Italian broadcaster RAI have announced the dates and artistic director for Italy’s largest music show, Sanremo Festival, next year. The festival will take place from 6th to 10th February 2018, and the Ariston Theater in Sanremo will host the contest. Claudio Baglioni will be the show’s artistic director, and will also host the event.
Claudio Baglioni has a career spanning decades and has become one of the biggest and highly respected names in Italian pop music. He started his career in the 1970s, selling multi-platinum albums. He also notably produced the anthem for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin!
Mario Orfeo, director of RAI, made the following statement:
“We are very happy that Baglioni has accepted our invitation. With Claudio we will build an edition of Sanremo where the songs and interpretations will be absolute protagonists of the greatest event dedicated to Italian music.”
The broadcaster will likely announce more news on the team at the annual pre-contest press conference in January. RAI are still accepting applications for participation until 6 October.
Sanremo & Eurovision
Sanremo Festival has traditionally been used to choose the Italian Eurovision entry. However, the winner can often decline and offer it to the runners-up. In 2017, Francesco Gabbani won the festival and went on to represent Italy in Kyiv. Since his Sanremo performance he was an early favourite to win Eurovision. But, in the end placed 6th in the grand final.
Do you follow the Sanremo Festival? What is your favourite act? Who would you like to see represent Italy in 2018? Let us know in the comments below or on social media @escXtra
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