Sanremo, Italy – The second night of the Sanremo Music Festival 2026 was marked by a deeply emotional moment as singer Achille Lauro paid tribute to the 40 young victims of the Novel Year’s Eve fire at the ‘Le Constellation’ club in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Lauro’s performance of “Perdutamente” resonated with audiences and served as a poignant memorial to those lost in the tragedy.
The tribute was initiated by festival host Carlo Conti, who dedicated a space during the evening’s program to remember the victims. Conti explained the decision stemmed from powerful images of the funeral of Achille Barosi, one of those who perished in the fire, where his mother, Erica Didone, sang “Perdutamente,” transforming the song into a hymn of remembrance. The song quickly became a symbol of collective mourning and remembrance.
Lauro’s rendition of “Perdutamente” was particularly moving, featuring a lyrical arrangement accompanied by soprano Valentina Gargano and a 20-person choir. The performance aimed to capture the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment, themes echoed in the song’s lyrics, including lines like, “And if one night were enough, yes, to develop us disappear” and “If space catches fire, love, lower the roof.”
The connection between the song and the tragedy runs deep. Erica Didone, Achille Barosi’s mother, shared in a recent appearance on Domenica In that she frequently sang “Perdutamente” with her son in the car, describing it as a song that brought them joy and connection. She continues to sing it, finding solace in the memories it evokes. “It reconnects me with Achille,” she said, emphasizing the song’s enduring power.
The Sanremo Music Festival 2026 has similarly highlighted other emerging artists. The top five performers of the second evening, according to initial reports, include Lda & Aka 7even, Paradiso, Nayt, Fedez & Masini, and Ermal Meta. However, Lauro’s performance and the tribute to the victims of Crans-Montana undeniably became the defining moment of the night.
The choice of “Perdutamente” was not accidental. Conti noted that the song’s lyrics resonated with the profound sense of loss and the questions surrounding the tragedy. The song, as Lauro explained, speaks to the fragility of time and encourages listeners to embrace the present moment.
Here’s a look at Achille Lauro’s performance:
SANREMO CONCERTI LIVE ACHILLA LAURO EMOZIONA SANREMO CON ‘PERDUTAMENTE’ DEDICATA ALLE EVITTIMEDI CRANS MONTANA . #achillelauro #sanremo2026
The festival continues, and audiences are anticipating further performances and moments of connection. The impact of Lauro’s tribute, however, is likely to linger throughout the remainder of Sanremo 2026, serving as a powerful reminder of the tragedy in Crans-Montana and the importance of remembering those lost.
As the festival progresses, attention will turn back to the competing artists and the unfolding drama of the competition. However, the emotional resonance of Lauro’s performance has undoubtedly set a somber yet hopeful tone for the remaining nights of Sanremo 2026.
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