The Eurovision and Sanremo torchbearers for the Winter Olympics 2026

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are about to begin and Eurovision and Sanremo stars have already been part of the action.

From late November the Olympic torch made its way from Greece to Italy in early December.

Carrying the flame in various locations across Italy have been many familiar names to Eurovision and Sanremo fans.

Achille Lauro

The Italian singer represented San Marino at Eurovision with Stripper.

He has also competed at Sanremo four times, with his best place being 7th in 2025 with Incoscienti giovani.

He carried the torch on the first day of its journey in Italy, and in true Achille Lauro style, right in front of the Colosseum.

Noemi

On the same day Achille Lauro carried the torch, so did Sanremo star Noemi.

She has competed at the Festival nine times, with her best result 3rd in 2012.

Al Bano

Al Bano competed at Eurovision twice for Italy in 1976 and 1985.

His 1976 entry with wife Romina Power We'll Live it All Again finished 7th, while his 1985 entry (also with Power) Magic Oh Magic also finished 7th.

He carried the torch in Florence on the 6th day of the relay in Italy.

Arisa

Arisa has competed in the Sanremo Music Festival five times, winning the title in 2014 with Contravento.

However, in those years the winner of Sanremo wasn't offered the Eurovision Song Contest placement. Instead Emma Marrone was chosen internally.

Arisa is due to compete in this year's Sanremo Music Festival.

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony takes place on Friday 5 February in Europe (Saturday 6 February). Coverage of Channel 9 in Australia.

For continued updates on all Eurovision Song Contest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, Bluesky and Instagram. All the links can be found at: https://linktr.ee/aussievisionnet