Amici 26 premieres with new format and faculty changes

The 26th edition of the Italian talent show ‘Amici’, hosted by Maria De Filippi, premiered on October 11, 2026, on Canale 5. This new season introduces a significant format change by expanding disciplines beyond singing and dancing to include sports.

The artistic faculty has undergone a major restructuring. Newly appointed ‘Responsabili Artistici’ include Amadeus, Samurai Jay, and Ambra Angiolini, joining returning veterans Rudy Zerbi and Alessandra Celentano, while Lorella Cuccarini moves from singing to dance instruction. This shift follows the departure of long-time professors Emanuel Lo and Veronica Peparini, both of whom expressed their gratitude to the program via social media.

Early episodes have highlighted several new contestants, including singer Aura Venosa and 16-year-old Manuel Meledina, whose performance sparked debate among the judges. The season's premiere saw strong viewership, with Amici drawing 2.65 million viewers and a 22.6% share, according to Auditel data.