Sanremo 2026, updated rankings (February 26, 2026).

La third evening of the Sanremo Festival 2026 gets to the heart of the matter and reshapes the balance of the competition. After the performances of the 15 Bigs scheduled in the lineup, the first heavy verdicts arrive: the provisional top 5, winner of the New Proposals and the critics' awards. An episode packed with music, international guests, and symbolic moments that set the tone for the evening.

The top 5 of the third evening

The provisional ranking of the evening – drawn up through Televoting (50%) e Radio Jury (50%) – This applies exclusively to the 15 Big Artists who performed. The top five artists, announced in no particular order, are:

• Arisa
• Sayf
• Luche
• Serena Brancale
• Sal Da Vinci

A result that confirms a balance between pop, urban, and traditional melodic music. No official hierarchy, but a clear signal about the artists who, at the moment, seem to be resonating best with radio and home audiences.

New Proposals: Nicolò Filippucci wins

The evening opened with the final of the New ProposalsThe winner was Nicholas Philippucci with the song Laguna. Emotion evident on stage and first words simple, direct, without rhetorical constructions.

Ad Angelica Bove, competing with Brick, two important awards were instead given:

• “Mia Martini” Critics Award
• “Lucio Dalla” Web Radio-TV Press Room Award

A double consecration that, even without a final victory, places her among the most appreciated voices by the specialized press.

Guests and key moments of the evening

The third episode wasn't just about competition. Among the highlights:

• Lifetime Achievement Award to Mogol, greeted by a standing ovation from the Ariston.
• Il world premiere duet between Alicia Keys and Eros Ramazzotti su The Aurora, followed by the performance of Empire State of Mind.
• The interpretation of Heal the world by Laura Pausini with the Piccolo Coro dell'Antoniano and the Coro di Caivano, with an explicit anti-war message.

Alongside Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini, the presence of the top model Irina Shayk and the comedian Ubaldo Pantani, between imitations and light interventions that have broken the competitive rhythm.

Fantasanremo and curiosities

even the We will fantasize had his verdict of the evening: Samurai Jay and Leo Gassmann they finish tied for first place.

Among the most commented moments:

• Arisa's ironic offer of "tranquilizers" to Carlo Conti, tied to the game's bonus.
• The appearance of Belén Rodriguez during Samurai Jay's performance.
• The emotion of Sal Da Vinci, greeted by a long round of applause.

Lineup of the 15 Bigs in the competition

Below is the list of the 15 artists performing on the third evening:

1. Marie Antoinette & Colombre
2. Leo Gassman
3. Malika Ayane
4. Sal Da Vinci
5. Thirteen Peter
6. Raf
7. Francesco Renga
8. eddie brock
9. Serena Brancale
10. Samurai Jay
11. Arisa
12. Michele Bravi
13. Luche
14. Mara Sattei
15. Sayf

What changes now in the title race?

The third evening's rankings are not final, but they do have an impact on the overall Festival. The votes collected will contribute to the overall picture leading up to the final. The mix between radio ratings e strength in televoting begins to outline the real chances of victory.

The Festival is now entering its most delicate phase: the next few evenings will be crucial in consolidating or overturning the balance that has emerged so far.