Sanremo, Italy – Sal Da Vinci has emerged victorious from the 76th edition of the Festival di Sanremo, securing his place as Italy’s representative at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. The win, announced on Saturday, February 28th, marks a triumphant return for the Neapolitan artist, 17 years after his last appearance on the Sanremo stage.
Da Vinci’s winning song, “Per sempre sì,” resonated with audiences and judges alike, earning him the coveted Sanremo trophy. The victory culminates a week of performances from 30 artists, all vying for the opportunity to represent Italy on the international stage. The final vote was determined by a combination of 33% press jury, 33% radio jury, and 34% public televote, demonstrating broad appeal for Da Vinci’s performance.
A Long Road Back to the Ariston
The win is particularly poignant for Da Vinci, who previously participated in Sanremo in 2009. Reflecting on his journey, Da Vinci described his previous experience as “rocambolesco,” recalling being eliminated and then unexpectedly reinstated, even being “pushed onto the podium.” He acknowledged the long wait, stating, “I waited another 17 years, and rightfully so, many things happened in these 17 years, between theater, records and more, beautiful satisfactions, but this instead was a miraculous news, I didn’t expect it.”
“Per sempre sì” is a song that speaks to the enduring nature of love, and commitment. Written by Alessandro La Cava, Eugenio Maimone, Federica Abbate, Federico Mercuri, Francesco Sorrentino, Giordano Cremona, and Salvatore Michael Sorrentino, the lyrics explore the idea of choosing to remain with someone through all of life’s challenges. Da Vinci described the song as a celebration of promises, not just those of marriage, but also the daily commitment to building a future together.
The Superfinal and Competition
The final round of voting, known as the Superfinal, pitted Da Vinci against four other finalists: Sayf with “Tu mi piaci tanto,” Ditonellapiaga with “Che fastidio,” Arisa with “Magica favola,” and Fedez & Masini with “Male necessario.” Da Vinci ultimately prevailed, securing 22.2% of the vote in the final stage of the competition. Sayf and Ditonellapiaga rounded out the top three.
The 76th Sanremo Festival wasn’t just about the competition; it was a showcase of Italian music and culture. The event featured numerous interval acts and guest performances, adding to the spectacle of the week-long celebration. Giorgia Cardinaletti and Nino Frassica joined Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini in hosting the final night of the festival.
From Sanremo to Vienna: Eurovision Awaits
With his victory, Sal Da Vinci will now represent Italy at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Vienna in May. This marks Italy’s continued participation in the popular international song competition, and Da Vinci aims to build on Italy’s strong track record in the contest. The decision to participate was confirmed in a special press conference following his Sanremo win, where he affirmed his commitment to performing “Per sempre sì” on the Eurovision stage.
Sal Da Vinci’s career spans over four decades, encompassing music, theater, and film. He first gained recognition in 1994 with the song “Vera,” which achieved success in Latin America under the title “Vida.” He has also starred in notable Italian films like “Il Motorino” and “Troppo Forte,” and has been involved in several theatrical productions, including “Opera Buffa del Giovedì Santo” and “C’era Una Volta…Scugnizzi.” His third-place finish at the 2009 Sanremo Festival with “Non Riesco A Farti Innamorare” further cemented his place in the Italian music scene.
Looking Ahead: Live Performances and New Music
Following his Sanremo triumph, Da Vinci is preparing for a year dedicated to live performances and new music. He will embark on the “Sal Da Vinci – Live Teatri 2026” tour, beginning in October, bringing his repertoire to theaters across Italy. This tour, organized by Vivo Concerti, promises a more intimate and engaging experience for fans, following the success of his recent concert-event in Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples.
During the Sanremo cover night, Da Vinci collaborated with Michele Zarrillo to perform a rendition of “Cinque Giorni,” a classic Italian song. This performance highlighted the synergy between two accomplished artists and showcased the enduring appeal of Italian songwriting.
Sal Da Vinci’s journey to Sanremo victory is a testament to his perseverance and artistic evolution. His win not only marks a personal achievement but also represents a significant moment for Italian music as it heads to the Eurovision stage. Fans can expect to hear more from Da Vinci in the coming months as he prepares for his tour and the release of new material.
Next Up: Sal Da Vinci will begin preparations for his performance at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna this May. Further details regarding his Eurovision staging and promotional activities will be announced in the coming weeks.
