Earlier today, Rai – the Italian public broadcaster – revealed the 22 artists that will compete in the upcoming Sanremo festival.

The 73rd edition of the Sanremo Music Festival is Italy’s biggest music event. The winner of this festival is given the chance to represent the country to Eurovision. This year’s show will be held on Ariston Theatre – as usual – between 7th and 11th of February.

The 22 artists will be competing in the Big Artists category and among them is one former Eurovision participants.

The Artists

1. Giorgia
2. Articolo 31
3. Elodie
4. Colapesce Dimartino
5. Ariete
6. Moda’
7. Mara Sattei
8. Leo Gassmann
9. I Cugini di Campagna
10. Mr. Rain
11. Marco Mengoni
12. Anna Oxa
13. Lazza
14. Tananai
15. Paola & Chiara
16. LDA
17. Madame
18. Gianluca Grignani
19. Rosa Chemical
20. Coma_Cose
21. Levante
22. Ultimo

Returning Artists

Among the participants you can notice not only some returning artists to the Italian music festival, but also an Italian representative. Marco Mengoni won the 2013 edition of the Italian festival and represented Italy at Eurovision with the song “L’essenziale”. Moreover, former festival winners Anna Oxa and Georgia are in the list. In addition, Elodie, Tananai, and Coma_Cose will return to the contest.

Source: RAI

What do you think about the artists? What do you believe about the national final? Let us know in the comments below!