RAI launches inquiry into Malika Ayane's Sanremo song title matching cosmetics brand
Italian broadcaster investigates whether singer's festival entry "Animali Notturni" improperly shares name with Veralab beauty product she promoted.
February 28, 2026
The RAI has opened an investigation into Italian singer Malika Ayane's Sanremo 2026 entry following revelations that the song's title matches a cosmetics product she has been promoting.
Ayane's festival song is titled "Animali Notturni" (Nocturnal Animals), which is also the name of a beauty product launched by Veralab, a cosmetics brand owned by Cristina Fogazzi, known professionally as Estetista Cinica. In recent days, Ayane posted on social media tagging Veralab and marking the posts with the hashtag #adv to indicate paid advertising. One post read "Rimedi diurni per animali notturni" (Daytime remedies for nocturnal animals) alongside a photograph.
The issue was first raised by Selvaggia Lucarelli in her newsletter ValeTutto. Following the disclosure, RAI stated it had not been aware of the connection between Ayane's song title and the commercial product when the entry was selected for the festival.
RAI officials said the broadcaster is now gathering all necessary information to evaluate the matter and determine relevant responsibilities. The investigation will assess whether the alignment of the song title with a commercial product violates festival regulations or advertising guidelines.
Ayane performed "Animali Notturni" during the festival finale. The song's lyrics describe a relationship between two people navigating urban spaces and emotional distance, with repeated references to the nocturnal animal metaphor throughout the composition.
In a backstage interview following her performance, Ayane described her experience at the festival as characterized by "serenity and affection" from her team.