Sanremo 2026: How Italy Chooses Its Eurovision Hopeful
The 76th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival culminates tonight, February 28th, with the crowning of the winner. This isn’t just a national music event; the victor earns the right of first refusal to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Here’s a breakdown of how the voting works and what to expect during the final showdown.
Understanding the Two-Phase Voting System
The Sanremo finale isn’t a single vote count. It’s a carefully structured process unfolding in two distinct phases. First, all 30 competing artists will perform their songs. This initial round combines votes from the public (Televoto), the press, TV and web jury, and radio jury, alongside points accumulated from the first three nights of the festival. The fourth night’s cover songs do not contribute to the final ranking.
Following this, the top five artists will be revealed and will compete in a “Superfinale.” This phase involves a re-performance or highlights of their entries, followed by a final, decisive vote.
How to Vote: A Guide for the Italian Public
Italian viewers have two primary methods for casting their votes:
- Fixed Line Telephone: Dial 894.001, then enter the two-digit code associated with the artist, as announced by the host, Carlo Conti. Each call costs €0.51.
- Mobile Phone (SMS): Send a text message to 475.475.1, including the two-digit code for your chosen artist. Each SMS costs €0.50.
Voting limits are in place to ensure fairness. During the regular voting sessions, a maximum of three votes per telephone line are permitted. However, the Superfinale restricts voting to just one vote per user.
The Weight of the Juries
The final result isn’t solely determined by the public vote. The outcome is a weighted average of three components:
- Televoto (Public Vote): 34%
- Press, TV & Web Jury: 33%
- Radio Jury: 33%
The artist with the highest overall percentage across these three categories will be declared the winner of Sanremo 2026.
The Evolution of Sanremo’s Voting System
The Sanremo Music Festival has a long history, and its voting system has evolved over the years. The inclusion of multiple juries – press, radio, and the public – reflects a desire to balance popular appeal with critical assessment. This multi-faceted approach aims to identify a song that resonates broadly while also possessing artistic merit.
Since 2015, the winner has been granted the first opportunity to represent Italy at Eurovision, solidifying Sanremo’s role as a crucial stepping stone for Italian artists on the international stage.
FAQ
Q: What time does the Sanremo finale start?
The Sanremo Music Festival 2026 finale is being held on Saturday, February 28th, 2026.
Q: How much does it cost to vote?
Voting from a fixed line costs €0.51 per call, while voting via SMS costs €0.50 per message.
Q: How many times can I vote?
You can vote up to three times per telephone line during regular voting sessions, but only once during the Superfinale.
Q: Does the cover song performance count towards the final result?
No, the cover songs performed on the fourth night of the festival do not contribute to the final ranking.
Q: Who are the presenters of Sanremo 2026?
Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini are the main presenters. Can Yaman, Achille Lauro, Lillo, Pilar Fogliati, Irina Shayk, Ubaldo Pantani, Bianca Balti, Alessandro Siani, Giorgia Cardinaletti, and Gianluca Gazzoli will also be presenting sections of the demonstrate.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on social media during the show for real-time updates on artist codes and voting reminders!
Stay tuned for the results and to see who will represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026!