The Sanremo Music Festival is without question one of the most hyped national selections out there. The long-lasting Italian music festival, which is also the basis of Eurovision, will turn 66 in just a few days. On Tuesday night, RAI 1 will kick off the 2016 edition and welcome its 20 stars – who carry heavyweight reputations and some proper musical talent. No amateurs here, darling.
Keep your eyes open, since the winner will most likely represent Italy in Stockholm this May. Yes, most likely: for according to the rules, the winner has to accept the opportunity to fly the Italian flag in Sweden. In the event he or she doesn’t, RAI will then select another representative from among the remaining 19 acts.
The bookmakers have predicted the final podium finish, declaring Deborah Iurato e Giovanni Caccamo, the only duo in the competition, the favourites to win it all. Annalisa and Noemi are currently down as second and third most-likely to win. Lorenzo Fragola and Elio e le Storie Tese complete the predicted Top 5.
And let us not forget one veteran seeking to make a Eurovision comeback: Enrico Ruggeri, who represented Italy in Millstreet back at Eurovision 1993 with “Sole d’Europa“.
Sanremo 2016: Our favourites
YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT ALL 20 ARTISTS AND THEIR SONGS BY CLICKING HERE
Now we want to know: Who are you most excited about? Vote in our poll and let us know your opinion in the comments box below. You can vote for as many artists as you like, but you can only vote one time.
I heard something about one of The Peppermints competing at the Sanremo Festival. As a duet with an older male singer. Is this true?
Sara Dell’Olio, one of The Peppermints, entered a song with Manuel Zamagni to the selections for the “Newcomers” section of Sanremo, but they didn’t go through
I’m Team Strawberry all the way, but whoever has the best song should go to Stockholm. Right now, I’m really excited for the songs.
Any chance that il volo can represent Italy instead?
No, not at all. According to the rules the Italian representative will be chosen among the 20 competing acts in the “Campioni” section of Sanremo
Annalisa with something as amazing as Splende please.
Francescaaaaaaa by far
Arisa!
“Controvento” is my favourite Sanremo winner of 2010s, and I’ll always believe that Italy could have made it to the top five easily with it, even a third victory (this year Emma was my third favourite behind Molly and the Common Linnets, anyway).
Arisa and Ace Wilder – these two ladies with Eurovision winning songs in 2014 wasted so bad.
Francesca Michelin!!!!
Arisa wanted to go to Copenhagen in 2014 (before RAI opted for an internal selection) and now she’s here again to attempt a second victory. I believe she would do a great job if she gets to Stockholm
Easily Annalisa and Arisa. Arisa was completely robbed of her chances in 2014, “Controvento” is an amazing song. She deserves the chance to go to ESC.
All of them. At least half of the songs will be worthy of Eurovision so it’s really hard to tell. As much as I love Annalissa, competition is tough.