«Msay never”, goes an old adage, but when it comes to Sanremo Carlo Conti he seems to have more than clear ideas: the host rules out introducing someone else Festival, at least for the moment.
Sanremo 2026: the last Festival hosted by Carlo Conti
It was Carlo Conti himself who confirmed his farewell to the management of the Festival.
«When you reach five it’s already enough” the host declared during the program The afternoon of Rai 2, «It’s also good that every now and then there is this alternation, bringing new ideas, new enthusiasm, new sounds. It is one of the forces of Festival, which periodically has these changes of pace.” A will also expressed by speaking with Who: «In the last twelve years we have only alternated three artistic directors: me, Baglioni, Amadeus, I think it’s right to leave space for others».
Carlo Conti at the Ariston with Laura Pausini, in 2016 (ANSA/CLAUDIO ONORATI).
The invitation to stay
Many, actually. they asked him to stay. “I’m pleased that they invite me to stay: the record companies, Rai, the singers, the professionals” continued the presenter speaking to the weekly, but at the moment he feels he has to step aside. «I think it’s right of me to have fun doing this last Festival». In the future, who knows: «Then in life you never know. Never say never.”
All the Sanremos by Carlo Conti
At the center of the Festivals conducted by Conti, unlike others who have not recorded similar successes, is music. «When all this smoke that is created around before the Festival goes away, what remains is this beautiful steak on the grill which is the music, with the side dish of beautiful things around it. I hope, as has happened in past years, that these songs will then be broadcast on the radio and become an integral part of our days», his words to The afternoon of Rai 2.
The first Festival conducted by Conti was that of 2015. A great success: with an average of 48.64%, it was the most viewed edition from 2006 up to that point. A success repeated in the following two years, before leaving the management to Claudio Baglioni. Carlo Conti returned to management in 2025, after five consecutive runs with Amadeus. Maybe it really is the right time for a break. Who will be the next Ariston landlord?
