Italy: Carlo Conti intends to keep the voting system for Sanremo 2026 despite controversy

Carlo Conti, the artistic director of the Sanremo Music Festival, has confirmed that the voting system for Sanremo 2026 will remain unchanged despite the backlash following the 2025 edition. While acknowledging that there are always disputes regarding the influence of the juries, Conti believes that debate over rankings is simply part of Sanremo’s long-standing tradition.

The 75th edition of the festival in 2025 was particularly contentious, with singer Giorgia’s elimination from the Superfinal sparking intense discussion. The festival’s voting system combined public televoting (34%), a press jury (33%), and a radio jury (33%). Giorgia’s song, La cura per me, received unanimous top rankings from both the press and radio juries. However, she placed only sixth in the televote, which resulted in her overall ranking dropping below the top five, eliminating her from contention for the final round.

Carlo Conti wants to keep the voting system for #Sanremo2026 the same as this year. He acknowledges that there are always controversies about the juries but believes that debate over the rankings is simply part of Sanremo.#Sanremo2025 pic.twitter.com/0Yt0WEY7mN

— Festival di Sanremo (en) (@sanremo_en) February 18, 2025

While some critics are calling for a revision of the voting structure to give more weight to the public vote, Conti and the festival’s organizers are standing by the current system. “Sanremo thrives on discussions like these. Every year, there is a controversy, and yet, it remains the most prestigious music competition in Italy,” Conti stated.

With Sanremo 2026 on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether the format will continue to stir debate or if the festival will implement adjustments to address concerns over fairness and representation.

Olly, who was the winner of San Remo 2025, has not yet confirmed whether he will represent Italy at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. A decision is expected to be made within this week.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates on Europe’s biggest music competition.

Source: @sanremo_en/ X