Sanremo 2025 Unveiled: Carlo Conti Revamps Youth Talent Showcase

In a bold move, the Rai has unveiled the regulations for Sanremo Giovani 2024, marking the revival of the New Proposals category under the artistic direction of Carlo Conti.

Sanremo Giovani Regulations 

Age Limits Lowered

One of the most significant changes in Sanremo Giovani concerns the age eligibility of aspiring contestants. As of January 1, 2025, participants must be at least 16 years old and no older than 26 (compared to last year’s limit of 30).

In the initial selection phase, Artistic Director Carlo Conti and his Music Commission will diligently review all submitted tracks that meet the participation criteria. Their goal is to compile a list of at least 40 artists who will undergo live auditions at Rai’s historic headquarters in Via Asiago, Rome. From there, 24 young talents will advance to the main competition starting November 12, 2023.

Second Stage on Rai2 

Live Showdowns

Across four successive evenings on Rai 2 (November 12, 19, 26, and December 3, 2024), six artists will perform their compositions live. However, only three will progress based on assessments by the Music Commission following direct challenges. The 12 finalists from these events will then move on to the semifinals scheduled for December 10, 2024, where six contestants will emerge victorious through further direct challenges. Additionally, two artists from the Area Sanremo competition, chosen by Rai’s Music Commission, will join them.

Grand Finale on Rai1 

Showdown at the Casinò di Sanremo

On December 18, 2024, in a prime-time broadcast on Rai 1 from the Casinò di Sanremo, the top eight artists (six from Sanremo Giovani and two from Area Sanremo) will compete in the grand finale. Only four will secure a coveted spot in the New Proposals category of the Sanremo Festival 2025, scheduled from February 4 to 8, 2025. The final decision will be made by a 50-50 combination of the Music Commission and public televoting.

Only Four Young Artists at the Ariston with Non-Original Songs

The four selected artists will perform the same songs presented at Sanremo Giovani 2024 in the New Proposals category of Sanremo 2025. This marks a departure from previous years under Amadeus, where only original compositions were featured.

Carlo Conti commented, «The reintroduction of the New Proposals category, distinct from the Big category, aims to provide a concrete opportunity for further valorization of young talents. The model adopted, along with the lowering of age limits, is designed to create a three-month growth path through the various stages of Sanremo Giovani, ultimately identifying potential future stars through the February New Proposals challenge.»

Registrations open at 4:00 PM on July 10 and close on October 8.

Source: SkyTg24