Ballando con le Stelle 2026 Debut Reaches Millions
Ballando con le Stelle launched its 21st season on Rai 1 with 3,528,000 viewers and a 21.6% share for its introductory segment, Ballando Tutti in Pista. The main program later drew 2,485,000 viewers with a 25.6% share, locking horns with Canale 5 rival Tú Sí Que Vales, which pulled in 3,403,000 viewers and a 25.5% share. The premiere also marked a structural shift for the dance competition, moving its production home from the Foro Italico auditorium to the studios at Saxa Rubra.
Paolo Belli Moves to Remote Support
Paolo Belli will work from a distance for the current television season following a July traffic incident in Campagnola Emilia involving a collision with a cyclist. Belli was subsequently placed under investigation by the Reggio Emilia prosecutor for vehicular manslaughter as a procedural step. Rai and the artist agreed that Belli will not appear on screen, with Simone Di Pasquale taking over the Sala delle Stelle hosting duties and Luigi Saccà leading the Paolo Belli Big Band. Host Milly Carlucci opened the season by sending an embrace and a greeting to Belli from the studio.
Questions Regarding Paolo Belli’s Television Status
Will Paolo Belli make any television appearances during this season?
Rai released a statement indicating that Belli remains a valuable artistic resource and that the network hopes to see him return as a video protagonist in future television projects. However, his presence on screen has not been scheduled for the current edition of Ballando con le Stelle while the judicial investigation proceeds.
Who is conducting the orchestra in Paolo Belli’s absence?
Maestro and arranger Luigi Saccà manages the Paolo Belli Big Band for the new season. Saccà has spent several previous seasons assisting with the musical direction of the program’s orchestra.
What caused the legal investigation involving Paolo Belli?
The Reggio Emilia prosecutor placed Belli under investigation for vehicular manslaughter following a July 13 incident in which his bicycle collided with a 41-year-old pedestrian, Alessandro Magnani, in Campagnola Emilia.
