The spotlight shifts from the critics’ table to the living rooms of millions this Sunday, May 17, as the 25th edition of Maria De Filippi’s Amici reaches its definitive conclusion. In a high-stakes finale that strips the judging panel of its power, the ultimate question remains: chi alzerà la coppa? Tutto deciso dal pubblico, as the production has shifted the entire weight of the victory onto the viewers’ shoulders through a comprehensive televoting system.
For weeks, the “Serale” phase of the competition has been defined by the strategic decisions and critiques of the professional jury. However, the finalissima introduces a radical regulatory shift. The judges—comprising Gigi D’Alessio, Elena D’Amario, Amadeus, and Cristiano Malgioglio—will transition into purely advisory roles, offering commentary on the performances without any influence over who stays or goes. The winner will be determined exclusively via SMS, web voting, and the program’s official digital platforms.
This transition transforms the finale from a technical evaluation into a popularity and impact contest, placing the fate of five aspiring artists in the hands of the audience. The evening will culminate in a final duel between the last two remaining students, with the winner succeeding last year’s champion, dancer Daniele Doria, who will return to hand over the trophy.
A New Strategic Format for the Final Showdown
Beyond the voting shift, the production has implemented a structural change to the competition’s mechanics to ensure a more balanced playing field. In the initial stages of the evening, contestants will be separated by their artistic category. By preventing direct head-to-head clashes between singers and dancers in the early rounds, the show aims to mitigate the inherent difficulty of comparing two entirely different disciplines of performing arts.
The evening’s tension begins immediately with a preliminary televote between singers Angie and Lorenzo. This initial clash is critical, as it will determine which of the two secures the fifth and final official spot in the championship race. This “sudden death” opening sets a rigorous tone for the rest of the broadcast.
The finalists are divided across the mentor teams as follows:
| Team | Finalists | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Zerbi-Celentano | Elena | Singer |
| Zerbi-Celentano | Emiliano | Dancer |
| Zerbi-Celentano | Nicola | Dancer |
| Peparini-Cuccarini | Angie / Lorenzo | Singer (TBD) |
Financial Stakes and Professional Accolades
While the trophy represents the pinnacle of prestige within the Amici ecosystem, the financial incentives for the winner are substantial. The absolute champion will receive 150,000 euros in gold tokens, a signature prize of the De Filippi talent show. The top performer in each specific category—singing and dancing—will be awarded 50,000 euros.
The competition also integrates external industry validation through the Premio della Critica, sponsored by Enel. This 50,000-euro award is decided by a specialized jury of journalists from leading newspapers, news agencies, and music magazines, offering a professional counterweight to the public’s televote.
Several other industry-sponsored prizes are on the line to help launch the artists’ professional careers:
- Trofeo Premio Radio: Awarded by a consortium of Italian radio networks to facilitate airplay and broadcasting.
- Premio Unicità Oreo: A cash prize of 30,000 euros.
- Premio Keep Dreaming Marlù: A 7,000-euro grant awarded to all finalists to support their continued artistic development.
The Path to the Final Trophy
As the evening progresses through various rounds of elimination, the field will narrow until only two students remain for the final duel. While the public holds the voting power, early indicators from bookmakers suggest a potential trend toward a dancer taking the title, continuing the momentum from Daniele Doria’s previous victory.
The shift in rules means that technical perfection—while valued by the judges—may take a backseat to emotional connection and fan mobilization. For the finalists, the strategy now involves not just delivering a flawless performance, but engaging their digital communities to ensure their victory in the final televote.
The final results will be announced live on Sunday night, marking the end of the 25th edition and the beginning of a new professional chapter for the winner. Viewers can follow official updates and cast their votes through the Canale 5 official portal.
We want to hear your predictions. Who do you believe has the strongest connection with the public this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
