Sanremo 2025: Tradition, Controversy and Ballads Set the Stage for Italy’s Eurovision Journey

Last night, Sanremo’s historic Teatro Ariston once again became the beating heart of Italian music with the opening gala of the 75th edition of the Festival of Sanremo. As Italy’s premier musical showcase and the gateway to Eurovision, this year’s edition is already stirring debates—not only for its modernised stage aesthetics but also for a return to more conservative musical themes.

Carlo Conti, who makes his directorial comeback a decade after his debut, hosted the evening with his trademark charm. The show saw 29 artists take to the stage in an atmosphere charged with anticipation, with accredited journalists acting as the first judges during this five-night musical marathon.

A Modern Look with a Conservative Twist

Sanremo 2025 has taken a bold step away from the anachronistic trappings of yesteryear, drawing inspiration from contemporary festivals like Sweden’s Melodifestivalen and even Eurovision itself. Yet, when it comes to the content, the festival has adopted a decidedly traditional stance. Under Conti’s direction—and reflecting the current cultural climate under the government’s influence—songs that address themes like LGBTQI+ rights, female empowerment, or social critique have been pushed to the background. Instead, the focus is on heartfelt ballads that celebrate romantic love and the “traditional” family.

A Night Dominated by Ballads and Poetic Performances

The opening gala was, in many ways, a tribute to classic Italian sentiment. The 29 songs were mostly soulful ballads that, at times, evoked the reverence of a choral mass rather than a rock ‘n’ roll spectacle. Yet, there were moments that truly stood out:

• Simone Cristicchi delivered an emotionally charged performance with a song about his mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s—a piece of musical poetry that struck a deep chord within the theatre.

• Giorgia, one of the press favourites, showcased why she’s widely tipped to win the coveted Golden Lion with an interpretation that was as powerful as it was emotive.

• Other acts such as Brunori Sas, Lucio Corsi and Achille Lauro (who notably represented San Marino at Eurovision 2022) also shone, with these five receiving the highest votes from the journalists—though the exact order of their scores remains under wraps.

Looking Ahead: New Talents and Fresh Energy

Tonight, the festival promises even more as 15 of the 29 competing artists will perform again, joined on stage by four young acts vying for the New Talents award (Nuove Proposte). This segment offers a glimpse of whether Sanremo can successfully balance its rich tradition with the vibrant energy and diversity of contemporary music.