Italy: Emis Killa withdraws from Sanremo Festival 2025!

The whirlwind of withdrawals has struck once again, and this time, Italy’s turn has arrived. The line-up for the 75th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival will be reduced by one artist, following the voluntary withdrawal of Emis Killa. The artist, who was set to compete with his song “Demoni”, will no longer be part of the competition.

The reasons behind Emis Killa’s withdrawal

The 35-year-old rapper has recently been placed under investigation in the ongoing “Doppia Curva” inquiry, conducted by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate. This investigation is focused on the criminal activities tied to the groups of the football clubs Inter Milan and AC Milan. Emis Killa, a passionate supporter of AC Milan, was reportedly identified during an incident in which he, along with 14 others, allegedly assaulted a steward. Furthermore, he is connected to several other individuals involved in the investigation.

Additionally, the rapper faces a Daspo (sports ban) imposed by the police commissioner of Milan, which prohibits him from attending sporting events for the next three years. These developments have caused a media storm, as Emis Killa was set to perform at Italy’s most prestigious music event while being under investigation for criminal association.

“I prefer to take a step back”

In his Instagram post, Emis Killa explained his decision to withdraw from the Sanremo competition, stating:

I learned today from the newspapers that I am under investigation (I was only notified of the DASPO, which is an administrative and not criminal act) and if this is true, it will be important that the investigation takes its course and the judiciary can work calmly without controversy or pressure and media circuses.

After 15 years of career I was happy to face my first Sanremo. I thank Carlo Conti for having wanted me but I prefer to take a step back and not participate.

I trust that everything will be resolved as soon as possible, for the best, and I hope to be able to face a Festival in the future where music is central, to be able to bring my song, talk only about that and have fun, as it should have been this year and as it should be for all the Artists who decide to get involved and participate in the competition.

Sanremo 2025 – the schedule

• First Evening: All the artists perform their competing song (top five is revealed in a random order)
• Second Evening: Half the artists perform their song (top five revealed in random order)
• Third Evening: The remaining half artists perform their song (top five revealed in random order)
• Fourth Evening: Covers’ Night, the artists will perform in a duet. The results of this semifinal will NOT be included in the main competition
• Final: All the artists will perform their competing song. The top five in the combined rankings of all semifinals advances in the Superfinal and gets to perform again. Juries and televote will vote again to decide the winner.

Italian representation in Eurovision 2025

If any of the 24 competitors (along with their respective record labels) want to compete in Eurovision 2025, they must complete a special form by the beginning of the festival’s final night on Saturday, February 15.

If the Sanremo 2025 winner has previously signed the interest form, he will be automatically considered Italy’s representative in the Eurovision 2025. Should he decide not to compete in Eurovision 2025, the festival’s organizing committee will select an artist from among those who have signed the interest form based on its own standards, which may or may not include the final score ranking.

Although originally scheduled from February 4 to February 8, eventually the festival was postponed, a week later. Therefore, it will take place from February 11 to February 15 in the small Ligurian town.

The winner of Sanremo’s Music Festival in 2024 was the debutant Angelina Mango with her song “La Noia“, who ultimately gained the right to represent Italy in Eurovision 2024, placing seventh in the Grand Final.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news! 

Source: ansa