The twenty-sixth edition of the Italian talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi will debut on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 14:00 on Canale 5. The premiere arrives following a one-week delay from the originally scheduled date of October 4, bringing structural changes, new athletic disciplines, and a reworked coaching lineup to the long-running broadcast.
Expansion into Competitive Sports and New Disciplines
For its upcoming season, the academy is opening its doors to combat and performance sports alongside traditional singing and dancing. Promotional trailers released for Amici 26 have confirmed the inclusion of boxing, judo, and artistic roller skating in the curriculum for aspiring students. This expansion marks a return to multi-discipline programming for the show, which previously introduced artistic gymnastics in 2006. Two decades later, the format incorporates multiple athletic specialties simultaneously rather than a single guest discipline.
Amadeus Joins the Faculty as Technical Commissioner
Amadeus will join the cast of Amici 26 in a newly created role within the school’s framework, taking on the title of technical commissioner. While Amadeus previously served as a judge during the evening Serale phase in past seasons, his new involvement directly impacts the day-to-day structuring of the talent academy ahead of the Sunday afternoon launch.
Changes in the Coaching Staff and Faculty Roster
The teaching panel undergoes notable adjustments for the new cycle. Anna Pettinelli will not return to the faculty after joining the cast of the entertainment program Tale e Quale Show. Speculation surrounding her replacement has circulated, though rumors linking Giordana Angi to the vacant singing chair were explicitly dismissed by the artist. Returning instructors confirmed for the upcoming term include Rudy Zerbi, Lorella Cuccarini, and Alessandra Celentano, while Emanuel Lo and Veronica Peparini are widely expected to retain their positions.
Inheriting the Legacy of Amici 25
Reflecting on the evolution of the program, modern contestants frequently arrive with established social media followings, prior television experience, or released singles—contrasting sharply with earlier decades when participants entered the broadcast format as complete unknowns. The opening broadcast on October 11, 2026, will establish the initial roster of singers, dancers, and athletes who secure a bench in the school as the multi-month competition begins its path toward the Serale stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amici 26
- When does Amici 26 officially premiere?
- The twenty-sixth season begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 14:00 on Canale 5, following a one-week postponement from its initial October 4 launch date.
- What new disciplines are added to the school?
- Promotional materials confirm the inclusion of boxing, judo, and artistic roller skating alongside the traditional singing and dancing categories.
- Who won the previous edition of the talent show?
- Lorenzo Salvetti won Amici 25 in May following an audience televote against runner-up and dance winner Alessio Di Ponzio, with Emiliano Fiasco taking the critics’ prize.
