Neapolitan singer secures the Golden Lion with wedding anthem Per sempre sì. Italian singer Sal Da Vinci was crowned the winner of the 2026 edition of Italy's Sanremo Music Festival during the grand finale at the Teatro Ariston on Saturday night. The 56-year-old singer-songwriter from Naples claimed victory with his melodic ballad Per sempre sì, a song that had already gained momentum on digital platforms earlier in the week. His win marks a triumphant return to the Ariston stage 17 years after his third-place finish in 2009. As the Sanremo winner, Sal Da Vinci now holds the first right of refusal to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna this May. The final results were the culmination of a five-night musical marathon, in its 76th edition, hosted by television presenter Carlo Conti and singer Laura Pausini. Da Vinci emerged victorious following a "Superfinal" vote involving the top five contestants, where he came ahead of runner-up Sayf and third-place finisher Ditonellapiaga. The winner was determined by a weighted voting system combining public televoting, a radio jury and a press jury. Rounding out the top five were Arisa in fourth place and the duo of Fedez & Masini in fifth. The evening featured several prestigious honours, including the Mia Martini Critics' Award given to Fulminacci for Stupida sfortuna and the Sergio Bardotti Award for Best Lyrics, which went to Fedez and Masini. There was also guest performance from legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli, who arrived on a white horse, and a special tribute to the 60-year career of the pop-rock group I Pooh. It was announced that next year's edition of Sanremo would be hosted by Stefano De Martino, following a two-year stint by Carlo Conti.             Photo RAI