The Sanremo Music Festival, Italy's renowned song competition, commenced its 76th edition with a heartfelt tribute to the legendary presenter Pippo Baudo, marking the first festival after his passing. The audience enthusiastically welcomed the event using Baudo's voice to signify his enduring presence, eulogized by the host Carlo Conti. Baudo, who presided over the festival 13 times, was honored with various memorials including an image displayed in the foyer and a documentary aired by Rai. This opening night was filled with warmth as Conti expressed pride in being dubbed 'baudiano', reflecting Baudo's impact on the structure of Italian entertainment.

Throughout the event, Conti emphasized the inclusive and democratic vision he wishes to portray; his festival, he stated, is informed by his modest Christian faith and aims to be accessible to everyone. The night was also marked by commemorations for other influential figures in Italy's entertainment sphere, notably maestro Peppe Vessicchio, who passed away fairly recently. The festivities highlighted not only the celebration of music and culture but a profound respect for the forebears who contributed significantly to the medium. As the audience chanted Baudo's name, the festival encapsulated a spirit of nostalgia intertwined with renewal, signaling the event's continual evolution amid a deep-seated tradition.