Love and melody seem to be the common denominators of the Sanremo Music Festival this year…perhaps because it takes place the week of Valentine’s Day?! Who knows, but we will certainly be watching; after all, the festival has launched the careers of Italian singers who are now famous worldwide, including Andrea Bocelli, Zucchero, Eros Ramazzotti, Laura Pausini and Massimo Ranieri.
The 65th edition of the Festival della Canzone Italiana, Italy’s most prestigious music contest, begins tonight at the Teatro Ariston in the Ligurian seaside town of Sanremo, and will be broadcast live on Rai Uno (Rai International for those abroad).
The show will be presented by Carlo Conti, assisted by two previous winners of the festival, singers Arisa and Emma, along with Spanish television presenter and model Rocío Muñoz Morales.
The Big Artists section will include 20 established Italian artists, competing with a song each, while 8 artists will perform in the Newcomers section.
Among the singers in the Big Artists section are Alex Britti, Malika Ayane, Irene Grandi, Gianluca Grignani, Il Volo, Marco Masini, Nek, Anna Tatangelo and Nina Zilli.
International artists and guests expected to make an appearance include Ed Sheeran, Imagine Dragons, Will Smith and Charlize Theron.
Italian pop music duo legend (and former festival winners) Al Bano and Romina Powers will reunite to open the Festival, a much-awaited performance.
Winners will be announced on Saturday. Remember that you can vote too! This year, the option to vote online has been added, making it even easier (more info here).
To learn more about the festival, visit the website.
Need a refresher on Italian music before you watch “Sanremo” (as it’s affectionately called by Italians)? Check out our Italian Pop and Rock Music series.
