# Amici 26 format changes and sports integration

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/amici-26-talent-show-format-changes
> Updated: 2026-10-16T22:08:42.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 4.

The twenty-sixth season of the Italian talent show ‘Amici’, hosted by Maria De Filippi, premiered on October 11, 2026, on Canale 5. The premiere drew 2.65 million viewers, representing a 22.6% share according to Auditel data.

The program has implemented a significant structural overhaul, transitioning from ‘professors’ to a faculty of ‘artistic managers’ or ‘Artistic Directors’ (Responsabili Artistici). The faculty includes Rudy Zerbi, Amadeus, and Samurai Jay for singing, while the dance category features Lorella Cuccarini, Alessandra Celentano, and Ambra Angiolini. This follows the departure of instructors Veronica Peparini, Emanuel Lo, and Anna Pettinelli.

A major addition to the season is the integration of sports disciplines, including judo, boxing, and figure skating, intended to provide visibility to athletes who often lack media coverage. Participants include 20-year-old judoka India Serafini, a decorated youth competitor, and 22-year-old boxer Gabriele Guidi Rontani. Host Maria De Filippi noted the decision to include athletes was inspired by the Olympics to highlight the determination required in disciplines that receive limited financial or media attention.

Further structural updates include the introduction of new vocal coaches Lalla Francia, Caterina Magliozzi, and Lorenzo Ricci. Francia noted the importance of passing on musical culture, while Magliozzi described her role as helping students achieve ‘vocal freedom’. Additionally, following public scrutiny regarding her suitability as an artistic director for dance, Ambra Angiolini responded on social media with irony, sharing a video of her children dancing.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Amici 26 introduces new artistic directors and vocal coaches

Amici 26 introduces new artistic directors, including vocal coaches Lalla Francia, Caterina Magliozzi, and Lorenzo Ricci, while Ambra Angiolini addresses dance role critiques with humor.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-26-introduces-new-artistic-directors-and-vocal-coaches

### 2026-10-11: Amici 26 introduces athletes India Serafini and Gabriele Guidi Rontani

The Italian talent show Amici 26 is featuring athletes India Serafini, a judoka, and Gabriele Guidi Rontani, a boxer, to increase visibility for sports with limited media coverage.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-26-introduces-athletes-india-serafini-and-gabriele-guidi-rontani

### 2026-10-10: Amici 26 premieres with new format and faculty changes

The 26th season of the Italian talent show ‘Amici’ premiered on October 11, 2026, featuring new disciplines like sports and a restructured faculty including Amadeus and Samurai Jay.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-26-premieres-on-canale-5-with-new-sports-category

### 2026-10-08: Amici 26 introduces new format and artistic managers

The Italian talent show Amici 26 is debuting a new format featuring artistic managers instead of professors, including Ambra Angiolini, and introducing new sports-based competitive disciplines.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-26-introduces-new-format-and-artistic-managers

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Cite as: Amici 26 format changes and sports integration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/amici-26-talent-show-format-changes