is the reintroduction of the split between Nuove Proposte (newcomers) and Big (established artists), a format last seen in 2018. This decision marks a return to a more traditional structure, allowing emerging talents to shine in their own category without competing directly against established stars. Conti explained, «I’m bringing back the division between Nuove Proposte and Big artists. The Nuove Proposte will not increase the number of Big artists. They will have their competition, and the Big artists will have theirs.»

No More Eliminations

In a move to make the festival more inclusive and less stressful for participants, Conti announced that no songs would be eliminated before the final night. He described eliminations as «archaic» and emphasized his intention to respect the work of previous directors while implementing minor yet impactful changes. «There will be no eliminations. It would be archaic. I don’t want to throw away the work of Baglioni and Amadeus, but make very small changes,» Conti said.

Streamlined Song Selection

Conti also plans to reduce the number of competing songs to ensure a more concise and engaging festival experience. This change aims to address concerns about the festival’s length, making it more accessible for viewers. Additionally, Conti mentioned the return of the DopoFestival, a popular post-show discussion program, which will provide more in-depth insights and reactions following each night of performances.

Embracing Responsibility

Reflecting on his role, Conti expressed the immense responsibility he feels in selecting the right songs for the competition. He shared, «I have always felt a great responsibility. My wife tells me that during my previous festivals, I would wake up at night, troubled by doubts about a song that I had perhaps discarded.» His dedication to maintaining the festival’s high standards highlights his commitment to delivering a memorable event.

Impact on Eurovision

While these changes are primarily focused on revitalizing Sanremo, it remains unclear how they might affect Italy’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Italy has yet to confirm its entry for next year’s contest in Switzerland. In 2024, Angelina Mango represented Italy with «La noia,» securing a respectable seventh place with 268 points.

Carlo Conti’s return as host and artistic director of Sanremo promises an exciting blend of tradition and innovation. By reintroducing the newcomers’ category, eliminating pre-final eliminations, and streamlining the song selection process, Conti aims to honour the festival’s rich history while paving the way for its future. These changes are set to make Sanremo 2025 a more dynamic and inclusive celebration of Italian music.

Source: Davidemaggio.it