The Festival di Sanremo is just around the corner: kicking off on Tuesday, February 24th, Carlo Conti is set to open the doors of the Teatro Ariston after months of anticipation, rumors and official announcements.
Despite a busy schedule, the host and artistic director managed to appear, via video link, on Sunday’s episode of Che Tempo che Fa for a final interview with Fabio Fazio before the festival begins. The appearance is a tradition leading up to the annual music event, which is a cultural touchstone in Italy.
During the interview, beyond the usual pleasantries, Conti surprised Fazio by extending a special invitation to Ubaldo Pantani, known as “Lapo” on the program.
Carlo Conti invites “Lapo” to Sanremo, surprising Fabio Fazio
If Carlo Conti has always been one of Italy’s most beloved television personalities, he’s become even more in demand in the weeks leading up to Sanremo 2026. Everyone has been eager to meet with him, catch a glimpse, and get a few details about the upcoming festival week on the Riviera.
The host, consistently cheerful and careful not to reveal too much, has proven adept at choosing his moments. His last television appearance before the Ariston was with Fabio Fazio on Sunday’s edition of Che Tempo che Fa.
The highly anticipated appearance saw Conti discuss his pre-festival feelings but also managed to surprise the host of the Nove network. Even as talking about the reveal’s lighthearted atmosphere and its ironic moments, the artistic director called on Ubaldo Pantani, a regular presence as “Lapo”.
Turning directly to Fazio, Conti then proposed an idea that was part provocation and part genuine invitation: “What do you say if your Lapo, who’s here and there, comes to Sanremo one of these evenings?” He even suggested a potential role as co-host, perhaps on Thursday evening if he’s available.
The reaction in the studio was immediate. A visibly surprised Fazio brought “Lapo” into the studio. Pantani, staying fully in character, readily accepted: “I accept with great pleasure, because this is an event you can’t say no to. It’s the Italian Song Festival, what song will be discovered there?”
Carlo Conti, the pre-Sanremo excitement
But Conti’s appearance also helped viewers of Che Tempo che Fa immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Sanremo 2026. The host recounted the excitement of meeting President Mattarella alongside the competing artists and shared some behind-the-scenes details about how Laura Pausini is approaching her role as co-host.
These small glimpses offered a portrait of a committed and aware Conti as he approaches what he has repeatedly defined as his last Festival. It feels like a closing of the circle, but also a celebration. The annual festival is a major event in the Italian cultural calendar.
Meanwhile, the Sanremo machine continues to run smoothly: guests have already been announced, the lineup is set, the evenings are taking shape. The debut is just around the corner, but knowing Conti, there might still be a few last-minute surprises.
