The Sanremo Money Machine: How Much Do Artists, Hosts, and Guests Really Earn?
The Sanremo Music Festival isn’t just a celebration of Italian music; it’s a significant economic engine. Beyond the captivating performances and songs, a substantial amount of money changes hands during the five-night event. In 2025 alone, RAI reportedly generated around €65 million in advertising revenue, with total expenses reaching €20 million.
The Artistic Director’s Cut: Carlo Conti’s Earnings
The individual who arguably profits the most from Sanremo is the artistic director. For the 2026 festival, Carlo Conti’s estimated earnings are between €500,000 and €600,000, reflecting the year-long commitment to shaping the event.
Co-Hosting and Superstar Salaries
Laura Pausini, co-hosting alongside Carlo Conti, is expected to earn a significant fee, estimated around €250,000. Even as initial reports suggested higher figures, her team has reportedly clarified the amount.
Superstar guests like Tiziano Ferro, Eros Ramazzotti, Alicia Keys, and Andrea Bocelli command substantial fees, averaging around €100,000 each for their appearances.
Guest Co-Hosts and Rising Stars
Co-hosts who join Conti and Pausini for individual nights of the festival earn between €25,000 and €50,000. This year’s guest co-hosts include Can Yaman, Pilar Fogliati, Achille Lauro, Lillo, Irina Shayk, Giorgia Cardinaletti, and Nino Frassica.
What Do the Contestants Earn?
The 30 “big” artists competing in Sanremo receive approximately €75,000 each, designated as reimbursement for expenses. This covers costs related to accommodation, meals, hair and makeup, staff, and other logistical needs throughout the festival week. Newcomers in the “Nuove Proposte” category receive a smaller amount of €25,000.
Duets and Cover Performances: A Flat Rate
Artists participating in the duets and cover song performances during Sanremo earn a flat fee of €4,000 per performance.
Sanremo’s Economic Ripple Effect
The financial impact of Sanremo extends far beyond the individuals directly involved. The festival generates revenue for the city of Sanremo itself, as well as for local businesses and service providers. The event’s popularity also boosts tourism and media exposure for the region.
FAQ
How much does RAI make from Sanremo? RAI generated approximately €65 million in advertising revenue from the 2025 festival.
What does the artistic director earn? Carlo Conti’s estimated earnings for the 2026 festival are between €500,000 and €600,000.
How much do Sanremo contestants get paid? “Big” artists receive around €75,000 to cover expenses, while “Nuove Proposte” receive €25,000.
What do the guest performers earn? Superstar guests earn around €100,000 on average.
How much do co-hosts earn? Guest co-hosts earn between €25,000 and €50,000.
What do artists earn for cover performances? Artists earn €4,000 for participating in cover performances.
Did you know? The Sanremo Music Festival has been running since 1951, making it one of the longest-running song contests in the world.
Explore more about the history of the Sanremo Music Festival here.
