Maria De Filippi's long-running talent show plans to expand its curriculum to include sports categories in a bid to revitalize the format.
12:12 PM
Maria De Filippi's talent show Amici is preparing to introduce sports disciplines into its curriculum, marking a significant shift from its traditional focus on singing and dancing, according to reports published July 13 and 14.
The news was first reported by the weekly magazine Chi, through a column by Giuseppe Candela in its July 15 edition. Sources indicate that De Filippi and the production team are working to fundamentally revise the educational offerings available to students at the school, expanding beyond the singing and dance categories that have defined the program for 25 years.
The move comes after the most recent season finale, which registered the lowest viewership in the program's history. The 2026 edition, won by Lorenzo Salvetti, prompted producers to seek ways to refresh the format and attract a broader audience, particularly those interested in sports and athletic competition.
While specific sports have not been officially confirmed, reports suggest the production is considering disciplines that require significant physical preparation and align with the program's television aesthetic. Gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, and street acrobatics have been mentioned among possibilities under consideration, though no final decisions have been announced.
The introduction of sports disciplines would represent a strategic pivot intended to modernize the show's structure while maintaining its core identity as a talent competition. The exact implementation of these new categories within the studio setting remains unclear, and sources note that details about how the sports disciplines would be integrated into the existing curriculum are still being evaluated.
The changes are expected to take effect in the upcoming season, though the production has not issued official confirmation of the specific sports that will be added or the timeline for their introduction.
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