Fabrizio Moro Wins Canzonissima 2026: Age, Home, Relationships, Health and Career Highlights

Italian singer-songwriter Fabrizio Moro has won Canzonissima 2026, the revived flagship music competition on Rai 1, with his rendition of Lucio Battisti’s classic “Il mio canto libero.” The victory, announced during the final broadcast on Saturday, April 25, 2026, marks a career milestone for Moro and underscores the enduring appeal of Italy’s songbook in contemporary performance.

Moro’s Winning Performance

Moro’s interpretation of “Il mio canto libero” stood out among six finalists, earning top honors from both the jury and the television audience. The song, originally released by Battisti in 1972, was reimagined with what critics described as a “personal and contemporary slant,” blending the original’s emotional depth with Moro’s signature vocal intensity. The performance was backed by a 25-piece orchestra conducted by Maestro Luigi Saccà, with choreography by Matteo Addino enhancing the live staging.

The final episode of Canzonissima 2026 featured a competitive lineup of iconic Italian tracks, including:

• “Un Senso” performed by Leo Gassman
• “The Night” by Arisa
• “Il mio canto libero” by Fabrizio Moro
• “The football draft of the class of ’68” by Arisa
• “Caruso” performed by Vittorio Grigòlo
• “Margherita” by Riccardo Cocciante

The jury, composed of seven industry figures—including Riccardo Rossi, Claudio Cecchetto, and Caterina Balivo—alongside votes from the competing artists and the public via social media, unanimously selected Moro’s performance as the evening’s standout. The win caps a six-episode season of the show, which returned to Italian television after a 51-year hiatus under the guidance of host Milly Carlucci.

The Return of Canzonissima

Canzonissima 2026 revived the historic Rai variety show, which last aired officially in the 1974-75 season. The 2026 edition aired weekly from March 21 to April 25, blending live musical performances with guest appearances and cultural nods to Italy’s entertainment legacy. The final broadcast included a tribute to the 1974 hit “E la vita la vita,” performed by hosts Riccardo Rossi and Pierluigi Pardo, as well as appearances by Eurovision 2026 co-hosts Gabriele Corsi and Elettra Lamborghini.

Moro’s victory was not his first appearance on the show. He previously won the opening episode on March 21 with the same song, setting the tone for his eventual season-long triumph. The early win established “Il mio canto libero” as a frontrunner, though other performances—such as Malika Ayane’s rendition of Mina’s “Città vuota” and Enrico Ruggeri’s take on Sergio Endrigo’s “Lontano dagli occhi”—garnered critical praise.

Moro’s Career and Personal Journey

Born on April 9, 1975, in Rome, Fabrizio Moro has built a career spanning over two decades, balancing original songwriting with interpretations of classic Italian repertoire. His discography includes eight studio albums, with his 2018 single “Non mi avete fatto niente” (a collaboration with Ermal Meta) winning the Sanremo Music Festival and representing Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest that year. The track, which addressed themes of resilience in the face of terrorism, earned widespread acclaim and solidified Moro’s reputation as an artist unafraid to tackle social issues.

Moro’s personal life has occasionally drawn public attention. He has two children from a previous marriage and has been open about past struggles with substance use, framing his experiences as part of a broader journey of recovery and artistic growth. In interviews, he has described music as a therapeutic outlet, particularly during periods of personal challenge. His home in Formello, a town northwest of Rome, reflects his passion for music, featuring a dedicated space for instruments, vinyl records, and family mementos.

Despite his success, Moro has faced health setbacks, including a 2020 diagnosis of vocal cord nodules, which temporarily halted his touring schedule. His return to live performance, including Canzonissima, has been celebrated as a testament to his resilience. The Canzonissima win arrives at a pivotal moment in his career, bridging his work as a contemporary songwriter with his deep appreciation for Italy’s musical heritage.

Industry and Audience Reaction

The response to Moro’s victory has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics and fans praising his ability to reinterpret Battisti’s work without losing its original essence. la Repubblica described the win as “a result that confirms Moro’s artistic solidity and his ability to dialogue with the repertoire without losing identity,” while Sky TG24 highlighted the “intense and measured” delivery that resonated with both the jury and viewers.

The Canzonissima final also sparked discussion about the show’s broader impact. Some reviewers, such as those at DiLei, awarded high marks to host Milly Carlucci (scoring her a 9 out of 10) for her role in reviving the format, while critiquing other performances, including those by Michele Bravi and Leo Gassman, which received lower scores. The mixed reactions underscore the challenges of modernizing a beloved but historically complex program.

Rai has already announced plans to bring Canzonissima back for a 2027 edition, signaling confidence in the show’s renewed popularity. For Moro, the 2026 victory positions him as a leading figure in Italy’s ongoing conversation about musical tradition and innovation, with potential implications for his future projects, including possible new recordings or tours centered on classic Italian songs.

What’s Next for Moro and Canzonissima

Following his Canzonissima win, Moro is expected to focus on new creative ventures, though no official announcements have been made regarding upcoming releases or performances. His recent work has emphasized live interpretation, suggesting a possible return to touring or collaborative projects with other artists. The victory may also influence Italy’s broader cultural landscape, particularly as the country prepares to co-host the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna from May 12 to 16, 2026, with Gabriele Corsi and Elettra Lamborghini serving as hosts.

For Canzonissima, the 2026 edition’s success has reignited interest in the show’s potential as a platform for both emerging and established artists. Future seasons may continue to explore the balance between contemporary relevance and historical homage, a dynamic that Moro’s performance exemplified. As Rai looks ahead to 2027, the network is likely to build on this year’s momentum, potentially expanding the show’s format or incorporating new technological elements to engage younger audiences.

Moro’s win, in particular, serves as a reminder of the enduring power of Italy’s musical canon. By reinterpreting a song nearly five decades old, he has demonstrated how classic works can remain vital in the hands of artists who respect their origins while infusing them with modern sensibilities. For fans and industry observers alike, the question now is how Moro—and Canzonissima—will continue to shape Italy’s musical future.