Sanremo 2026: First Night Highlights – Pausini, Yaman & Tributes

Sanremo Festival Kicks Off with Tributes to Baudo and Return of 2025 Winner

The 76th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival began Tuesday evening with a tribute to the late Pippo Baudo and a performance by last year’s winner, Olly, who returned to the stage with his hit song “Balorda Nostalgia.” The festival, running until February 28th, will feature 30 competing songs and a lineup of co-hosts alongside Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini.

Laura Pausini was welcomed back to the Ariston theater by Conti, with a clip from 1993 showcasing her debut performance of “La Solitudine.” “I’m very happy, thank you for this dream,” Pausini said, adding that she consulted with Baudo before taking on the co-hosting role. “He told me, ‘Laura, you’re ready, don’t be afraid, go!’ And here we are.” She appeared on stage wearing a blue night velvet mermaid dress by Privé.

The opening of the festival was marked by a vocal tribute to Baudo, with the audience chanting “Pippo, Pippo.” Conti acknowledged Baudo’s children, Tiziana and Alessandro, and his long-time assistant, Dina Minna, who were in attendance. A dedicated exhibition in Baudo’s honor is also being inaugurated at Forte Santa Tecla.

Yaman Makes Debut, Shares Stage with Pausini

Turkish actor Can Yaman made his debut as co-host, arriving in Sanremo late Tuesday after flying in from Madrid. He reportedly requested only pecan nuts, water, and coffee for his arrival. Yaman quickly engaged with the audience, performing a song by Turkish artist Tarkan, “Kuzu Kuzu,” with Pausini, playfully highlighting her difficulty pronouncing the Turkish ‘Z’ sound. Conti joked about the physical contrast and tans between the two co-hosts, with Pausini quipping, “It’s perhaps the only thing you have in common.”

Remembering Vessicchio and Other Lost Figures

The festival also took a moment to remember the late conductor Peppe Vessicchio, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. Laura Pausini reflected on Vessicchio’s impact, stating, “He arrived in our homes with the strength of talent, but Peppe was also a man, a husband, a father, a wonderful friend.” Conti also honored Angela Luce, Tony Dallara, Sandro Giacobbe, Gianni Pettenati, and Maurizio Costanzo, who passed away exactly three years prior.

Early Evening Moments and Anticipation

The evening also saw a brief moment of uncertainty when Dargen D’Amico appeared on stage prematurely, prompting murmurs from the audience. Before the formal opening, Carlo Conti remembered Ornella Vanoni, announcing that her granddaughter, Camilla Ardenzi, would pay tribute to her on Wednesday evening with a performance of “Eternità.”

Pausini admitted to feeling some nervousness about her role as co-host, stating, “I’m afraid of making mistakes, but I feel calm, I’m at home, I’m with you.”