J-Ax, Ermal Meta, Mara Sattei and Tredici Pietro rehearse with orchestra ahead of Sanremo 2026

J-Ax took to the stage for his first solo competition at Sanremo, rehearsing with the orchestra on his entry "Italia Starter Pack." The song employs irony and pop imagery to explore what the artist describes as necessary elements for beginning something new. J-Ax explained that Sanremo represents the moment in Italy when all attention focuses on a single event. The track balances irony with depth, touching on contemporary fragilities in characteristic J-Ax style. Simona Condello and Filippo Mosticone collaborated on the composition.

Ermal Meta returned to Sanremo a decade after his solo debut at the festival. His entry, "Stella stellina," is a song the artist characterizes as current yet infused with hope and resistance, told through the perspective of a child. Condello and Mosticone also worked on this track.

Mara Sattei arrived at orchestra rehearsals with "Le cose che non sai di me," a personal love story written for someone she loves. The song draws from her own experience.

Tredici Pietro made his Sanremo debut at the rehearsals, presenting "Uomo che cade," a composition that chronicles a personal journey of falling and rising again. Condello and Mosticone contributed to this entry as well.

All four artists completed their orchestra rehearsals as part of preparations for the 2026 festival.