Sanremo Giovani, Stefano De Martino ripesca the regulation of Claudio Baglioni of 2019: the winner enters by right among the Big of Sanremo 2027

Sanremo 2027 will see a major shift in its structure with the introduction of new rules for Sanremo Giovani, the youth-focused segment of the Italian song festival. The changes, announced by director Stefano De Martino, aim to streamline the selection process and elevate the prestige of the competition. According to official statements, only one winner of Sanremo Giovani will gain direct entry into the main category of the 2027 edition, which runs from February 16 to February 20. This decision marks a departure from previous years, during which multiple winners were granted spots among the established artists. The final of Sanremo Giovani is set to take place on December 18, broadcast live on Rai 1 from the Casino di Sanremo in prime time. The new format begins with the submission of entries, followed by a preliminary phase where the Music Committee listens to all submitted songs. From these, 60 artists will be selected to participate in live auditions. These auditions will result in 15 young talents being chosen to join the 15 artists coming from the Area Sanremo initiative, creating a total pool of 30 emerging performers. A second round of live selections will occur over two weekends in Sanremo, with Stefano De Martino present to oversee the process. From this stage, six finalists, three from Sanremo Giovani and three from Area Sanremo, will advance to the final stage. Before the final showdown, each of the six finalists will have the opportunity to promote their work through a special promotional campaign. They will perform on episodes of a high-profile Prime Time television show on Rai 1, allowing them to reach a broader audience. This visibility is intended to enhance the profile of the participants and increase public engagement with the competition. The final will feature the six finalists competing before the Music Committee, ultimately leading to the announcement of a single winner who will secure a spot among the main contestants of Sanremo 2027. This change echoes a similar rule introduced by former director Claudio Baglioni in 2019, under which the winners of Sanremo Giovani gained direct access to the main festival. That system was later expanded by Amadeus, initially allowing the top three finishers to enter the main competition, and eventually increasing the number of direct entries to six. However, De Martino has now streamlined the process, reducing the number of qualifiers to just one. This move reflects a trend toward greater selectivity and competitiveness within the festival’s structure. The new regulations are part of a broader effort to modernize and refine the Sanremo experience. By limiting the number of young artists entering the main competition, the organizers hope to ensure that only the most talented and prepared individuals are given the platform to shine. The process is described as more structured and merit-based, offering a clearer path for aspiring musicians to achieve recognition. The final of Sanremo Giovani will serve as both a showcase and a gateway, providing a unique opportunity for emerging talent to step onto the grand stage of the prestigious Italian music festival. The complete regulation document for Sanremo Giovani 2026 will be available online starting August 7, while the registration portal will open on August 17. These dates mark the beginning of a new chapter for the festival, one that emphasizes quality, visibility, and the continued discovery of fresh voices in Italian music. As the countdown to the December 18 finale continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the final winner represents the best of the current generation of artists.