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San Marino has finally got the memo for Eurovision : if in doubt, call Senhit.
On 6 March at the Teatro Nuovo in Dogana, the newly‑minted San Marino Song Contest wrapped up with Senhit and Boy George taking the ticket to Vienna with “Superstar” – a title that’s not exactly underselling the package. The UK legend stayed at a safe distance from Dogana (by not actually being there but being on tape!) but his name on the billing was more than enough to swing a very friendly jury in their direction.
The show: more is more
Twenty‑one songs from thirteen countries made it to the grand final, thanks to a mix of two semi‑finals, pre‑qualified “big names” and the now-obligatory wildcard to keep the locals sweet. It’s all under the “Dreaming San Marino” umbrella, which basically translates as: if you’ve got a song and can find San Marino on a map, you’re in with a shout (and have the € of course!)
The whole circus was steered by Simona Ventura, who did her best TV‑pro‑doing-Eurovision-hosting cosplay, while the voting was 100% jury – no televote, no app, no carrier pigeons. Just a5 member panel deciding your fate while you smile politely into the camera.
The results: Senhit on top
When the envelopes were finally opened, digitally, this is how the top of the scoreboard shook out:
A very Italian‑leaning line‑up, with Senhit, Paolo Belli and co. leaning into that polished, radio‑ready, Saturday‑night‑variety sound San Marino seems increasingly attached to. Kelly Joyce’s “Oh Là Là” did exactly what it said on the tin – very lounge‑chic, very “I have a spritz in hand, please don’t disturb me with a key change.”
Talking of which… here’s ya winner – Officially *just* Senhit has been entered on Eurovision.com and no actual mention of Mr Boy George anywhere leading to the question “Does he even know he’s been entered?” Not a Euphamism!
Side quests: the extra trophies
Because it’s not a national final until everyone gets a ribbon, the organisers dished out a handful of side prizes:
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Pellegrina Pibigas picked up the Press Award for “Il giorno che”.
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Dolcenera walked off with both a critics’ gong and a best‑lyrics nod for “My Love”.
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Rosa Chemical snagged a fashion award for being… Rosa Chemical.
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Maya Azucena was named best new artist, which feels about right given how confidently she snuck into that joint 4th place.
None of these changed the outcome, but they did give the closing credits something to talk about besides Senhit’s victory lap.
What this means for Eurovision?
For San Marino, this is a very on‑brand move: when in trouble, ring up someone who’s been there before and let them carry the flag. Senhit returns to the Eurovision stage after 2011 and 2021, this time, possibly with Boy George in tow, giving San Marino one of the most instantly recognisable names on the 2026 line‑up.
“Superstar” will land in the second half of the first semi‑final in Vienna, where the microstate will be hoping that a familiar face, an even more familiar guest star, and a truckload of gloss are enough to drag them back into the final but as far as headlines go, San Marino’s already won.
