Sanremo 2024: Day 1 Rankings & Scores
The first night of the 74th annual Sanremo Music Festival concluded on , with a preliminary ranking based solely on votes from the press jury. The festival, a cornerstone of Italian music and the nation’s selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest, is unfolding at the Teatro Ariston in Sanremo, and is being hosted for a fifth and final consecutive year by Amadeus.
While the full competition extends through , the initial results offer a glimpse into the preferences of the critical press. Leading the pack are Lda and Aka7even, securing 140 points. Sal Da Vinci follows with 90 points, while Ditonellapiaga, Bambole di pezza, and Leo Gassmann are tied for third place with 80 points each. This early stage focuses on establishing a baseline, as the voting system will incorporate radio and public votes in subsequent rounds.
The Sanremo Music Festival isn’t simply a song contest; it’s a cultural event deeply embedded in the Italian identity. The festival’s longevity – this is the 74th edition – speaks to its enduring appeal and its role in launching the careers of some of Italy’s most beloved artists. The format has evolved over the years, but the core principle remains: to showcase new Italian music and select the country’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.
This year’s festival features 30 participating artists, each performing their original songs. The first night saw all 30 acts take the stage, with the press jury’s votes determining the initial standings. The subsequent nights will introduce different voting components, including radio play and, crucially, the public televote, which will significantly influence the final outcome. The inclusion of multiple voting methods is designed to provide a more comprehensive and representative assessment of each song’s popularity.
The presence of established names alongside emerging artists is a hallmark of Sanremo. This year’s lineup includes veterans like Patty Pravo and Malika Ayane, alongside newer faces like Sangiovanni and Clara. The mix of experience and fresh talent creates a dynamic atmosphere and ensures a broad appeal across different demographics. The festival consistently balances honoring its musical heritage with embracing contemporary sounds.
Beyond the competition itself, Sanremo is known for its elaborate staging, guest performances, and the often-discussed commentary surrounding the artists’ outfits and stage presence. The festival has become a platform for broader cultural conversations, often reflecting the social and political climate of Italy. This year, Amadeus is joined by a different co-host each night, beginning with Marco Mengoni on the opening night. Mengoni, himself a Sanremo winner and a recent Eurovision participant, brought added weight to the evening, performing both his winning Sanremo song, “Due Vite,” and a medley of his hits.
The lower end of the initial rankings reveals a tight race among several artists. Chiello and Mara Sattei both received 15 points, while Raf garnered only 5 points, and Tredici Pietro received no points. These early results are, however, provisional and subject to change as the festival progresses and more voting rounds are completed. The significant gap between the top contenders and those at the bottom underscores the competitive nature of the festival and the importance of each performance.
Looking ahead, the festival will continue with further performances and evolving voting dynamics. will see 15 of the acts return to the stage, with Giorgia co-hosting alongside Amadeus. The subsequent nights will feature cover song performances and further rounds of voting, culminating in the final on , where the winner will be crowned and officially designated as Italy’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Angelina Mango won the competition with the song “La noia”.
Sanremo’s influence extends beyond Italy’s borders. The festival serves as a significant showcase for Italian music internationally and often introduces emerging artists to a wider European audience. The winner’s performance at Eurovision provides a further platform for global exposure. The festival’s continued success is a testament to its ability to adapt to changing musical tastes while remaining true to its core values of artistic excellence and cultural relevance.