Festival di Sanremo will introduce a dedicated Eurovision night starting with the 77th edition on 16 February 2027. Artistic Director Stefano De Martino confirmed that one of the five festival nights will be used exclusively to select the Italian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, separating the Eurovision selection process from the final night’s Sanremo champion vote.
Decoupling Sanremo and Eurovision Selection
The 2027 format marks a structural shift in how Italy selects its Eurovision representative. Since returning to the contest in 2011, the Italian broadcaster Rai has traditionally offered the Sanremo winner the right to represent Italy. This system relied on the winner accepting the invitation. In 2025, for example, Sanremo winner OLLY declined the offer due to touring obligations, forcing the broadcaster to pivot to runner-up Lucio Corsi, who ultimately placed fifth in Basel.
According to Artistic Director Stefano De Martino, the new Eurovision-themed evening will feature artists performing with additional staging, allowing viewers to preview how a song might look on the international Eurovision stage. Crucially, the vote held during this specific night will be distinct from the final Saturday night vote that crowns the overall Sanremo 2027 winner.
Did you know?
Since 2011, Italy has maintained a strong record at the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing inside the Top 10 in 13 out of 15 appearances, including the 2021 victory by Måneskin.
Reducing Competition Density
Beyond the Eurovision-specific night, De Martino plans to refine the festival’s overall structure by reducing the total number of competing entries. The 2026 edition featured 30 songs. By lowering the entry count, the festival aims to provide each artist with more focus and clearer presentation time.
This move is intended to enhance the international appeal of the festival, which already serves as a primary viewing event for European fans tracking the pre-selection season. By carving out a specific window for Eurovision, the festival organizers hope to streamline the transition from the Italian stage to the international arena.
FAQ: Sanremo 2027 and Eurovision
When does the 77th Festival di Sanremo take place?
The festival is scheduled to begin on 16 February 2027.
Is the Sanremo winner automatically the Eurovision representative?
No. Under the new 2027 rules, the Eurovision representative will be selected during a dedicated night of the festival, separate from the final vote that determines the Sanremo champion.
Why did the selection process change?
The change follows instances where previous Sanremo winners declined the Eurovision opportunity due to scheduling conflicts, such as the 2025 season. The new format ensures a dedicated selection process that provides artists the chance to showcase Eurovision-specific staging.
Pro Tip:
Follow our Eurovision news feed for live updates on the 2027 selection season and changes to national final formats across Europe.
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