Sanremo 2026: First Night Lineup, Hosts, and What to Expect
The 76th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival kicks off tonight, Tuesday, February 24th, with a star-studded first evening. All 30 competing artists will take the stage, promising a night of music and entertainment. The exact order of performances will be revealed during the press conference (delayed from its scheduled start time) and throughout the day.
Who’s Hosting Sanremo 2026?
Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini will lead the show, joined by actor Can Yaman, known for his role in the remake of Sandokan. There’s a possibility that Kabir Bedi, the original Sandokan, will also make an appearance, hinted at by a recent Instagram post.
Musical Guests Taking the Stage
Tiziano Ferro is the main musical guest for the opening night, celebrating 25 years since the release of his debut song, Xdono. He will perform some of his greatest hits and debut his modern single, Sono un grande, live for the first time.
The Lineup: Artists Performing Tonight
Here’s a list of the artists competing on the first night of Sanremo 2026, in alphabetical order:
How the Voting Works on Night One
Tonight, the songs will be judged solely by the Sala Stampa, TV, and Web jury. A ranking will be established, and the top 5 songs will be announced to the public at the end of the evening, without revealing their specific order.
Show Timings: When to Tune In
The show begins at 8:40 PM (20:40) following Primafestival. It is expected to conclude around 1:25 AM.
What Happens After the Main Show?
Following the main event, DopoFestival will air from the Casinò di Sanremo theater. Nicola Savino will host, alongside Aurora Leone (The Jackal), Federico Basso, and Enrico Cremonesi. The show will also feature journalists from various media outlets.
Live Updates and Side Stages
Throughout the evening, there will be live connections to the Costa Toscana with Max Pezzali (accompanied by Olly, the winner of the 2025 Festival) and the Suzuki Stage in Piazza Colombo, featuring a performance by Gaia.
FAQ: Your Sanremo 2026 Questions Answered
- When does Sanremo 2026 start? The first night is Tuesday, February 24th, at 8:40 PM.
- Who are the hosts of Sanremo 2026? Carlo Conti, Laura Pausini, and Can Yaman.
- Who is the main musical guest? Tiziano Ferro.
- How does the voting work on the first night? The Sala Stampa, TV, and Web jury vote, and the top 5 songs are revealed.
Article updated as of February 24, 2026, at 12:11 PM.