The stage is set for the launch of the 76th Sanremo Music Festival, and early reviews of the thirty competing artists are beginning to surface. Initial impressions, following preview performances on , suggest a generally “pleasant” level of quality across the board, though lacking in truly groundbreaking moments, according to reports. Artistic director Carlo Conti faces the challenge of elevating some performances while navigating a field where many entries blend together.
Several names are already emerging as potential frontrunners. Federico Masini, collaborating with Fedez, is being widely tipped for success, with sources indicating they remain strong contenders. Ditonellapiaga is also generating buzz, with a performance designed to make a statement and potentially propel her towards the Eurovision stage. Sal Da Vinci, described as the “king of the Festival,” is expected to resonate strongly with older audiences, while Samurai Jay is being positioned as a dark horse with a radio-friendly track. Tommaso Paradiso and Raf are also being highlighted as artists to watch, representing different strengths within the competition.
Arisa’s performance of “Magica Favola,” while lyrically occasionally falling into cliché, is being praised for its vocal strength, earning a rating of 6/7. Bambole di Pezza, a band that has “paid their dues,” delivered a dignified performance of “Resta Con Me,” receiving a solid 8. Chiello, described as an “alien” at the Ariston, received a more modest 5 for “Ti Penso Sempre,” with commentators noting that Sanremo may not be the ideal platform for his style.
Dargen D’Amico’s “Ai Ai” is considered a middle-of-the-road offering, scoring a 6, while Ditonellapiaga’s “Che Fastidio!” is already being discussed as a potential Top 5 finisher, with a score of 7. Her performance, complete with a dance troupe, signals a clear ambition to win. Eddie Brock’s “Avvoltoi,” a song that could arguably have been performed by Modà, received a 5, with a note that the original artist, Kekko, would have likely earned a higher score.
Elettra Lamborghini’s “Voilà” is described as a “cyclone” that functions as a wake-up call, earning a 6. Enrico Nigiotti’s “Ogni Volta Che Non So Volare” is being praised for its elegance and respect for the stage, scoring a 7/8. Ermal Meta’s “Stella Stellina,” tackling an important theme with a driving percussive element, is a potential contender for the critics’ prize, earning a 7.
The collaboration between Fedez & Masini on “Male Necessario” is currently considered a frontrunner, receiving a 9. Francesco Renga’s “Il Meglio Di Me” is being hailed as potentially his best Festival offering to date, earning a 7. Fulminacci’s “Stupida Sfortuna” is described as dignified, earning a 6/7. J-Ax’s “Italia Starter Pack” is a standout performance, incorporating violin, guitar, and a nod to 1960s Americana, earning an 8.
LDA & Aka 7even’s “Poesie Clandestine” celebrates brotherhood and friendship, earning a 7. Leo Gassmann’s “Naturale” is praised as a welcome addition from a young singer-songwriter, scoring a 7. Levante’s “Sei Tu” is described as beautiful and captivating, earning an 8. Luchè’s “Labirinto,” while representing a voice from the Neapolitan rap scene, is considered somewhat innocuous, earning a 6/7.
Malika Ayane’s “Animali Notturni” is noted for its French touch and strong arrangement, earning a 7/8. Mara Sattei’s “Le Cose Che Non Sai Di Me” is described as light and elegant, earning a 6. Maria Antonietta & Colombre’s “La Felicità E Basta” is being positioned as a potential winner of the Mia Martini Critics’ Prize, earning a 7. Michele Bravi’s “Prima O Poi” is praised for its passion and sincerity, earning a 6/7.
Nayt’s “Prima Che” is lauded for its lyrical quality, earning a 7. Patty Pravo’s performance of “Opera,” while featuring a notable orchestral arrangement, is considered to have weak lyrics, receiving a “not classified” rating. Raf’s “Ora E Per Sempre” is being celebrated as a performance from a musical icon, earning a 7. Sal Da Vinci’s “Per Sempre Sì” is described as the song that will resonate with the over-50s demographic, earning a perfect 10.
Samurai Jay’s “Ossessione” is expected to be a dancefloor hit, earning a 7. Sayf’s “Tu Mi Piaci Tanto” is predicted to be a radio favorite, earning a 7. Serena Brancale’s “Qui Con Me,” a dedication to her late mother, is expected to connect with audiences, earning a 6. Finally, Tommaso Paradiso’s “I Romantici,” a song about love and new fatherhood, is being praised for its emotional resonance, earning an 8.
Tredici Pietro’s “Uomo Che Cade” is noted for its passion and interesting arrangement, earning a 6. The overall impression is one of a diverse field, with a mix of established artists and emerging talents vying for the top spot. The coming days will reveal which performances truly stand out and capture the hearts of the Italian public.