Festival di Sanremo 2026:
Nicolò Filippucci Wins Newcomers’ Final on a Star-Studded Third Night
The third night of the Festival di Sanremo 2026 marked a pivotal moment in the competition, opening with the final of the Newcomers’ category and culminating in the victory of Nicolò Filippucci. The evening represented the midway point of the 76th edition of Italy’s most prestigious music festival, blending competition, high-profile guests and socially conscious moments. Hosting duties were led by Carlo Conti, joined by Laura Pausini, Russian supermodel Irina Shayk, and comedian Ubaldo Pantani performing as Lapo Elkann.
Filippucci Triumphs in the Newcomers’ Category
With his evocative song Laguna, Filippucci prevailed over Angelica Bove, who competed with Mattone. The final result was determined by a combined vote: press room, TV and web jury (33%), radio jury (33%), and public televote (34%).
Born in 2006 in Castiglione del Lago and raised in Corciano, in the province of Perugia, the young Umbrian artist impressed audiences with notable artistic maturity. Laguna stands out for its atmospheric soundscape and intimate songwriting, exploring emotions suspended between nostalgia and longing.
A precocious talent, Filippucci began playing guitar at the age of seven and first performed live at nine. Visibly moved at the announcement of his victory, he said:
“I’m so happy, I don’t know what to say. Thank you truly — thank you Maestro, thank you orchestra, thank you everyone. It’s a dream, really.”
Provisional Top Five (Random Order)
As for the main competition, the evening’s vote — split evenly between televote (50%) and radio jury (50%) — produced a provisional top five among the 15 artists who performed. In keeping with festival tradition, the names were announced in random order:
Arisa
Sayf
Luchè
Serena Brancale
Sal Da Vinci
Among the evening’s highlights:
Legendary lyricist Mogol received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Laura Pausini performed Heal the World alongside the Piccolo Coro dell’Antoniano, delivering a heartfelt appeal for peace.
Anti-bullying advocate Paolo Sarullo shared a powerful testimony on stage.
International superstars Eros Ramazzotti and Alicia Keys duetted on L’Aurora, earning one of the night’s longest standing ovations at the Ariston Theatre.
Looking Ahead: Cover Night
On February 27, all thirty competing artists will return to the stage for the traditional Cover Night. Each act will reinterpret a well-known Italian or international song, accompanied by one or more guest performers.
At the end of the evening, a Cover Night winner will be announced and a full ranking revealed. However, in accordance with the festival’s rules, the results will not affect the official competition standings.