The Sanremo Music Festival, Italy’s most beloved song contest, is facing a major shake-up, and Eurovision fans should pay attention. Due to legal complications, the Festival could be forced to change its name, leave its historic home in Sanremo, and even risk losing its iconic status as Italy’s Eurovision selection process.

What’s Going On?

In a shocking twist, the Liguria Regional Administrative Court has ruled that RAI, Italy’s national broadcaster, should not have been granted automatic rights to organize Sanremo without a competitive bidding process.

Now, the City of Sanremo is scrambling to rewrite the rules, raising the price tag from €5 million to €6.5 million per year and demanding four extra TV shows to be produced in the city!

RAI’s Emergency Backup Plan

RAI isn’t waiting around to see how this plays out — it’s already planning a possible escape route:

• A New Host City? Sanremo’s legendary Teatro Ariston might no longer be the Festival’s home. Turin—already battle-tested after hosting Eurovision 2022 — is rumored to be the top choice for a new location.
• A Brand-New Name? If Sanremo becomes legally off-limits, RAI could rebrand the festival as the “Festival della Musica Italiana.” Same concept, new identity.

Will This Affect Italy’s Eurovision Selection?

For now, RAI insists that no matter what happens, the winner of this festival — whatever it ends up being called — will still represent Italy at Eurovision. But will a name change and a move away from Sanremo dilute the festival’s magic? Could another music event rise to challenge it as Italy’s ticket to Eurovision?

What’s Next?

The City of Sanremo is preparing a new bidding process, and RAI has to decide whether to fight for the Festival or move on without it.

One thing is certain: Italian Eurovision fans should brace themselves for some major drama in the coming months.

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Can you imagine the Sanremo Festival taking place in a different Italian city? Is Sanremo still Sanremo if it’s not in Sanremo? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and on our social media profiles! @buildingbridgespod

News source: Il Tirreno

Photo: Rai1/Rai Play Screen shot