# Amici talent show format changes and host influence claims > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/amici-talent-show-format-changes > Updated: 2026-09-08T15:18:50.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 8. As the 26th edition of Amici approaches its October 4 return to Canale 5, details regarding a structural revolution to modernize the format have emerged. Following a decline in viewership during the previous season’s evening finale, Maria De Filippi is expected to expand the competition beyond its traditional singing and dancing categories. In a significant expansion, the program will introduce three new sports disciplines: boxing, judo, and roller figure skating. Each discipline will feature a dedicated student undergoing training under expert instructors. Regarding the faculty, while Alessandra Celentano, Rudy Zerbi, and Lorella Cuccarini are expected to remain, the teaching staff is undergoing transition. The departure of Anna Pettinelli has left a vacancy in the dance department, fueling ongoing speculation regarding potential replacements. New allegations regarding the show’s internal dynamics have surfaced from former acting teacher Patrick Rossi Gastaldi. Having taught on the program for eight years, Gastaldi claimed in an interview that De Filippi often determines the eventual winner by the midpoint of the season. He further alleged that De Filippi exerts significant influence over the judging process, suggesting that professors were sometimes instructed to “align their grading with her preferences.” In related news, former participant Emiliano Fiasco expressed gratitude to De Filippi via official social media channels as he prepares to move to France to study at the Pôle National Supérieur de Danse Rosella Hightower, noting the program was instrumental in reaching this milestone. ## Claims - Emanuel Lo and Veronica Peparini are reportedly leaving their roles as teachers on Amici. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Anna Pettinelli will no longer serve as a singing teacher on the program. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ambra Angiolini and Amadeus are expected to join the cast as new teachers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Rudy Zerbi and Alessandra Celentano are confirmed to return to the show. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The upcoming season of Amici will introduce sports disciplines to the format. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Lorella Cuccarini is expected to continue her role in the program. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Rudy Zerbi and Alessandra Celentano will continue as teachers on the show. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The upcoming season of Amici is expected to introduce sports disciplines into the format. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Lorella Cuccarini is expected to remain with the program, potentially returning to dance instruction or musical theater. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Amici talent show faces claims of host influence Former ‘Amici’ teacher Patrick Rossi Gastaldi claims Maria De Filippi influences competition outcomes, while dancer Emiliano Fiasco thanks the host before moving to France for dance studies. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-talent-show-faces-claims-of-host-influence ### 2026-09-07: Amici talent show to introduce sports disciplines in new season The talent show Amici returns to Canale 5 on October 4 with a major format change, introducing boxing, judo, and roller figure skating alongside traditional singing and dancing categories. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-talent-show-to-introduce-sports-disciplines-in-new-season ### 2026-09-03: Amici talent show faces potential format and faculty changes Rumors suggest the talent show ‘Amici di Maria De Filippi’ may undergo major changes, including potential new roles for Amadeus and Ambra to modernize the format. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-talent-show-faces-potential-format-and-faculty-changes ### 2026-08-21: Amici talent show prepares for major cast and format changes The talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi is set for a major revamp, including the introduction of sports disciplines and a refreshed teaching cast featuring Ambra Angiolini and Amadeus. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-talent-show-prepares-major-cast-and-format-changes ### 2026-07-26: Amici 26 overhauls format with new technical commissioners and opens casting to former Sanremo artists Amici 26 drops its professor judges, adds technical commissioners and a sports discipline, and expands casting to former Sanremo singers Shari, Will and Matteo Romano to boost the show. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-26-overhauls-format-with-new-technical-commissioners-and-opens-casting-to-former-sanremo-artis ### 2026-07-26: Amici talent show to undergo major format overhaul under Maria De Filippi Amici, led by Maria De Filippi, will replace its professor panel with a technical commission, drop the daytime diary, add a sports element and lose Anna Pettinelli as part of an autumn revamp to halt falling TV 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-talent-show-to-undergo-major-format-overhaul-under-maria-de-filippi ### 2026-07-24: Amici talent show eyes new teachers Ambra Angiolini and Amadeus Italian talent show Amici may appoint Ambra Angiolini and Amadeus as new teachers while phasing out existing professors in favour of technical commissioners and adding sports disciplines. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ambra-angiolini-and-amadeus-rumored-for-new-roles-on-italys-amici-talent-show ### 2026-07-12: Amici talent show adds new sports disciplines as dancer Emanuel Lo celebrates birthday Emanuel Lo’s viral birthday photo sparks social buzz, while Amici season 26 will add new sports disciplines and continue its daytime slot, with professor Anna Pettinelli set to depart. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amici-talent-show-adds-new-sports-disciplines-as-dancer-emanuel-lo-celebrates-birthday --- Cite as: Amici talent show format changes and host influence claims. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/amici-talent-show-format-changes