Milan, Italy – In an unprecedented gesture of cultural recognition, the stars of the Sanremo Music Festival were received by President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace on . The meeting, a first for the festival’s storied history, signals a new level of institutional acknowledgement for popular Italian music.
The delegation included artistic director Carlo Conti, co-host and internationally renowned singer Laura Pausini, and a cohort of the artists competing in the current edition of Sanremo. The group arrived throughout the morning, with Leo Gassmann being the first to enter the palace, followed by the broader ensemble of performers. Pausini and RAI CEO Giampaolo Rossi were among the last to arrive, marking a significant moment for the Italian broadcasting company amidst recent internal challenges.
The visit wasn’t merely a photo opportunity. President Mattarella reportedly engaged with the artists, discussing the cultural importance of the Sanremo Festival and popular music in Italy. Pausini, visibly moved by the encounter, shared her experience after the meeting. “I have had the pleasure of meeting our President Mattarella other times, and despite this, when you enter the room, you get a little flutter of excitement,” she said. “The most beautiful and moving thing that happened to all of us singers was when our President told us that pop music, Italian popular music, is a very important part of the culture of our country.”
Pausini highlighted the rarity of such institutional support, particularly from the highest office in the land. “Rarely in these 33 years of my career have I seen institutions expose themselves in this way, especially the greatest authority in our country,” she stated. “I am sincerely touched because we are often defined as almost jesters, practically to entertain people. Of course, music is also this, It’s also fun, but everyone does it in their own way, with their own voice and we do it very sincerely and trying to give quality, without ever forgetting that we come from Italy and represent a part of our country with our music. Thank you President Mattarella!”
The President’s comments underscored the economic and social significance of the Italian music industry. He noted the thriving state of the recording industry and its contribution to the national economy, extending beyond mere entertainment value. This acknowledgement comes at a time when the festival itself is under scrutiny, with the recent controversy surrounding comedian Pucci – whose provocative pre-festival publicity stunt prompted a defense of artistic freedom from Conti.
Conti, speaking to RTL 102.5 prior to the Quirinale visit, emphasized the independence of the artistic direction of Sanremo. “We artistic directors have absolute carte blanche: no one dares to interfere or tell me who to select or not. It hasn’t happened before, with other governments or this one. We are professionals and work independently,” he asserted, addressing concerns about potential external influence on the festival’s lineup. He framed the Pucci situation as a consequence of the festival’s heightened visibility, stating, “If there were mistakes, it’s only my fault…the festival is in the eye of the storm, and everyone gets dragged into it; it’s an opportunity to talk and gossip.”
President Mattarella also drew parallels between the cultural role of popular music and that of sports, recognizing both as vital components of Italian social life. He reportedly shared anecdotes about his own memories of early Sanremo broadcasts, recalling listening to the radio as a ten-year-old and remembering specific performers and voices. Pausini described this as “emotional,” highlighting the President’s personal connection to the festival’s legacy.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, which are currently underway in Italy. President Mattarella is serving as the opening ceremony host, further emphasizing the nation’s focus on cultural and sporting events. The convergence of these two major national events – the Olympics and Sanremo – underscores Italy’s commitment to showcasing its cultural vibrancy on the world stage.
The unprecedented reception at the Quirinale Palace is being hailed as a landmark moment for the Sanremo Music Festival and Italian popular music. It remains to be seen whether this will become an annual tradition, but the gesture by President Mattarella has undoubtedly elevated the festival’s status and affirmed its place as a cornerstone of Italian cultural identity. The event also provides a welcome moment of positive attention for RAI, as the company navigates internal challenges and seeks to reaffirm its role as a national cultural institution.
