The moments to remember from Sanremo 2025

Sanremo 2025 is over. The musical competition was won by Olly. The fashion battle, perhaps by Achille Lauro, Rose Villain, or Elodie. But what were the most memorable moments of this edition? The answer likely varies from person to person. Some remember every outfit change of the many co-hosts; others were struck by Bianca Balti’s energy; some are still thinking about Fedez’s demonic lenses, while others are wondering what happened to Tony Effe’s necklace. Some are still recovering from the traumatic triple performance of Bresh with Cristiano De André, repeated due to technical issues. A group of spectators would love to get Gabry Ponte’s obsessive jingle out of their heads. And maybe some people are still wondering why the DopoFestival seemed livelier than the meticulously timed marathon of the main Festival.

The key moments of Sanremo 2025

The Relentless Jingle

We almost miss the good old "Perché Sanremo è Sanremo", a phrase that summed up everything the Festival della Canzone Italiana represents, for better or worse, and seemed to ask for indulgence for what it is not but many wish it was. This year, Conti replaced it with "Tutta l’Italia, tutta l’Italia, tutta l’Italiaaa" by Gabry Ponte, a song that, according to the press release, "paints images of our homeland that live in all our hearts, conveying the essence of our country."It’s a matter of perspective. In any case, it had the catchy summer hit effect, sticking in our memories even if we didn’t want it to. We would have preferred to hear it fewer times. Or, better yet, not at all. Apologies to Gabry Ponte’s fans—your next date is June 28 at San Siro.

Rose Villain’s Claw

Rose Villain’s "Tiger’s Den" move went viral. How does it work? The turquoise-haired singer explains: “Claw, open, and then a final grin.”Start with the left hand, then the right, then raise them both while finishing with a fierce smile. Rose does it with effortless charm and humor. During her first performance on the Ariston stage, someone in the audience shouted “Si na pret”, a Neapolitan expression for a woman "tough as a rock." Tough, talented, beautiful, and cool.

Lucio Corsi and Topo Gigio

Possibly the weirdest duet ever. But not the worst. When Lucio Corsi announced that for the Cover Night, he would sing Nel blu, dipinto di blu with Topo Gigio, some thought it was a joke, others praised the originality, and many were just puzzled. Yet, unexpectedly, Corsi—dressed in a white tailcoat, his face like a Pierrot—next to the puppet, dressed in lurex for the occasion, created a fairytale-like, surreal, but delicate and poetic moment. Sometimes, surprises are beautiful.

Geppi Cucciari Saves Sanremo (Or at Least Friday Night)

Reaching Friday was tough. Our reward? Geppi Cucciari. As a co-host alongside Mahmood, the Sardinian artist effortlessly rocked Antonio Marras outfits, firing off jokes and jabs, proving to be the breath of fresh air we all needed. From mocking the "electronic bracelet" for audience members to the irritating jingle, from Conti’s obsession with punctuality—"I’ll smash that watch!"—to roasting Clara’s guest tenors—"Il Volo has proven they can sing any song, and unfortunately, they do." Her best moment? Calling out Conti’s obsession with parenthood and family: "You are a great host, an artist, but above all, a father." Why not just give her the whole Festival?

Achille Lauro’s Valentine’s Day Madness for Elodie

Forget Giorgia and Annalisa, or Fedez and Marco Masini. The real highlight of Cover Night was an unscripted moment: Achille Lauro’s Valentine’s Day serenade to Elodie. After setting the stage on fire with their electrifying chemistry in a Rome-themed medley, Lauro stayed behind and began singing, a cappella, the opening lines of Ancora by Eduardo De Crescenzo. The moment he sang "È notte alta e sono sveglio, sei sempre tu, il mio chiodo fisso" ("It’s late at night, and I’m awake. It’s always you, my obsession")—a visibly embarrassed Elodie rushed to pull him backstage.

Genuine Sisterhood

One of Conti’s best decisions this year was bringing in Bianca Balti. The mistake? Trying to box her into her illness, calling her a warrior or seeking easy applause through pity. The model skillfully dodged every sentimental trap, remaining bright, fun, and lively. One of the best moments? When she rushed on stage to hug Rose Villain, exclaiming: "You’re so hot!" Bianca wasn’t the only one appreciating Rose and her outfits. During the final, seeing the blue-haired singer descend the stairs in a spectacular Fendi ensemble, Alessia Marcuzzi gasped, “I feel faint, she’s just too stunning. She’s a real outlaw!" Two sincere, spontaneous displays of sisterhood—just what the Festival needed.

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Necklace

The biggest scandal of Sanremo 2025 speaks volumes about how dull this edition was: the mystery of Tony Effe’s missing necklace. During the Festival’s third night, the rapper was set to complete his outfit with a Tiffany & Co. yellow gold piece from the HardWear Collection. At the last moment, a strict official allegedly ordered him to remove it due to a Festival rule prohibiting branding and logos, sparking Tony’s fury. On Rai Radio2, he ranted: "They took my necklace! Why? Ask them. I’m f***ing pissed, now it’s war!" Tony continued the competition, but we can’t help but wonder: why all the fuss if Irama wore the same piece last year? And why the sudden enforcement when everyone, even this year, flaunted recognizable designer outfits and jewelry? That said, that necklace is now Italy’s most talked-about accessory.