Italy's Sanremo Festival 2027 revamps format under Stefano De Martino

Stefano De Martino has been confirmed as artistic director and host of the Sanremo Music Festival 2027. He announced a new five‑night structure: Tuesday and Wednesday all competing artists perform their original songs, Thursday is dedicated to cover performances, Friday introduces a new "performance" night where artists can present a fully staged version of their entry and the winner of that night will represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest on February 19, and Saturday will host the grand final. The edition will feature fewer entries to give more breathing space to each act and aims for a more international outlook, with plans to invite high‑profile foreign guests. Fabrizio Ferraguzzo will serve as musical director, and De Martino's tenure as artistic director is secured through 2028. He described his three‑step song‑testing method (headphones, car, running) and emphasized the goal of boosting the festival’s creative scope.