The iconic Italian music show, Canzonissima, has made its highly anticipated return to Rai 1, sparking a wave of nostalgia, and debate. Premiering on Saturday, March 21st, the program, hosted by Milly Carlucci, aims to recapture the magic of its past while navigating the complexities of contemporary television. Fabrizio Moro emerged victorious in the first episode with his performance of “Il mio canto libero,” according to RaiNews.
Canzonissima originally captivated audiences decades ago, and despite many viewers never having seen the original run – which ended in 1974-1975 – the show has maintained a strong presence in the Italian cultural imagination. Carlucci herself acknowledged the weight of this legacy, describing it as “a great responsibility” in interviews. The revival seeks to celebrate Italian music through a diverse lineup of established artists and rising stars.
The 2026 edition boasts an impressive roster of performers, including Riccardo Cocciante, Arisa, Elio e le Storie Tese, Elettra Lamborghini, Enrico Ruggeri, Fausto Leali, Fabrizio Moro, Irene Grandi, Jalisse, Leo Gassmann, Malika Ayane, Michele Bravi, Paolo Jannacci, and tenor Vittorio Grigòlo. The show, broadcast live from the Rai Auditorium at the Foro Italico over six weeks, is structured around a unique three-tiered voting system.
Determining the winners will involve a panel of seven entertainment experts – dubbed the “Magnificent Seven” – comprised of Claudio Cecchetto, Francesca Fialdini, Pierluigi Pardo, Riccardo Rossi, Simona Izzo, Caterina Balivo, and Giacomo Maiolini. Competing artists will also have a voice, voting for their peers while excluding their own performances. Finally, the home audience will participate via social media, adding another layer to the decision-making process.
The first episode, themed “La canzone del cuore” (The song of the heart), offered a glimpse into the personal stories behind the music, with artists sharing insights into their creative journeys. Initial reactions, yet, have been mixed. Il Mattino published “pagelle” (report cards) assigning scores to the performers, with Fausto Leali receiving a high mark of 9, likened to a fine wine, while Elettra Lamborghini received a score of 3, with criticism focused on a perceived use of playback. Vittorio Grigòlo’s performance received a 4, described as inducing sleepiness.
The return of Canzonissima has also prompted discussion about the state of Italian television. today.it characterized the show as “a portrait of a TV incapable of renewing itself,” drawing a parallel to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s recent appearance with rapper Fedez. This commentary suggests a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of Italian entertainment and the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation.
The show’s format aims to delve deeper into the artists’ personal connections to their music, promising a more intimate and revealing experience for viewers. Carlucci emphasized the importance of the artists themselves, stating that they possess a unique gift combined with a fundamental humanity, which will be explored through clips and interviews.
The initial broadcast saw Fabrizio Moro’s performance resonate with the voting system, securing his win. The combination of established names and fresh talent, coupled with the innovative voting structure, sets the stage for a potentially compelling six-week run.
As Canzonissima progresses, it will be interesting to observe how the show balances its nostalgic appeal with its ambition to connect with a modern audience. The interplay between the “Magnificent Seven,” the artists, and the social media-savvy viewers will undoubtedly shape the narrative and determine which performers ultimately emerge as the winners. The next episode is scheduled to air on March 28th, continuing the exploration of Italian musical heritage.
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