Stefano De Martino promises a more international Sanremo Festival

Stefano De Martino, the announced host of this year’s Sanremo music festival, said the preparation is “going well” after receiving early support from outgoing presenter Carlo Conti. He explained that the 2024 edition will aim to broaden its reach beyond Italy, inviting greater European and global participation.

De Martino outlined the five‑night format, noting that Tuesday and Wednesday will feature the competing songs, Thursday will host a cover night, and Friday’s “performance” show will decide who will represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest. He emphasized giving artists more creative freedom on stage and plans to reduce the number of songs to allow each act more breathing room. He also mentioned the possibility of a Maneskin reunion, a dream appearance by Vasco Rossi, and offered remarks on former host Amadeus’s legacy.

The changes are intended to showcase Italian culture internationally while keeping the festival’s tradition of a nation stopping to listen to music for five evenings.