Women at the helm of Sanremo Festival: a rare and historic event

Only four women have had the honor and responsibility of hosting the Sanremo Festival alone: Loretta Goggi in 1986, Raffaella Carrà in 2001, Simona Ventura in 2004, and Antonella Clerici in 2010. A remarkable milestone in Italian television history.

Only four women have hosted the Sanremo Festival independently. The Sanremo Festival, Italy's most prestigious music event, has historically been dominated by male presenters, with women often serving as co-hosts or assistants. However, in four special occasions, remarkable women were entrusted with the full responsibility of leading the festival: Loretta Goggi in 1986, Raffaella Carrà in 2001, Simona Ventura in 2004, and Antonella Clerici in 2010. Each of them made history, bringing their unique style, charisma, and professionalism to the stage. Their editions were marked by unforgettable moments, bold fashion choices, and unexpected incidents that made headlines.

Loretta Goggi (1986): the first woman to host Sanremo
In 1986, Loretta Goggi became the first woman to host the Sanremo Festival solo. It was a groundbreaking moment for Italian television, as up until that time, women had mostly been relegated to secondary roles. Goggi, already an acclaimed actress, singer, and TV host, brought elegance and professionalism to the festival.
One of the most memorable aspects of her edition was her fashion: Goggi wore sophisticated, international-style outfits that showcased her impeccable taste and proved that a female host could be just as authoritative and stylish as her male counterparts. She also faced technical difficulties during one of the evenings, but she handled the situation with humor and poise, turning a potential disaster into a memorable television moment.

Raffaella Carrà (2001): energy and an international touch
After a long gap of 15 years, the legendary Raffaella Carrà took the stage as the sole host of Sanremo in 2001. Known for her dynamic energy and international appeal, Carrà made that year’s festival more global, inviting international stars like Ricky Martin and Shakira to perform.
One of the most talked-about moments that year was the appearance of rapper Eminem, who refused to be interviewed and performed with his hood up, creating controversy. Carrà, however, managed the situation with her characteristic grace, maintaining professionalism throughout. On the fashion front, her sparkling outfits, including a stunning white sequined suit, left a lasting impression on the audience.

Simona Ventura (2004): a modern and bold approach
In 2004, Simona Ventura, one of Italy’s most popular TV hosts, took over the festival, bringing a more contemporary and dynamic approach. She wanted to make Sanremo more appealing to younger audiences, introducing more pop elements and international acts.
One of the most bizarre moments of her edition occurred when a fan unexpectedly climbed on stage to hand her a bouquet of flowers, catching both security and the audience off guard. Instead of panicking, Ventura gracefully accepted the flowers and made a witty remark that won over the crowd. Her fashion choices were bold and colorful, including a striking red dress with a plunging neckline that became one of the most talked-about looks of that year.

Antonella Clerici (2010): warmth and spontaneity
Finally, in 2010, Antonella Clerici took the reins of the festival. Known for her warm and spontaneous hosting style, she brought a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere to Sanremo. Unlike her predecessors, she focused on an emotional connection with the audience, making viewers feel at home.
One of the most heartwarming moments of her edition was when a child from the audience suddenly ran on stage to hug her. Instead of being surprised, Clerici embraced the child with her usual kindness, turning an unexpected moment into one of the most touching scenes of the festival. Her fashion choices reflected her warm personality, with voluminous princess-like dresses, including a champagne-colored gown that looked like something out of a fairy tale.

The future of female hosting at Sanremo
Despite the success of these four editions led by women, the Sanremo Festival has continued to be predominantly hosted by men. The discussion on gender equality in television remains ongoing, with many wondering whether more women will be given the opportunity to host the festival solo in the future.
While women are gaining more prominence in Italian television, the path to achieving full hosting equality at Sanremo still seems long. Who will be the next woman to make history at the Sanremo Festival?