The next host of the Sanremo Festival has been revealed in an unprecedented manner by Carlo Conti, who officially passed the baton to Stefano De Martino during the live finale at the Teatro Ariston. This announcement was expected for weeks; however, the manner of the reveal caught many by surprise. Traditionally, the successor was speculated upon for months after the festival, but this time the announcement was made live, representing a symbolic change of leadership onstage.

The Teatro Ariston witnessed a moment that is likely to become historic for the festival. Carlo Conti, who served as the artistic director and host for both 2025 and 2026, engaged in a ceremonial exchange with De Martino, effectively sealing the transition in front of the audience and cameras. This marked a departure from the traditional 'toto-conduttore' speculation, which usually filled the media discourse after the festival's conclusion.

This innovative approach by Rai not only highlights the significance of leadership changes in such a prestigious cultural event but also sets a new precedent for how future successors are introduced. The shift promises to invigorate the anticipation for the upcoming festival and potentially impact the engagement of fans and viewers in the years to come.