Carlo Conti rules out Madonna as guest at Sanremo 2026
The festival director dismissed speculation about Madonna appearing at the Italian music competition, citing a conflict with competing artist Patty Pravo.
January 14, 2026 at 11:37 AM • 2 min ago
Carlo Conti, conductor and artistic director of the Sanremo Music Festival 2026, has ruled out the possibility of Madonna appearing as a guest at the event.
Speaking at a journalism seminar at the School of Journalism in Perugia on Tuesday, Conti addressed rumors that had circulated about a potential Madonna appearance. "I believe it is quite impossible that Madonna could come to the Sanremo festival," Conti said, speaking to students in the master's program. "This confusion arose because Madonna sang 'La Bambola' by Patty Pravo, who is one of the competing artists. But I don't believe this path is viable."
The speculation about Madonna's participation had emerged after the pop star released a cover version of "La Bambola" for Dolce & Gabbana. The song is an original composition by Patty Pravo, who is among the 30 artists competing in the 2026 festival edition.
Conti also discussed his approach to preparing for his fifth festival as conductor and artistic director. He described the role as "a continuous-cycle machine, in which preparation begins the day after the previous festival closes." During the five days of competition itself, however, Conti said he maintains a relaxed demeanor. "For me it is a moment of enjoyment, while everyone is in tension, I exchange messages in the chat with Panariello and Pieraccioni," he told the journalism students.