After the emotional hangover of the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival, Rosario Fiorello is bringing everyone back down to earth—but with a smile plastered on his face. In his "Pennicanza" on Rai Radio2, the showman celebrated Sal Da Vinci's triumph with his unmistakable style: sharp wit, a fast pace, and that unique ability to transform every success into a story worth telling.
The joke that immediately went viral on the web came at the beginning:
"Sal won after 13 rejections. Do you know what they called him in Naples? 'O Jalisso'!" Fiorello joked, drawing laughter and shining a spotlight on the Neapolitan artist's long career.
From the ranks to victory
Behind the joke, however, lies a truth that makes Sal Da Vinci's victory even more significant: success has never been instant. Thirteen rejected attempts are a testament to a career built with tenacity, patience, and—most importantly—a constant presence in the hearts of the public.
The singer, connected via video call during the program, responded with his usual elegance:
"The giant bow tie? It brought me luck," he quipped, then confirmed the honor of representing Italy at Eurovision. And he didn't miss the affectionate jab at Fiorello: the next date is in September to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first appearance on stage.
Fiorello's (ironic) prophecy
Fiorello, as always, played on the fine line between truth and parody. He even "debunked" those who accused him of having made incorrect predictions about the Festival by bringing out the gag about the sealed envelope containing the "correct" podium.
A not-so-subtle way to remind ourselves how unpredictable Sanremo remains—and how often narratives are constructed after the fact, once the result has been achieved.
When fate meets the right moment
And perhaps this is the most interesting point of the whole story.
Because while it's true that Sal Da Vinci's perseverance played a huge role, it's equally true that in the world of entertainment—and Sanremo proves this every year—a series of fortunate coincidences also come into play.
Sometimes it's the song that comes at the perfect emotional moment.
Other times it is the public that changes skin.
Others still — simply — are a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
The victory of "Per sempre sì" seems to lie precisely at this intersection: an artist now perceived as familiar, a song with a universal message, and a Festival ready to welcome him definitively.
From outsider to popular symbol
The story told (and lightheartedly mocked) by Fiorello says much more than meets the eye. Today, Sal Da Vinci isn't just the winner of Sanremo 2026: he's an example of how true popularity is built over time, often away from the loudest spotlights.
And so what was once a series of "failures" today almost sounds like the long, perfect run towards the right moment.
With all due respect to Fiorello—and his nickname 'O Jalisso—this time Sal Da Vinci really did arrive. And, most importantly, he arrived when the crowd was truly ready to welcome him.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
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