Italy | Einar and Mahmood secure places at Sanremo 2019

In perhaps the biggest format change for Italy's famous music festival 'Sanremo' - which has also been used as the selection process for the Italy's representative at Eurovision since their return in 2011 with the exception of 2014 - the winner of each night of Sanremo Giovani is given a place to perform at the revered music festival di Sanremo. Typically they would enter only the Newcomers section however earlier this year it was confirmed that it was to be scrapped meaning the Sanremo Giovani winners would advance straight to the music festival.

Sanremo Giovani invites young performers to compete in a smaller scale music festival with - as of 2018 - the aim of then going on to compete at Sanremo festival in a few months time. This year, the top 24 participants were split in to two nights of 12 and the winner of each will be granted the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Sanremo music festival which will take place every night between February 5th and February 9th 2019.

The winner of the first night was Einar with 'Centomila volte' who triumphed with his passionate delivery. You can view his performance from the show below:

Likewise, Mahmood came out on top on the second evening of Sanremo Giovani with 'Gioventù bruciata' and will also be competing in Sanremo in February. Check out the performance here:

In very exciting news to their fans - operatic group Il Volo are confirmed as returning to Sanremo festival. The trio came third in Eurovision 2015 in Vienna with their song 'Grande Amore' and actually won the televote meaning they picked up a lot of fans across the continent! In addition to the two Sanremo Giovani winners, broadcaster RAI have confirmed all of the names who will be competing at Sanremo 2019:

Are you excited for Sanremo? Do you think either of the Sanremo Giovani winners could come out on top? Let us know in the comments below or via our social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube. Make sure to subscribe for the latest Eurovision news, national selection updates and exclusive video content