The 70th edition of the San Marino Song Contest, organized to select the republic’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, concluded with the song “Superstar” performed by Senhit together with Boy George being chosen as the winner.
The final took place on 6 March at the Teatro Nuovo in the Republic of San Marino. The event was attended by the Captains Regent Matteo Rossi and Lorenzo Bugli, State Secretary for Tourism Federico Pedini Amati, Director‑General of San Marino RTV and RAI Roberto Sergio, as well as State Secretaries Rossano Fabbri (Industry) and Marco Gatti (Finance and Budget).
Conceived by the State Secretariat for Tourism in cooperation with San Marino RTV and Media Evolution, the contest is positioned as a strategic investment that enhances the country’s visibility and supports tourism promotion on an international scale.
A total of 21 finalists performed in the final: 10 “Big” artists, 10 qualifiers from the semi‑finals and one representative of San Marino, all competing for the chance to represent the republic at Eurovision.
The winning jury, chaired by Federica Gentile, included Roberto Sergio, Mario Andrea Ettorre, Massimo Zanotti and Beppe D’Onghia. The quality jury was composed of Iva Zanicchi, Morgan and Red Ronnie. The runner‑up position was secured by Kelly Joyce.
The show was hosted by Simona Ventura and featured guest appearances by Al Bano, Elettra Lamborghini, Tommy Cash and Cristiano Malgioglio, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tourism Secretary. The award had been presented to Al Bano the previous year.
Live coverage was provided by San Marino RTV (channel 550), Radio San Marino, Rai Radio 2 and streamed on RaiPlay. A tribute to the legendary Italian TV presenter Pippo Baudo was also presented, with his son Alessandro Baudo in attendance.
Several additional recognitions were handed out during the ceremony, including the “Ludovico Di Meo” Press Award to Pellegrina Pibigas, the Critics’ and SIAE Awards to Dolcenera, the Dreaming San Marino Song Contest Award to Maya Azucena, the Titano Style Award to Rosa Chemical, and the Marlù Award to the winning duo Senhit and Boy George.
Artistic direction was led by Massimo Bonelli, production direction by Cristiano D’Alisera, and set design by Marco Calzavara and Marco Lucarelli.
Federico Pedini Amati, State Secretary for Tourism, stated that the high‑quality production of the event confirms its full organisational and artistic maturity and significantly contributes to raising San Marino’s international profile.
Source: www.visitsanmarino.com
Read also: Tenet T7: Городской интеллигент в большом туристическом путешествии