Sanremo 2026 Winner Sal Da Vinci to Represent Italy at Eurovision in Vienna

Sal Da Vinci Triumphs at the 2026 Sanremo Festival

According to Главком: Sal Da Vinci has won the 2026 Sanremo Festival, earning the right to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna with his song 'Per sempre sì'. The historic Sanremo Festival, first held in 1948, served as the platform for 30 artists in the Campioni category, who competed over five nights at the Teatro Ariston. This victory marks a significant milestone in the singer's long career.

The superfinal voting was split between a press jury (33%), a radio jury (33%), and televoting (34%). Sal Da Vinci secured his win with 22.2% of the vote, narrowly edging out Sayf, who received 21.9%. Ditonellapiaga, who placed first in the superfinal with the radio and press juries, finished with 20.6%. Alongside Sal Da Vinci, artists Arisa, Fedez, and Marco Masini also progressed to the next round of the competition.

Musical Career and Eurovision Plans

Broadcaster RAI has confirmed that Sal Da Vinci has accepted the invitation to compete at Eurovision 2026. The 56-year-old singer was born in New York but grew up and lives in Naples. His father is Mario Da Vinci. Sal Da Vinci made his musical debut in 1976 with a cover of 'Miracolo 'e Natale', and his most recent album, 'Siamo gocce di mare', was released in 2021. His 2024 single 'Rossetto e caffè' has amassed over 74 million streams on Spotify, demonstrating his enduring popularity.

This is not his first major success at Sanremo; he placed third in 2009 with the song 'Non riesco a farti innamorare' and won the Festival Italiano competition back in 1994. At Eurovision 2026, Italy's Sal Da Vinci will face international competition, including 17-year-old singer Monroe representing France and the United Kingdom's entry, 'Look Mum No Computer (Eins, Zwei, Drei)'. The Eurovision stage offers a unique global platform for established artists and newcomers alike.

Sal Da Vinci's Sanremo victory underscores his lasting impact on the Italian music industry. His participation in Eurovision 2026 provides a major opportunity to showcase Italy on an international level, which could significantly boost his career. The competition in Vienna is expected to be fierce, with artists from across Europe bringing their unique styles and creativity to the contest.