Festival & nostalgie con i due Sandokan
(Renato Franco)The festival kicked off with a look back at the past, beginning with a tribute to Pippo Baudo, whose voice opened the evening (“it is right to dedicate it to him,” said Carlo Conti). Last year’s winner, Olly, also performed the song that brought him success, and there was a moment to remember many figures from the entertainment world who have recently passed away, starting with Peppe Vessicchio, whose distinctive beard left its mark on Sanremo. A lengthy (perhaps too lengthy) interview with Gianna Pratesi, the 105-year-old who voted in favor of the Republic 80 years ago, also took place. “This achievement also came thanks to the sacrifice of many people who lost their lives for us,” the host recalled. The only surprising moment of the evening was a glaring typo on the LED wall behind them: “Repupplica,” with a double “p.”
The fast pace of the event was expected, with thirty competing singers (many, too many) leaving little room for improvisation or more elaborate moments. Ditonellapiaga launched the competition, beginning a long sequence of announcements and songs. The evening was punctuated by quick flashes – three minutes per performance, like scrolling through posts on Instagram. Can Yaman attempted to have Laura Pausini sing a song in Turkish, she intervened when necessary without overstepping, and offered lighthearted jokes (“Now a small pause… a Pausini”). Conti teased her about her difficulty with the letter “z,” and she played along, repeating “geolocalization” several times. A respectful silence fell over the audience during Vincenzo De Lucia’s imitation of Pucci, though it likely wouldn’t have measured up to the original.
Can (read “Gian,” which actually means Gianni) Yaman – the new Sandokan, all oil and muscles, a 100-kilogram showman with a certain appeal – was the big guest of the first night, but was seen sparingly in the first three hours.
It was a shame, because the Turkish actor had demonstrated a quick wit at the morning press conference: “Don’t ask me to sing, because then I’ll travel viral in Turkey and get arrested again.” The idea that finally worked came after midnight: a comparison between the two Sandokans, tiger against tiger, with a reprise of the most iconic scene. And Kabir Bedi – with his magnetic elegance and Indian composure – captivated the screen even 50 years later. This moment of nostalgia resonated with audiences familiar with the classic Italian adventure series.
The other extra-competition guest was Tiziano Ferro, but his performance was unremarkable: a medley of his most famous songs and a track from his new album, but no innovation to make the performance something to be remembered in Sanremo’s history.
The first rankings were also revealed at the end of the evening: the top five positions (in random order) as decided by the press room, TV, and web jury went to Arisa, Fulminacci, Serena Brancale, Ditonellapiaga, and the duo Fedez-Masini.
Carlo Conti hosted a clean show that never quite found an invention that left its mark, a spark. In 2025, the setup was similar, and ratings were high: will it happen again? He had put his hands up before the debut: “I won’t get excited if things go too well, and I won’t be discouraged if the results aren’t what I expected.”
Conti also returned to the Pucci case, after the second appeal from La Russa in favor of the comedian who had self-excluded: “I respect the second highest office in the State and listened carefully to what he said. I spoke with Pucci, and I asked him if he wanted to make a playful video message, but he doesn’t feel up to it. He doesn’t intend to do anything and I certainly can’t force anyone to do something against their will.” His ability to smooth over controversies is well known, and in this – while inspired by him – his Festival is certainly not “Baudian.” Perhaps it’s a Christian Democratic Festival? “It’s Christian and democratic: Christian because there are references to my modest faith and democratic because it’s open to everyone.”
