Stefano De Martino outlined his vision for his first Sanremo Music Festival as artistic director and host, describing it as "popular" rather than "populist" and free from political messaging.
Speaking at a Fanpage event in Rome on Friday, De Martino said the festival would be inspired by Pippo Baudo, a foundational figure in Italian television. Music will remain central to the program, with additional space devoted to performance segments including a cover evening and a new Eurovision-themed segment.
De Martino emphasized that the Ariston stage—which he characterized as "by definition the most political stage"—will operate under principles of equal access. "The lights of the Ariston will be guaranteed to everyone under the banner of par condicio," he said, referring to the Italian broadcasting rule ensuring equal treatment of political candidates.
The incoming host rejected the label of populism while defending a populist-adjacent approach to programming. "Sanremo populist? No, popular," De Martino said. He argued that giving the audience greater input into rankings would align results more closely with public taste. "Our work must be popular; we are judged by ratings. The rating is the ticket. Journalists and I go to concerts with passes, while people pay, and it is right that the people who pay decide," he explained.
De Martino acknowledged the inevitable pressure from electoral campaigns but signaled his intent to keep the festival insulated from political propaganda. The festival will proceed despite what he described as unavoidable pressure from the political calendar.