Sanremo 2027: Will Stefano De Martino Take the Stage?
As the curtain hasn’t yet risen on Sanremo 2026, attention is already turning to the 2027 festival. The reason? Carlo Conti has declined to continue hosting after five editions. Replacing him won’t be easy, given Conti’s dual role as artistic director, but sources suggest RAI is increasingly leaning towards Stefano De Martino.
The Race for the Ariston Stage: A Contender Lineup
Rumors suggest a segment of RAI and several record producers would like to spot Amadeus return to the Ariston stage. Others are championing Antonella Clerici, a veteran host of major television events, considered capable of blending experience and charisma, fresh off the success of The Voice.
Clerici has already hosted four Festivals: in 2009 with Paolo Bonolis, in 2010 solo, in 2020 during the cover night with Amadeus and Fiorello, and in 2025 for the first episode with Carlo Conti and Gerry Scotti.
More recently, Nicola Savino, recently hosting Tali e Quali Show and set to lead the DopoFestival 2026, has also been mentioned.
De Martino as Frontrunner: An Inside Track
However, according to Dagospia, citing sources within RAI, there’s a plan already taking shape: to appoint Stefano De Martino. Beloved by the public and respected by colleagues, he would represent a “new” face whereas simultaneously attracting a younger audience.
Reportedly, De Martino has already chosen his working team. Fabrizio Ferraguzzo, manager of Måneskin, could lead the artistic and musical direction, bringing modernity and international appeal to the Festival.
De Martino, unlike Carlo Conti and Amadeus, lacks musical experience. However, this mirrors the approach taken with other presenters in the past, such as Mike Bongiorno, Paolo Bonolis, and Simona Ventura.
Negotiations with the ex-husband of Belen Rodriguez are reportedly advanced, and a contract signing could be imminent, marking a significant change.
A Long-Held Dream: De Martino’s Ambitions
Stefano De Martino has never hidden his dream of hosting the Sanremo Festival, Italy’s most vital stage and the ambition of anyone working in the entertainment world.
“I enjoy the success. Sanremo scares me; I need to learn a lot first,” he stated just over a year ago, acknowledging the challenge the stage presents.
If the RAI deal materializes, De Martino would be one of the youngest conductors in recent Festival history: he will be only 37 years traditional in 2027, younger than the average age of recent hosts. Amadeus, for example, took the stage at nearly 60, while Carlo Conti was already 54.
This choice would also echo the past: Pippo Baudo hosted his first Sanremo at 32, and Mike Bongiorno at 39. Many observers consider Stefano De Martino the natural successor to the line of young, charismatic hosts who have shaped Italian television history.
If his appointment goes ahead, the Sanremo 2027 Festival would not only be a new professional challenge for the Neapolitan presenter but also an opportunity to bring freshness and new energy to the city of flowers.
FAQ
Who is currently hosting Sanremo?
Carlo Conti is hosting Sanremo 2026, but it will be his last edition.
Who are the potential candidates to replace Carlo Conti?
Potential candidates include Amadeus, Antonella Clerici, Nicola Savino, and Stefano De Martino.
Is Stefano De Martino likely to host Sanremo 2027?
Reports suggest Stefano De Martino is the frontrunner, with negotiations reportedly in advanced stages.
