Stefano De Martino Blazes an American Trail With Santiago Before Taking the Helm of Sanremo 2027
For Italian television host Stefano De Martino, late summer still carries the raw, unscripted scent of freedom. Fresh off the recording schedules of Affari Tuoi and hurtling toward an intense upcoming television season, the presenter packed his bags for a classic American road trip alongside his 13-year-old son, Santiago, born from his relationship with Belén Rodríguez.
This transatlantic escape bypasses the usual European resort hotspots in favor of vast horizons across California and Arizona. Yet, even thousands of miles away from Italian gossip columns and television studios, the host cannot entirely outrun his fame.
From Los Angeles Asphalt to the Grand Canyon
The father-son journey kicked off on the West Coast after touching down at Los Angeles International Airport.
Despite sharing glimpses of the journey on social media, the host maintains a strict boundary regarding his son’s privacy. Santiago explicitly requested not to be featured facing the cameras on public platforms, a wish both parents have carefully honored. Consequently, the teenager appears exclusively from behind in snapshots overlooking suggestive valleys.
Privacy boundaries aside, total anonymity in Southern California proved impossible. While navigating a Los Angeles superhighway, a group of Italian compatriots spotted the presenter in the next lane. Pulling alongside his vehicle, the fans shouted greetings. Caught off guard, De Martino turned and flashed a wide grin—a candid moment captured on video that became viral on social media within hours.
Balancing Family Travel with High-Stakes Television Prep
This American getaway is far more than a simple vacation. Behind the sun-drenched landscapes lies a strategic pause before a monumental career pivot. De Martino is slated to anchor the Festival di Sanremo 2027, stepping into the dual role of artistic director and host after receiving the official public handover from Carlo Conti during the finale of the 2026 edition.
Industry reports indicate that the Los Angeles itinerary included professional check-ins. De Martino reportedly met with Fabrizio Ferraguzzo, a music producer and manager linked to the international path of Måneskin. Ferraguzzo joins the Sanremo team as an artistic consultant, signaling a distinct ambition to infuse the festival with a globally minded edge.
For a presenter who frequently divides his time between prime-time television and media scrutiny, these open-road adventures offer a vital reset. With no rigid itineraries and vast physical distance from Italian broadcast headquarters, the father-son duo continues a travel tradition that previously spanned destinations like Paris and London.
As De Martino returns to finalize his autumn television lineup—anchored once again by his stewardship of Affari Tuoi on Rai 1—the shadow of the Ariston Theater looms larger than ever. How will this fresh leadership style reshape Italy’s song contest? Share your thoughts on the upcoming Sanremo transition in the comments below.
