Sanremo 2027: De Martino Reveals Festival 'In My Own Way'

Stefano De Martino announced in Milan, this Friday, that he will for the first time serve as host and artistic director of the Sanremo Festival 2027, scheduled for February 16-20, 2027, and previewed the creation of a performance night inspired by Eurovision for February 19, according to ANSA.

Announcement summary: Sanremo 2027 and key dates

Sanremo 2027 will be held from February 16 to 20, 2027, with Stefano De Martino taking on simultaneously the roles of artistic director and conductor of the festival. The announcement was made during the Festival dello Spettacolo, organized by TV Sorrisi e Canzoni in Milan, where De Martino presented his vision for the edition, according to ANSA. The artist’s presence was also marked by the awarding of a Telegatto during the event.

Format and artistic proposal: “in my own way” and the performance night

De Martino stated that the festival “will be in my own way” and made clear that he does not intend to imitate earlier editions led by Carlo Conti or Amadeus, seeking a distinct identity for the artistic direction. Among the innovations announced is a specific night dedicated to performances, planned for Friday, February 19, with a Eurovision-inspired format.

The purpose of this performance night is to allow interpreters to express more boldly their artistic identity on stage — through imagery, choreographies and aesthetic choices — and, according to De Martino, possibly establish a new tradition within the festival. The proposal emphasizes the visual and performative aspects of the songs, bringing Sanremo closer to large‑scale television formats and European competition, while, in the presenter’s words, not losing the connection to the song itself.

Other points of the announcement: Telegatto, spaces and Måneskin

During the Milan presentation, De Martino received a Telegatto and commented that he wants a Sanremo that looks to the future without renouncing tradition. He mentioned practical challenges related to the show’s spaces — references to logistics and set design required by a more performance‑driven format — and that the team will work on these aspects in preparation for February.

Regarding names that could mark the edition, De Martino mentioned the possibility of a Måneskin reunion at Sanremo: he said he’s “working on that” and that he would be very happy to see the band on the festival’s stage. The statement was reproduced by ANSA as part of its Milan coverage.

Relevance for Brazilians and descendants of Italians

Sanremo is a cultural phenomenon with strong visibility in Italy and influence abroad: changes in format and emphasis on performances can influence musical trends, show production practices, and the profile of broadcasts reaching Italian and Latin audiences. For Brazilians and descendants of Italians interested in Italian music, European festivals, or the contemporary pop‑rock scene — Måneskin is a prime example — the Sanremo 2027 developments deserve close attention, especially for possible implications on international broadcasts and digital platforms.

Readers following Italy news can also explore other culture and current affairs coverage in Notícias da Itália. Those with broader interests in life and culture in the country can consult the Vida na Itália section. And for those with family ties to Italy seeking information on rights and citizenship, there is relevant content in Cidadania Italiana.

Context and next steps

The edition directed by De Martino will be watched both for its format and for guest selections and production choices. The inclusion of a Eurovision‑inspired night may bring Sanremo closer to European spectacle dynamics and influence how Italian artists plan their performances as they compete for national and international visibility. The festival organizers are expected to detail soon the voting rules, the official participants list, and the logistics of the performance night.

Sanremo 2027 now moves into a public and programmatic preparation phase: in the coming months, contestants, guests, and technical production details will be confirmed, which will determine whether De Martino’s “in my own way” approach will have a lasting impact on the festival’s history.

Source: ANSA