Sal Da Vinci wins Sanremo 2026 with "Per Sempre Sì"

Sal Da Vinci won the 76th edition of the Sanremo Festival on Saturday, performing his song "Per Sempre Sì." Rapper Sayf finished in second place, while Ditonellapiaga took third. Arisa placed fourth, with Fedez and Masini rounding out the top five.

Da Vinci's victory came after his song began circulating on social media following his first performance, accompanied by choreography that prompted widespread engagement online. When host Laura Pausini announced his name as winner, Da Vinci wept immediately and embraced Sayf on stage before performing his winning song with the Ariston theater audience singing and dancing along.

In his initial remarks after the victory, Da Vinci said: "Thank you truly from my heart. I want to share this prize with my family, who helped me so much in difficult moments, and dedicate it to my city, Naples."

At a press conference following the win, Da Vinci described the victory as emotional and spoke about his long career. "The emotion is truly indescribable; I still have this emotion and this tremendous affection that everyone gave me on my skin," he said. "This is the victory of a people and the victory of all those who have persevered in following a dream. I have been doing this profession since I was seven years old and I continued it with perseverance through falls and steep climbs. It was not easy, but it is a victory of all those like me who come from humble beginnings."

Da Vinci also made a broader dedication of his win. "This is the victory of everyone like me who come from the bottom," he stated. He added that he has worked in the profession since age seven and has continued despite difficult circumstances.

When asked about competing at the Eurovision Song Contest, Da Vinci confirmed his willingness to represent Italy internationally. "It is something that touches me right now, but at the same time it seems like such a big thing to face and such a beautiful commitment and reason for pride to bring Italian music out of our country. For always yes, I said it from the beginning," he said.

Da Vinci dedicated his victory to multiple people and places. "I dedicate this victory to my family, I dedicate it to my city that has always supported me and to a person who is dear to me and who is no longer here: Vincenzo D'Agostino, who was the poetry of my melodies. I dedicate it to my father who is no longer here but is close to me, always," he said.

Da Vinci is a Neapolitan singer-songwriter born Salvatore Michael Sorrentino in New York. He performed at the festival after a 17-year absence from the Sanremo stage. During the festival, he also performed with television personality Mara Venier and appeared in various locations throughout the Ligurian city.

The 76th Sanremo Festival marked the final edition hosted by Carlo Conti, with Stefano De Martino taking over as host going forward.