Sanremo Awards Career Prize to Caterina Caselli; Gianni Morandi Joins Son on Stage
The Sanremo Festival 2026 delivered an exciting fourth evening dedicated to cover songs and duets, featuring a blend of established artists and newcomers. The event showcased memorable performances and honored notable figures in the Italian music scene.
Highlight Moments from the Cover Night
- Elettra Lamborghini and Las Ketchup: Kicked off the night with a lively rendition of “Aserejé”.
- Gianni Morandi’s Emotional Duet: Joined his son Tredici Pietro on stage for a touching performance of “Vita”, a song written by Mogol and Mario Lavezzi.
- Caterina Caselli Honored: Received a career award celebrating her significant influence on Italian pop music. Caselli reflected on her journey and the message of independence conveyed through her hit “Nessuno Mi Può Giudicare”.
- Alessandro Gassmann’s Support: Cheered for his son Leo during the festival, sharing his pride across social media.
Performances That Stole the Show
Numerous artists took the stage, showcasing their talents through carefully chosen covers:
- Arisa: Delivered a heartfelt performance of “Quello che le donne non dicono” with the Teatro Regio di Parma choir.
- Serena Brancale: Sang the classic “Besame mucho” alongside Gregory Porter and Delia.
- Francesco Renga and Giusy Ferreri: Paired up for “Ragazzo solo, ragazza sola”.
- Dargen D’Amico: Performed a mash-up combining “Su di noi” and “Il disertore”, sending a strong pacifist message.
Other Performances
- Michele Bravi and Fiorella Mannoia: Sang “Domani è un altro giorno”.
- Enrico Nigiotti: Partnered with Alfa for “En e Xanax”.
- Patty Pravo: Performed “Ti lascio una canzone” with Timofej Andrijashenko.
- Sayf: Closed with a rendition of “Hit the road Jack” featuring Alex Britti and Mario Bondi.
Voter Participation and Awarding the Winners
The voting process for the performances involved audience participation through a televoting system (34%), along with evaluations from the Press Jury and Radio Jury (both at 33%). The performer with the highest votes was crowned the winner for the night, although this did not impact the overall festival rankings.
Conclusion
The fourth night of Sanremo 2026 not only entertained but also celebrated significant milestones in the Italian music industry, particularly with the recognition of Caterina Caselli. Featuring heartfelt performances and dynamic duets, the evening reaffirmed the festival’s status as a cherished tradition in Italian culture.