Canzonissima 2026: lineup, running order and songs from the second episode of the show airing on Rai1

The second episode of Canzonissima airs tonight, Saturday March 28th, in prime time, live on Rai 1 from the Auditorium del Foro Italico. The show, hosted by Milly Carlucci, continues its journey through Italian song with an episode built around the theme of dedication.

Last week brought the first verdict: Fabrizio Moro claimed victory with his version of “Il mio canto libero” by Lucio Battisti, securing direct access to the final scheduled at the end of the six episodes.

A number of leading figures from the music scene will take turns on stage: Elio e le Storie Tese, Elettra Lamborghini, Enrico Ruggeri, Fausto Leali, Irene Grandi, Jalisse, Leo Gassmann, Malika Ayane, Michele Bravi and Vittorio Grigolo. Guests will include Arisa and Paolo Jannacci as well.

The evening will open with a tribute to Gino Paoli and will build on the theme of “dedication”: each artist will perform a song not their own, chosen to be addressed to people, memories or significant chapters in their own story. After the “song of the heart” from the first episode, the format goes on weaving together personal memory and shared repertoire.

The song lineup

What Women Don't Say – Enrico Ruggeri

Anima Fragile – Fabrizio Moro

Tanto pe’ canta’ – Leo Gassmann

Se io fossi un angelo – Michele Bravi

Almeno tu nell’universo – Fausto Leali

Fotoromanza – Malika Ayane

La Donna Cannone – Irene Grandi

Alta Marea – Elettra Lamborghini

La Leva calcistica della classe ‘68 – Arisa

E lucevan le stelle – Vittorio Grigolo

Vengo anch'io (no tu no) – Paolo Jannacci

Per sempre sì – Jalisse

Among the out-of-competition moments, a performance drawn from “Notre Dame de Paris” and an appearance by Vanessa Scalera, star of the series Imma Tataranni – Sostituto procuratore, who will deliver a monologue built around words and songs dedicated to Adriano Celentano.

The voting system

The performances will be judged by three components: the panel of the “magnificent 7” (including Claudio Cecchetto, Caterina Balivo and Simona Izzo), the competing artists themselves – who will vote while excluding their own performance – and the public via social media.

Accompanying the performances, all of which are live, is a 25-piece orchestra conducted by Maestro Luigi Saccà, with some performances enhanced by choreography created by Matteo Addino.

The format

Each episode revolves around a specific theme: from the “song of the heart” to the “dedication,” as well as first hits, Sanremo reappraisals, songs “I wish I'd written,” and tracks that stand as symbols of each artist's career. The performances are introduced by clips in which the artists talk about their personal connection to the chosen songs.

At the end of the evening, the winning song of the episode will be announced and will advance to the final. In the last episode, the selected “canzonissime” will return to compete for the overall title.

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