Rumors are swirling: Is Estonia’s Eurovision 2025 third-place, Tommy Cash, on track to participate in Italy’s Sanremo Festival 2026?

Will the Estonian Eurovision Star Conquer the Sanremo 2026 Stage? Recent rumors suggest that the provocative artist Tommy Cash, who represented Estonia at Eurovision 2025 with the song “Espresso Macchiato”, performed primarily in Italian, is reportedly on the secret lists of Carlo Conti, the artistic director of the Sanremo Festival, ahead of the competition set for this coming February. If confirmed, this would be a groundbreaking event for both the Italian and European music scenes, given that Tommy Cash is not Italian but Estonian, and especially considering Sanremo’s influence on selecting Italy’s representative for Eurovision 2026.

Sanremo 2026: Trends, Impact, and the Question of Tommy Cash’s Participation

The possibility that Tommy Cash, an Estonian rap artist renowned for his humorous style, might perform or compete at Sanremo 2026 is generating significant excitement among fan communities and the media. Sanremo, regarded as the beating heart of Italian music and a springboard to Eurovision, attracts top-tier artists each year alongside surprising new names. This year, alongside established acts such as Marco Masini and Ricchi e Poveri, intriguing newcomers are emerging – but Tommy Cash’s name stands out due to his unique style and provocative persona.

Behind the Scenes: Carlo Conti, Secret Lists, and Italy’s Buzzing Drama

Carlo Conti, the man holding the keys to Sanremo, is known for his penchant for surprises and blending tradition with innovation. In recent years, Conti has opened the door to diverse artists, yet the participation of a non-Italian artist as a main competitor remains rare. According to reports, Cash has expressed interest in participating, and it is hinted that his name has been discussed internally. However, no official list of participants has been published yet, and speculation is at its peak.

Sanremo’s history shows that many rumors eventually materialize – though some remain mere fantasy. Cash, who captivated Europe with “Espresso Macchiato” at Eurovision 2025, has become a cultural icon in Italy as well. However, he may be invited as a guest or interval act rather than a competitor. Regardless, the mere mention of his name on these lists signals a trend toward cultural openness, diversity, and musical daring at the venerable festival.

Expert Analysis: Is Sanremo Ready for a Shake-Up?

From my experience as a close follower of Sanremo and Eurovision, it is rare for a foreign artist to successfully integrate into the Italian competition – mainly due to language requirements and the relatively conservative local audience. However, recent years have seen a trend toward greater openness, especially with the influence of social media, international collaborations, and the success of Eurovision 2021 winners Maneskin, who broke through Italy’s borders. Cash, known for his satire, provocation, and innovation, could bring a fresh energy to the festival – but may also spark controversy, as seen with his Eurovision entry.

Will Sanremo 2026 truly become an international stage? Even a guest appearance by Cash would signal a new era of cultural diversity, while also challenging the boundaries of Italian tradition.

Eurovision 2025: This was Estonia’s 30th participation in Eurovision. Estonia joined the contest in 1994 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2001 when singers Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL, won first place with the song “Everybody”.