Sal Da Vinci Wins Sanremo 2026: Rankings & Highlights

Sal Da Vinci Wins Sanremo 2026 with “Per Sempre Sì”

Sal Da Vinci has been crowned the winner of the 76th edition of the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival, Italy’s most-watched television event. His ballad, “Per sempre sì,” resonated with audiences and secured him the top spot after five nights of intense competition. The victory positions Da Vinci as a potential representative for Italy at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2026, though the decision rests with RAI, the Italian national broadcaster. The festival, a cornerstone of Italian culture, concluded on Saturday, March 1st, 2026, at the Teatro Ariston in Sanremo.

The final night saw a dramatic showdown between the top five contenders, determined by a combination of votes from the press, radio and the public. Sayf finished in second place with “Tu mi piaci tanto,” while Ditonellapiaga secured third with “Che fastidio!” Arisa’s “Magica favola” and the collaboration between Fedez and Masini, performing “Male necessario,” rounded out the top five. The voting breakdown consisted of 34% public televote, 33% from the press jury, and 33% from the radio jury, a system designed to reflect a broad spectrum of Italian musical taste. The win marks a significant moment in Da Vinci’s career, building on a foundation laid decades ago.

A Veteran Performer Returns to the Top

This isn’t Sal Da Vinci’s first encounter with Sanremo success. He previously participated in the festival in 2009, achieving a commendable third-place finish with the song “Non Riesco A Farti Innamorare,” co-written with the renowned Gigi D’Alessio and the late Vincenzo D’Agostino. D’Agostino, a celebrated Italian lyricist, passed away on February 17, 2026, and Da Vinci dedicated his 2026 participation to his memory, as reported by Sky TG24. Born Salvatore Michael Sorrentino in 1969, Da Vinci began his musical journey at a remarkably young age, releasing his first single, “Miracolo ‘e Natale,” a duet with his father, Mario Da Vinci, when he was just seven years old.

While a mainstay in the Italian music scene for years, Da Vinci experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2024 with the viral TikTok sensation “Rossetto e Caffè.” This track introduced him to a new, younger audience, demonstrating his ability to connect with evolving musical trends. The success of “Rossetto e Caffè” paved the way for his triumphant return to Sanremo and his victory with “Per sempre sì.”

“Per Sempre Sì”: A Song of Dedication

Following his win, an emotional Sal Da Vinci dedicated his victory to his family and his hometown of Naples. According to reports from Sky TG24, he expressed his gratitude with tears in his eyes, stating his desire to share the award with those who supported him and to honor the city that shaped him. He then performed the winning song once more, his voice filled with emotion, bringing the 76th Sanremo Festival to a poignant close.

The song itself, “Per sempre sì,” was penned by a team of talented songwriters including Alessandro La Cava, Eugenio Maimone, Federica Abbate, Federico Mercuri, Francesco Sorrentino, Giordano Cremona, and Salvatore Michael Sorrentino. The collaborative effort resulted in a ballad that clearly resonated with the Sanremo audience, capturing the spirit of the festival and securing Da Vinci’s place in Italian music history.

The Road to Eurovision

With his Sanremo victory, Sal Da Vinci now has the opportunity to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. However, as is tradition, the final decision rests with RAI, the Italian national broadcaster. If Da Vinci declines the invitation, RAI will select another participant from the Sanremo Festival to represent the nation. The Eurovision Song Contest is a globally recognized event, and Italy has a strong track record in the competition, having won three times – in 1964, 1990, and 2021 with Måneskin.

The 2026 contest is scheduled to be held in Switzerland, following Nemo’s victory in Malmö, Sweden, in 2024. Italy’s participation in Eurovision is always highly anticipated, and the choice of representative will undoubtedly be a topic of much discussion in the coming weeks. The potential for Da Vinci to bring his signature Italian style to the international stage is generating considerable excitement among fans.

Beyond the top five, the festival also recognized other outstanding contributions. Fedez & Masini received the Sergio Bardotti award for best lyrics for “Male necessario,” while Ditonellapiaga was honored with the award for best musical composition, also for “Che fastidio!”. Fulminacci received the Critics’ Prize, and Serena Brancale was awarded a special prize from the Press Room and the TIM prize.

The 76th Sanremo Music Festival, hosted by Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini alongside Giorgia Cardinaletti and Nino Frassica, proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the breadth and depth of Italian musical talent. The event not only provided a platform for established artists like Sal Da Vinci but also introduced new voices to a national audience. The festival’s enduring popularity underscores its importance as a cultural institution in Italy.

As Sal Da Vinci contemplates his potential journey to Eurovision, the Italian music scene eagerly awaits RAI’s decision. The coming weeks will be crucial as the nation prepares to potentially send a seasoned performer with a heartfelt ballad to represent Italy on the world stage. The outcome will undoubtedly be closely watched by music fans across Europe and beyond.

The next step will be RAI’s official announcement regarding Italy’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on this developing story. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on Sal Da Vinci’s victory and their predictions for Eurovision in the comments below.