San Marino's national broadcaster, SMRTV, has unveiled the ambitious next phase of its Eurovision Song Contest 2026 selection process, revealing the names of 240 shortlisted artists who will compete in the Stage and Live Academy phase of the Dreaming San Marino Song Contest 2026. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the tiny republic's journey to represent itself at the prestigious international music competition scheduled for May in Vienna, Austria.
The selection process represents one of the most extensive national finals in San Marino's Eurovision history. From the initial open casting rounds, these 240 talented acts have emerged as the most promising candidates to carry the Sammarinese flag at Eurovision 2026. However, the road to Vienna remains challenging, as only a select few will ultimately secure their place in the live semi-finals and potentially the grand final of the national selection.
Eight intensive showcase events will determine which artists advance to the next stage. The 240 acts will be divided into eight separate shows, with each program featuring 30 performers. From each of these showcases, only five acts will receive the coveted opportunity to progress to the semi-finals. This format ensures that only the most exceptional talents—those who can captivate both the jury and the audience—will move forward in the competition.
The semi-finals are scheduled for March 2 and March 3, transforming the Teatro Nuovo in Dogana into a battleground of musical excellence. Each semi-final will feature 20 acts, creating an intense two-day spectacle of diverse musical styles and performances. The pressure will be immense, as only five acts from each semi-final—ten in total—will earn their passage to the grand final. This rigorous elimination process guarantees that only the strongest contenders survive.
The grand final, set for March 6, promises to be a spectacular culmination of weeks of competition. However, the ten finalists from the Dreaming San Marino Song Contest phase won't be alone on stage. In a strategic move to elevate the quality and diversity of the competition, SMRTV will invite ten established artists of its choosing to join the finalists. This unique approach creates a dynamic field of 20 acts competing for the ultimate prize: representing San Marino at Eurovision 2026.
The Teatro Nuovo in Dogana will serve as the exclusive venue for this expanded national selection process. This intimate yet prestigious theater has become the home of San Marino's Eurovision dreams, providing a professional setting where artists can showcase their talents. The venue's atmosphere will undoubtedly add to the drama and excitement as the competition unfolds throughout early March.
For viewers and fans eager to follow every moment of this musical journey, SMRTV has ensured comprehensive broadcast coverage. The entire selection process will be available live on San Marino RTV, channel 550, allowing television audiences to witness the performances as they happen. Additionally, Radio San Marino will provide audio coverage, ensuring that fans can tune in even when they cannot watch, making the competition accessible across multiple platforms.
The winner of the Dreaming San Marino Song Contest 2026 will be determined by a five-person jury panel. This expert jury will evaluate each performance based on artistic merit, vocal ability, stage presence, and overall potential to succeed at the international Eurovision stage. The decision rests entirely in their hands, emphasizing the professional standards SMRTV aims to maintain in its selection process. This jury-based system ensures that the chosen representative possesses the quality and professionalism required to compete against Europe's finest musical acts.
The stakes could not be higher, as the victor will represent San Marino at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria. This year's contest holds special significance as Vienna prepares to host Europe's most beloved music competition. For San Marino, a microstate with a population of just over 34,000, Eurovision represents an invaluable opportunity to showcase its culture and musical talent on a global stage. The country's participation consistently demonstrates that size is no barrier to artistic ambition.
The Dreaming San Marino Song Contest format reflects SMRTV's commitment to discovering and nurturing homegrown talent while also attracting established performers who can elevate the competition's profile. By combining emerging artists with seasoned professionals in the final, the broadcaster creates a unique platform where different generations and styles of Sammarinese music can intersect. This approach not only strengthens San Marino's chances at Eurovision but also enriches the country's domestic music scene.
As the competition progresses through its various phases, fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see which artists emerge as frontrunners. The diverse pool of 240 acts suggests that San Marino's musical landscape is rich with variety, spanning multiple genres and artistic visions. From pop and rock to more experimental sounds, the selection process will ultimately reveal which style resonates most strongly with the jury and has the potential to capture Europe's attention in Vienna.
The timeline for this ambitious project is compressed but clear. With the Stage and Live Academy phase beginning immediately, the eight showcase shows will unfold over the coming weeks, building anticipation toward the March semi-finals. This rapid progression ensures that momentum remains high and that the selected representative has adequate time to prepare their Eurovision entry for the international contest in May.
For the artists themselves, this opportunity represents a career-defining moment. Being selected among the 240 shortlisted acts is already an achievement, but the prospect of representing their country at Eurovision 2026 provides motivation to deliver exceptional performances. The pressure of live television, combined with the knowledge that only one act will ultimately succeed, creates an electrifying atmosphere that will test each participant's resolve and artistry.
The international Eurovision community has taken note of San Marino's ambitious selection process. As one of the smallest participating nations, San Marino's dedication to a comprehensive national final demonstrates its serious commitment to the competition. This approach contrasts with some larger countries that may opt for internal selections, showcasing how the Eurovision spirit of national representation and public participation remains alive in the microstate.
As March approaches and the competition intensifies, speculation will mount about which established artists SMRTV might invite to join the final. These invitations could significantly impact the competition's dynamics, potentially bringing well-known Sammarinese or international artists into the mix. The identity of these ten established acts remains one of the competition's most intriguing mysteries.
The five-person jury will face a monumental task in evaluating the final 20 acts. Their decision must balance artistic integrity with competitive viability, considering what will resonate not just in San Marino but across the diverse Eurovision voting landscape. The chosen song and artist must be memorable enough to stand out among approximately 40 participating countries while authentically representing Sammarinese culture and musical identity.
Ultimately, the Dreaming San Marino Song Contest 2026 represents more than just a national selection process—it's a celebration of San Marino's musical heritage and future potential. The 240 artists embarking on this journey carry with them the hopes of a nation that has consistently punched above its weight at Eurovision. As the competition unfolds over the coming weeks, one thing is certain: San Marino's path to Vienna will be paved with passion, talent, and dreams of Eurovision glory.