The 26th season of the Italian talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi will premiere on Sunday, October 11, at 2:00 PM local time (12:00 UTC) on Canale 5, pushed back one week from its original October 4 launch date, Il Fatto Quotidiano reported. Alongside the schedule change, the production has overhauled its format by replacing the traditional professor roles with a six-person artistic commission.
The New Artistic Commission Replaces Traditional Teachers
For its 26th installment, the Canale 5 production shifts its educational structure away from standard faculty roles. Instead, a panel of six artistic directors will guide the participating singers and dancers through the school year. The newly appointed commission features returning television personalities alongside fresh faces joining the talent format for the first time.
Amadeus Joins the Panel After Leaving Discovery
Among the high-profile appointments to the artistic commission is presenter Amadeus, taking on a role described in media reports as a technical commissioner. The host is already familiar with the format, having served as a judge during the Serale phase of the previous season alongside Gigi D’Alessio, Elena D’Amario, and Cristiano Malgioglio. This assignment marks one of his major television projects following his departure from Discovery. Amadeus stated that he accepted the position because host and creator Maria De Filippi offered him creative freedom, viewing the developmental role as distinct from judging.
Ambra Angiolini and Samurai Jay Round Out the New Additions
Ambra Angiolini transitions into the school’s leadership team after previously spending two seasons as a judge on X Factor in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, singer Samurai Jay enters the program for the first time, introducing a younger, urban perspective to the artistic commission. The full six-person team combines these new figures with established resident instructors Rudy Zerbi, Alessandra Celentano, and Lorella Cuccarini.
Broadcast Details and Upcoming Schedule
The season opener broadcasts live on Canale 5 from Rome on Sunday, October 11, starting at 2:00 PM local time. Viewers can follow the debut episode and subsequent weekly afternoon broadcasts on the network as the newly structured artistic team begins evaluating the roster of aspiring vocalists and dancers.
