Sanremo 2026 is underway, and the festival has already delivered some notable headlines. Among them, singer-songwriter Tommaso Paradiso has stated he has no interest in representing Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest should he win the competition. The artist, competing with the song I Romantici, shared his thoughts during a press conference following the inauguration of ‘Il Club dei Romantici,’ a special location created in collaboration with Lego.
Paradiso’s decision stems from a deep connection to live performance and a more distant relationship with television, a sentiment he expressed candidly to reporters. “I believe I wouldn’t move,” he said, directly addressing the possibility of Eurovision participation. “It doesn’t interest me at all.” This isn’t a matter of disrespect for the competition, but rather a reflection of his artistic journey. Paradiso explained that his career began “from the live scene, from real hard work, not from television.” He’s been performing since he was 18, playing in “all the taverns of Italy,” and that foundation remains central to his identity as an artist.
Even appearances on larger television programs develop him uneasy. “When I go to Fazio, I get agitated, because I don’t know how to do television,” Paradiso admitted. “The Eurovision seems too much for me.” This self-awareness is a hallmark of his persona, a preference for the direct connection with audiences at his concerts. He plans to spend the period following the festival on tour, performing in venues and connecting with fans directly.
A Debut Marked by Authenticity
This year marks Paradiso’s first participation in the Sanremo Music Festival, an event he approached with a sense of fresh excitement. He described the experience as feeling “like a first time,” an intense emotion accompanying his performance of I Romantici. The inauguration of ‘Il Club dei Romantici,’ a unique installation created in partnership with Lego, provided a setting for him to connect with the press and share his feelings ahead of his performance on the Ariston stage.
Dreaming of a Tour with Calcutta
Beyond his stance on Eurovision, Paradiso also revealed a professional aspiration: a tour with fellow Italian singer-songwriter Calcutta. The two artists previously collaborated on the song “La luna e la gatta” in 2019, alongside Jovanotti and producers Takagi & Ketra, as noted by Wikipedia. The prospect of a joint tour represents a creative synergy that Paradiso clearly values. Calcutta, born Edoardo D’Erme in 1989, has established himself as a prominent figure in the Italian indie pop scene, with albums like Evergreen reaching number one on the Italian Albums Chart.
Sanremo 2026: Carlo Conti at the Helm
The 76th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival is being hosted by Carlo Conti on Rai 1. The festival continues to be a significant cultural event in Italy, showcasing a diverse range of musical talent. The competition is fierce, and Paradiso’s participation adds another layer of intrigue to this year’s lineup. The festival’s ongoing broadcasts on Rai 1 are drawing significant viewership as the competition unfolds.
As Sanremo 2026 progresses, all eyes will be on the performances and the unfolding narratives of the artists involved. Paradiso’s candid remarks about Eurovision and his enthusiasm for a potential collaboration with Calcutta have already added to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The next stage of the competition will determine which artists advance and ultimately vie for the top prize.
What are your thoughts on Tommaso Paradiso’s decision regarding Eurovision? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow music fans.
