The 26th season of the Italian talent show Amici debuts on Canale 5 on Sunday, October 11, 2026, featuring a restructured coaching panel and the introduction of new athletic disciplines. The program has transitioned from traditional “professors” to a team of six “artistic directors,” with Amadeus, Samurai Jay, and Ambra Angiolini joining the faculty.
A New Roster of Artistic Directors
The production has overhauled its teaching staff for the upcoming season, moving away from the previous format. The artistic directors for singing are Rudy Zerbi, who remains from the previous cycle, alongside Amadeus and contemporary artist Samurai Jay. The dance department will be led by Alessandra Celentano, Lorella Cuccarini—who has transitioned from the singing category—and newcomer Ambra Angiolini.
This lineup replaces several figures in the school. Anna Pettinelli, Veronica Peparini, and Emanuel Lo are not part of the roster for this edition. The change in nomenclature reflects the instructors' new roles evaluating and guiding students. The physical "lever" previously used to interrupt student performances has also been removed from the studio setup.
Provisional Students Undergo Further Evaluation for Permanent Spots
During the premiere, which was recorded on October 8, 2026, an initial group of 25 students was selected for the school. However, their status remains provisional. Students who received only one vote of approval from the artistic directors must undergo further evaluation before securing a permanent spot. Those who secured two votes are granted the authority to select their own artistic director, bypassing the standard production assignment process.
Among the candidates being evaluated for the singing track are Kashmire, Saitta, Jed, Aura, Shari, Nicolò, Andrea, Heros, Manuel, Tìaso, Posniak, and Erness. The dance cohort includes Napo, Celeste, Anna, Anna Messina, Clara, Riccardo, and Lollo. Shari, a former participant at the Sanremo Music Festival, reportedly did not receive approval from Amadeus during the initial selection, marking a significant early moment in his tenure as an artistic director. Shari is remembered by audiences for her 2023 Sanremo entry, Egoista, and is also known for her relationship with the rapper Salmo. Amadeus’s refusal was particularly notable as he referenced their shared history at the festival.
Integration of Judo and Boxing
For the first time in the program’s history, the curriculum has expanded to include judo and boxing. Two athletes, identified as India for judo and Gabriele for boxing, were among the initial 25 students admitted. Unlike the singers and dancers, these athletes will follow a specific competition format: they must face external challengers on a weekly basis to maintain their position in the school. A third athlete is expected to join the program in the week following the premiere, signaling that sports will be a recurring component of this season’s structure. To mark the season’s opening, the previous year’s winner, Lorenzo Salvetti, returned to the studio to perform alongside Erocaddeo.
Questions Regarding the New School Format
How does the selection process for new students work?
Students must receive at least one vote of approval to be considered. If a student receives only one vote, they face additional evaluations before being fully admitted. If a student receives two votes, they are permitted to choose their own artistic director.
What are the requirements for the new athletic students?
Judo and boxing participants must compete against external challengers every week. Their continued presence in the school depends on winning these matches, with a prize awarded to those who successfully complete the full course.
Who is returning from the previous season of Amici?
Rudy Zerbi remains in the singing category, while Alessandra Celentano continues in the dance department. Lorella Cuccarini is also returning, though she has switched her focus from singing to dance for this edition.
The status of the students and the performance of the new artistic directors will be further clarified in the episodes following the season premiere. It is unclear how many of the 12 singing and 7 dance candidates will pass the second evaluation phase to secure their places in the school.
