Carlo Conti, the artistic director of the Sanremo Festival, expressed a positive outlook despite a significant drop in viewership compared to the previous year. The first night of this year's festival attracted 9.6 million viewers, down from 12.6 million in 2022. Despite this decline, Conti noted the changing landscape of television audiences and maintained that the festival's core value remains intact, emphasizing that he feels no personal blame for the drop in numbers.

Key insights into the festival's performance were provided by Auditel's general director, Paolo Lugiato, who detailed a historical context for viewership numbers. He indicated that viewership varied over the course of the event, with peaks reaching up to 15.8 million at certain points, showcasing that despite an overall lower audience, there were still dramatic moments that appealed to many viewers. The festival's ability to attract such large audiences at specific times shows it retains a significant place in Italian television culture.

Ultimately, Conti reassures fans and stakeholders that the event is still performing well amidst fluctuations in the television landscape. He acknowledged having expected a slightly better outcome but appears unfazed by the results, highlighting the competition from other programming and various factors affecting viewership. His confidence suggests a belief in the enduring legacy and adaptability of the Sanremo Festival, positioning it as a significant event despite changing viewer habits.