Amici 26 launches its new television season with 25 provisional students, a revamped coaching lineup featuring Amadeus and Ambra Angiolini, and the introduction of judo and pugilato. Recorded on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Elios studios in Rome, the premiere episode set for broadcast on Sunday, October 11, 2026, on Canale 5 establishes a restructured format that alters both the selection process and the composition of the school.
Performers Compete for Permanent Spots in the School
Twenty-five aspiring performers secured initial jerseys during the opening recording session, though none have locked in a permanent spot in the school. According to reports from SuperGuidaTV and Amicinews, candidates must earn at least one approval vote from the artistic team to receive a jersey, but gaining a definitive bench requires clearing subsequent evaluations.
The updated regulations state that students who collect two approval votes earn the right to select their preferred professor. The initial group of vocalists reported by spoilers includes Kashmire, Saitta, Jed, Aura, Shari, Nicolò, Andrea, Heros, Manuel, Tìaso, Posniak, and Erness. For the dance division, anticipated names consist of Napo, Celeste, Anna, Anna Messina, Clara, Riccardo, and Lollo. Reports indicate that Amadeus declined Shari’s admission, referencing their previous collaboration at Sanremo.
Integration of Combat Sports and Weekly Bouts
In a departure from traditional performing arts, the production introduces judo and pugilato to the curriculum. India joins the roster for judo, while Gabriele enters for pugilato, operating on a training track parallel to singers and dancers. Sources note that a third athlete is slated to join the program next week.
These athletic participants face a strict retention rule: every week, they must defend their place against an external challenger. Only a victory allows them to continue in the school, with a prize awaiting anyone who completes the entire schedule to the final phase.
New Coaching Staff Replaces Previous Artistic Directors
The supervisory team undergoes an overhaul for the 2026–2027 term. For the vocal category, Rudy Zerbi is listed alongside Samurai Jay and Amadeus. The dance department features Alessandra Celentano, Lorella Cuccarini—who shifts over from the singing division—and Ambra Angiolini, marking her debut as an artistic director on the program.
This configuration leaves out several figures from the previous edition, including Anna Pettinelli, who is currently occupied with Tale e Quale Show, alongside Veronica Peparini and Emanuel Lo. Industry coverage highlights anticipation surrounding potential clashes between Celentano and Cuccarini, as well as Ambra’s transition into the coaching role.
Previous Winner Lorenzo Opens the New Season
Maintaining long-standing tradition, the premiere opens with the winner of the previous season. Lorenzo returns to the studio carrying the trophy won in the finale, taking the stage alongside Erocaddeo for a performance before the new cohort of hopefuls.
Canale 5 Broadcasts Season Opener on October 11
With the initial recording completed on October 8, 2026, the exact composition of the final student body remains unconfirmed pending the secondary evaluation rounds. Viewers will see the taped season opener broadcast on Canale 5 on Sunday, October 11, 2026, when official television windows confirm how the new coaching dynamics and athletic challenges unfold on air.
