Sanremo 2026: Carlo Conti, Irina Shayk & Big Guests Revealed
A late change to the lineup for the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival has brought a high-profile name to the stage. Following the withdrawal of Andrea Pucci as co-host for Thursday’s show – a decision prompted by recent controversy – model Irina Shayk will now join Carlo Conti in presenting the third evening of the festival. Eros Ramazzotti is expected to appear as a guest during that same show. Pilar Fogliati is confirmed to co-host Wednesday’s show.
Sanremo 2026: Irina Shayk to Co-Host
Andrea Pucci is no longer slated to co-host the third evening of the festival, having communicated his decision to Carlo Conti and the press. However, Carlo Conti has selected top model Irina Shayk to co-host alongside him and Laura Pausini for that evening.
According to Giuseppe Candela, the list of co-hosts now includes Russian model Irina Shayk for Thursday’s show, confirming earlier reports from Tv Sorrisi e Canzoni and Chi magazine regarding the addition of Pilar Fogliati for Wednesday’s show. Eros Ramazzotti is also scheduled to be a guest on Thursday.
Carlo Conti confirmed the addition of Irina Shayk through a video shared on social media.
Shayk herself expressed her gratitude to Conti, stating that participating in the festival is “a great honour and a dream come true.”
The inclusion of female co-hosts has been a topic of discussion in recent days. Alongside Laura Pausini, announcements have largely focused on co-hosts, with Lillo Petrolo, Achille Lauro, and Can Yaman already confirmed. Nino Frassica is also expected to join the lineup for Thursday’s show. The stage for the 2026 Sanremo Festival is already crowded, with Laura Pausini, Pilar Fogliati, Lillo Petrolo, Achille Lauro, and Gianluca Gazzoli all scheduled to appear on Wednesday’s show, though only fifteen of the competing artists will perform that night.
Interestingly, Conti may have considered Shayk for the festival as early as 2015, according to a report in the magazine Oggi. At that time, she was in a relationship with soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, but a potential agreement may have fallen through due to issues with her fee and scheduling.
Sanremo 2026: The Co-Host Lineup
Carlo Conti is the conductor and artistic director of the 76th edition of the Sanremo Festival. He will be joined by Laura Pausini for all five evenings. Numerous co-hosts will also appear, including Can Yaman on the first night, Achille Lauro and Lillo Petrolo on the second night, and Gianluca Gazzoli on the second and third nights.
Confirmation is still pending regarding Nino Frassica’s potential role as a replacement for Andrea Pucci, who resigned following controversy surrounding his initial appointment. Pucci stated that the “insults, threats, epithets and everything else” he and his family received were “incomprehensible and unacceptable.” He added that the atmosphere surrounding his participation had transformed what should have been a celebration into an unsustainable conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will co-host the third evening of the Sanremo 2026 festival?
Irina Shayk will co-host the third evening of the Sanremo 2026 festival alongside Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini.
Why did Andrea Pucci withdraw from his co-hosting role?
Andrea Pucci withdrew due to “insults, threats, epithets and everything else” he and his family received following the announcement of his participation.
Who else will be appearing at the Sanremo 2026 festival?
Confirmed co-hosts include Can Yaman, Achille Lauro, Lillo Petrolo, Gianluca Gazzoli, and Pilar Fogliati. Eros Ramazzotti is scheduled to appear as a guest.
As the festival approaches, will the lineup continue to evolve in response to public sentiment and unforeseen events?