Sal Da Vinci’s victory at the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival with his song “Per sempre sì” wasn’t a surprise to many. From the first night, the track resonated with audiences thanks to its catchy melody, and in the days leading up to the final, the song’s accompanying choreography became a viral sensation on social media. But the win represents the culmination of a decades-long career for the Neapolitan singer, songwriter, and actor, Salvatore Michael Sorrentino, a journey that began in the vibrant world of Italian-American entertainment and gradually built toward national recognition. Understanding the story of Sal Da Vinci before Sanremo requires looking back at a life steeped in performance and a deep connection to his heritage.
Born in New York City in 1969, Da Vinci’s origins are intrinsically linked to the world of Italian music. His father, Mario Da Vinci, was a well-known performer of musica neomelodica, a genre popular in the Campania region of Italy. Mario was touring in the United States at the time of his son’s birth. Da Vinci’s early childhood was immersed in the arts; at just seven years old, he was already performing songs alongside his father. By age eight, he was appearing in Neapolitan theatrical productions, known as sceneggiate, in shows like Caro papà and Senza mamma e senza padre, further solidifying his stage presence and connection to his father’s artistic world. His early exposure to performance even led to a tiny role in Carlo Verdone’s 1986 film, Troppo forte, alongside Alberto Sordi, marking his first foray into cinema.
From Sceneggiate to Songwriting: Building a Foundation
Throughout the 1990s, Da Vinci increasingly focused on music, participating in various festivals and establishing himself within the contemporary Neapolitan song scene. For many years, his popularity remained largely concentrated within this regional circuit, where he became a respected and influential figure. He honed his skills as a songwriter and performer, developing a style that blended traditional Neapolitan sounds with modern influences. While achieving considerable success locally, national breakthrough proved elusive for some time. He first competed in the Sanremo Music Festival in 2009 with the song “Non riesco a farti innamorare,” achieving a respectable third-place finish, a testament to his talent and growing recognition.
The Rise of “Rossetto e Caffè” and National Attention
The turning point in Da Vinci’s career came in 2024 with the release of “Rossetto e caffè” (Lipstick and Coffee). The song resonated with a wider audience, extending beyond the traditional fanbase for Neapolitan music and re-establishing him in radio play and music charts. The success of “Rossetto e caffè” paved the way for further opportunities. In 2025, Da Vinci returned to the Sanremo stage, this time as a guest performer during the duets night, where he collaborated with the popular group The Kolors on “Rossetto e caffè,” finishing in tenth place. That same year, he signed with Warner Music Italy and took on a new role as a coach on the talent show Io canto Family, hosted by Michelle Hunziker on Canale 5, broadening his visibility and appeal.
“Per Sempre Sì” and Eurovision 2026
The song “Per sempre sì,” released on February 25, 2026, through Atlantic and Warner Music Italy, is a co-written effort, with Da Vinci collaborating with Alessandro La Cava, Eugenio Maimone, Federica Abbate, Francesco Sorrentino, and Joe Kremonts. The production team included Merk & Kremont, Itaca, and Adriano Pennino. As detailed on Wikipedia, the song’s lyrics were penned by Sorrentino, La Cava, and Abbate. The song’s win at Sanremo secures Italy’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Eurovision.com confirms that Da Vinci will represent Italy in the competition.
The journey to Sanremo victory for Sal Da Vinci has been a long and winding one, marked by dedication to his craft, a deep connection to his Neapolitan roots, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. His success is a testament to the enduring power of Italian musical traditions and the ability of artists to connect with audiences across generations. As he prepares to represent Italy on the international stage at Eurovision, Da Vinci carries with him not only his own artistic vision but too the rich cultural heritage that has shaped his career. The next step for Da Vinci will be preparing for the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, with the competition scheduled to capture place in May 2026.
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