Sanremo – "Neapolitanness" reclaims the Ariston. Thirty-eight years after Massimo Ranieri's success, the 2026 Sanremo Festival once again speaks Neapolitan thanks to Sal Da Vinci. With the song "Per sempre sì," the artist swept away the competition, transforming his victory into a collective redemption rooted in hard work, theater, and an old-fashioned tenacity.
From the street to the top step
"This is the victory of a people, of those like me who have always persevered in their dreams," declared an emotional Sal Da Vinci the day after his triumph. A success that comes from afar, starting at just seven years old and involving 13 failed attempts before his debut in 2009. "It wasn't easy, but those who persevere win. I dedicate this award to those who come from the bottom."
The singer also paid homage to the greats of Italian music with his look: "Yesterday I wore a bow tie like Ranieri's and a Modugno-style jacket. It's an honor to be compared to Massimo, even if he remains untouchable."
The tribute to Geolier and the weight of televoting
A key moment in the press conference was the tribute to Geolier. Two years after the controversy that saw the rapper finish second despite a popular vote, Sal Da Vinci spoke to his friend on the phone: "He called me this morning. I want to share this award with him: I feel like my victory completes what, two years ago, was an unfinished task for him."
This result was also made possible by the new televoting rules (only one vote per user), which allowed the pressure from Naples and the South to decisively converge on his name.
From "Troppo Forte" to Eurovision
Among the first to congratulate him was Carlo Verdone, who in 1986 chose him for the cult film Troppo Forte. The Roman actor posted a snapshot of the time on social media: "I was looking for the youngest of the group, and a smart and professional young man showed up. Dear Sal, today 'Troppo Forte' is you."
Now the doors to Europe are opening for Sal Da Vinci, a New York native but a passionate interpreter of Neapolitan tradition. When asked about participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, his response was immediate: "It's a huge challenge, but bringing Italian music to the world is an overwhelming honor. Music brings people together and brings peace. So, for Eurovision, I say: forever yes."
The anchor of a life: the dedication to his wife
In closing, a thought for the woman who has been with him for over forty years. "Paola is my lifelong companion; she helped me survive the wolves' den," the artist confessed, recalling their first kiss in Posillipo in 1984. "We didn't speak much that day, we just looked into each other's eyes. We've never parted since."
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
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