Sanremo Music Festival will introduce explicit restrictions on generative AI for its 77th edition in February 2027, requiring that lyrics and music be exclusively the result of human creativity. The rules exclude AI systems that could replace or distort the primary human contribution to a song, following a request from Italian music industry body FIMI (Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana), the country’s national affiliate of IFPI.
The move aligns Sanremo’s competition rules with principles FIMI adopted in July 2026 for the Top of the Music by FIMI/NIQ charts, under which AI-assisted recordings can qualify only if the AI tool used is authorized and lawful, the track is substantially human-created, and there are no concerns about streaming or chart manipulation. FIMI says the festival, which airs on Rai and served as a model for the Eurovision Song Contest, reached an average of just over 10 million viewers and a 63% share across five nights in 2026, according to the announcement, with the final night drawing 11 million viewers and a 68.8% share.
FIMI CEO Enzo Mazza called the decision a historic milestone, saying the organization does not oppose generative AI as a creative tool but wants to ensure it does not replace human creativity. The 77th Sanremo edition will be led by artistic director Stefano De Martino, with the 24 competing songs yet to be announced.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Rossella Lo Faro, fimi.it.