The real catchphrase this year is just one: Forever yes by Sal da Vinci, who triumphed at Sanremo 2026. If the power of this song was already perceived during the first performance when it went viral, tonight there was the definitive coronation. The refrain is simple, direct, immediate. In an edition dominated by heartbreaking ballads, he chose Neapolitan melody, rhythm and warmth. A choice that turned out to be a winning one.
During the third evening, when at the end of the song the ovation became a standing ovation, a tribute to the power of Forever yes and a tribute to a singer who has been on stage for 50 years, Sal couldn’t help but be moved. When the piece starts, the feeling is of living a moment that goes beyond the race. It is no coincidence that many describe him as someone who “plays in a league of its own“. The stage presence, due to the neo-melodic roots, is indisputable. You may like it or not, but Sal doesn’t interpret the song on stage, he lives it. Hand on his chest, direct gaze, that gesture of faith shown to the audience as if to say: this promise is real.
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A catchphrase that unites square and theater
However, the phenomenon did not stop inside the theater. On Thursday afternoon, in front of the San Siro Co-Cathedral, Sal did what social media asked of him: he celebrated a promise of marriage between two young people. From a promotional moment it has become a collective ritual. The square filled up, people sang in chorus Forever yestransforming Sanremo into a popular festival.
The refrain is simple, direct, immediate. In an edition dominated by poignant ballads and experiments, he chose Neapolitan melody, rhythm and warmth. A choice that is paying off. A song that started out, according to social media, as the soundtrack to weddings from here to the years to come, is becoming much more. And while some wonder if there will be a “Geolier case encore”, a wave of televotes or controversies, one thing is clear: the song has entered people’s heads. We are all humming it, also because it is inevitable to do so.
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The grandmothers of Ostuni and Sal Da Vinci-mania
The now very famous elderly center of Ostuni, which had already become famous with the interpretation of Espresso Macchiato by Tommy Cash, then took care of consecrating the phenomenon. The “grandmothers” of the Filo d’Arianna association have in fact improvised a choreography on the notes Forever yes. Hip movements, raised hands, slow but confident turns. The ending with the finger pointing towards the wedding rings, just like he does on stage, and the appeal: “Marry us”.
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The video garnered hundreds of thousands of views in just a few hours. Enthusiastic comments, requests to see them at the Ariston during the final. And if it is true that the grannies also danced another of the Festival’s songs –Voila by Elettra Lamborghini – they are the ones who show us why Forever Yes it works so well. Because it is singable, replicable, shareable and above all danceable. It is both television and popular.
From poverty to the stages, passing through the illnesses of his children
However, behind today’s enthusiasm there is a long story. For some it will be a discovery, so let’s tell you who Sal Da Vinci is. Born Salvatore Michael Sorrentino, born in New York in 1969 during a tour of his father Mario Da Vinci, historic Neapolitan singer and actor, he grew up surrounded by Neapolitan theater and drama. Child prodigy, debut at seven years old, first records like Miracle ‘and Christmasmovies like My son I am innocent! And Naples, story of love and revengethen the album O’ Guappo ‘Nnamurato.
But the path was not linear. She spoke of times when she couldn’t even afford milk for her children. He went through the fear for the health of his daughter Annachiara, born with a carotid angioma, and his son Francesco, suffering from meningitis. In the hospital, in front of the Madonnina del Santobono, he had promised to stop singing if his son was saved. He didn’t complete that vow. Francesco recovered. These passages explain why today Forever yes it’s not just a romantic song. It is a statement of resilience, promise, responsibility.
Charisma, respect and gratitude: this is who Sal Da Vinci is
In short, taking stock: why Forever yes Is he having all this success? Why did Sal Da Vinci become the star of this Sanremo? Because he has charisma, because he brings a cheerful and rhythmic song amidst a sea of melancholy, and above all because he has fun. He enjoys it. But there’s more. He comes from the real ranks, has never hidden his economic difficulties, and is considered one of the few artists at the Festival to have a polite and respectful relationship with everyone, from the stars to the workers.
In 2009 he came third in Sanremo with I can’t make you fall in lovebehind Marco Carta e Luca was gay of Povia. Today, seventeen years later, he seems to be experiencing a sort of symbolic redemption. Last year we saw him again in the Sanremo version on the cover evening with The Kolors – with whom he sang his Lipstick and Coffee (which became very popular on social media and allowed him a second youth with tangible success also due to the fact that the public always sings it before his performance) – but this year is truly his Festival, his opportunity not to be wasted.
Tonight is the last episode of the Festival. The showdown. Maybe he will win, maybe not. But seeing such an experienced artist who is moved because the theater stands up and sings with him is something rare. What is certain is that we have to thank Sal Da Vinci for this piece which, finally, made us move from the sofas and generated an uproar on social media which, in this Sanremo, was really missing. And this, beyond the charts, is already a success.
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