Carlo Conti, the presenter of the Festival, expressed satisfaction despite a noticeable 7% drop in viewership from the previous year's event. The first night of the festival attracted 9.6 million viewers, down from 12.6 million in 2025, reflecting not only a decline in numbers but also a decrease in audience engagement as measured by the share percentage. Conti commented that this year's performance lagged behind last year's record-breaking figures, acknowledging the loss of about three million viewers and significant share points.

Critics have pointed out several reasons for the decline, citing a lack of variety among the songs and an overall elegant yet flat presentation that failed to captivate audiences. The general consensus is that the show missed the mark in delivering memorable moments that resonate with the viewers. Despite this, Conti remained optimistic about the ratings, taking personal responsibility for the perceived shortcomings while maintaining that he had anticipated an even sharper fall in viewership.

The implications of this drop in ratings could have a lasting impact on future festivals and the format of similar shows in the Italian entertainment landscape. As viewership dynamics evolve, it raises questions about what audiences are looking for in entertainment and the directions producers might take to recapture their interest. Conti's reflective approach suggests a readiness to adapt and innovate in response to these changing audience preferences.