Volodymyr Zelensky Will Speak During the Final of Sanremo 2023

The Sanremo Festival is getting closer and several news about its guest were announced during the last days. The newest announcement just arrived in the last few hours. During the popular TV show Domenica In, the journalist and TV host Bruno Vespa revealed that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will be reached via video call during the grand final of the Festival (February 11^th). Vespa will be there, too, to interview the president.

His appearance will be after almost one year of conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky himself told Bruno Vespa his wish to speak during Sanremo, which is among the oldest events of such kind and is broadcast via Eurovision. Therefore, Zelensky will have the opportunity to speak to all of Europe, not just Italy. The artistic director Amadeus accepted with no hesitation.

Zelensky will not be the only international guest of Sanremo 2023. With all due differences, the stage of the Ariston theatre will host Black Eyed Peas. The American group will perform during the second night of the Festival (February 8^th). Instead, the opening night will be marked by the reunion of Pooh, one of the most beloved and historic Italian bands.

The Festival also gave information about the co-hosts. Besides the already announced Chiara Ferragni (who will donate her entire fee to associations fighting violence against women) and Francesca Fagnani, there will be the actress Chiara Francini and the volleyball champion Paola Egonu.

Update: due to political controversy, president Zelensky will not speak via video call anymore. Instead, an official letter of his will be read by Amadeus during the show.