Carlo Conti is set to host what may be his last Sanremo Festival, showcasing a lineup that raises questions about viewer engagement and the event's future.
The Sanremo Festival, a cherished Italian music event, is gearing up for its next edition from February 24 to 28 under the helm of Carlo Conti, who is already seeing comparisons with his predecessor Amadeus. With Conti's previous hosting in 2025 garnering a staggering average of 66.38% viewership share, the festival has witnessed a turnaround in ratings, making it the most viewed since 1995. As the media landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, audience retention remains a pressing concern for the organizers.
Conti’s approach, dubbed the 'formula contiana', hinges on a calm, national-popular spirit, featuring a lineup of super-popular partners like Laura Pausini and Achille Lauro, alongside well-known personalities like Can Yaman. This proven strategy was instrumental in his previous success, drawing in an average of around 12 million viewers, the highest in 25 years—a remarkable feat considering the competition from other entertainment options and changing viewer habits.
As expectations build for this upcoming iteration, Conti faces the challenge of not only replicating his past success but also enhancing the festival's appeal to a diverse audience that increasingly seeks more innovative and engaging entertainment experiences. The anticipation surrounding guest performers, potential controversies, and the festival's overall dynamic will be pivotal in determining the Sanremo Festival's future trajectory and audience connection.
