Qal'at Song Contest
The national music contest for emerging artists in the heart of Caltanissetta
About Qal'at Song Contest
A new music contest in the heart of Sicily
The Qal'at Song Contest is the new musical event in Caltanissetta, the capital of the province of the same name in the heart of Sicily. Designed as a national competition for emerging artists and original projects from all over Italy, the event has established itself from its very first edition as a benchmark for the country's singer-songwriter and independent scene.
Unlike traditional televised talent shows, the Qal'at Song Contest is a true cultural project: alongside the competition, artists participate in masterclasses and workshops led by industry professionals, offering a growth path designed to provide concrete tools for those looking to build a career in music.
The contest format
The competition takes place over three evenings: two semi-finals with eight artists each and a final that brings together the best selected projects. A jury composed of authors, producers, vocal coaches, talent scouts, and record label representatives evaluates the performances. The main prize is a comprehensive music production and promotion package, including the distribution of the winning track on Ada Music, the independent division of the Warner Music group.
Venues in Caltanissetta
The festival utilizes some of the most evocative locations in the historic center of Caltanissetta. The evenings are held between the Teatro Rosso di San Secondo, the city's historic theater, and Palazzo Moncada, a prestigious 17th-century residence. Surrounding the performances, the Open Qal'at format enlivens the city streets with aperitifs, live sessions, and DJ sets, turning Caltanissetta into an open-air cultural district.
A phenomenon for the city
Promoted by local cultural operators, the Qal'at Song Contest combines the promotion of emerging talent with the enhancement of the territory and the historic center of Caltanissetta. The event appeals to both music enthusiasts and visitors looking to discover the city and its province through a national-level event.
Qal'at Song Contest — edition 2026
The first edition of the Qal'at Song Contest
The first edition of the Qal'at Song Contest took place in Caltanissetta from May 15 to 17, 2026, divided into two semi-finals (May 15 and 16) and a final (Sunday, May 17) at the Teatro Rosso di San Secondo. The event was hosted by Sonia Hamza, joined in the final by Donatello Polizzi.
The winners
- 1st place: NÈMICI, singer-songwriter from Ribera, with the song "Bufera"
- 2nd place: PINO
- 3rd place: THERIVA TRIO
- Audience Award: IRENE
Eleven artists participated in the final. The event, which received standing ovations and wide social media coverage, enlivened the historic center of Caltanissetta for three days with the Open Qal'at format, featuring aperitifs, live sessions, and DJ sets.
Programme Qal'at Song Contest 2026
Friday, May 15 — First semi-final
- 18:30-21:00 — Open Qal'at: city-wide pre-show with aperitifs, live sessions, and DJ sets
- Evening — First semi-final with eight competing artists
Saturday, May 16 — Second semi-final
- 18:30-21:00 — Open Qal'at in the historic center
- Evening — Second semi-final with eight competing artists
Sunday, May 17 — Final (Teatro Rosso di San Secondo)
- Final with eleven artists, hosted by Sonia Hamza and Donatello Polizzi
- Special guests: Ester Pantano (actress), Peppe Milia (guitarist), I Badaboom (comedy duo)
- Winner: NÈMICI with "Bufera" — 2nd PINO, 3rd THERIVA TRIO, Audience Award to IRENE
Other guests and artists announced during the event included Davide Shorty, Gero Riggio, Dino Sole, Wared, and Circolo Dog. The jury brought together music industry professionals, including Rory Di Benedetto, Renato Tanchis (Warner Music Italy), Luca Barenchi (Rockit), Andrea Rodini, and Sonia Addario.
Highlights Qal'at Song Contest 2026
- First edition of a national music contest in Caltanissetta
- Victory of NÈMICI (Ribera) with the song "Bufera"
- Hosted by Sonia Hamza and Donatello Polizzi
- Guests included Ester Pantano, Peppe Milia, and I Badaboom
- Grand prize: production and distribution with Ada Music (Warner Music Group)
Prices Qal'at Song Contest 2026
Practical information — Qal'at Song Contest
Location
The evenings take place at the Teatro Rosso di San Secondo and Palazzo Moncada, in the historic center of Caltanissetta (Sicily).
How to get there
Caltanissetta can be reached by car via the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Caltanissetta exit) or the SS 640. The Caltanissetta Centrale railway station connects the city with Palermo and Catania. The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa.
Tickets
Tickets for the evening shows were available online via the Ticketzeta platform. Pre-registration for artists is handled through the official website qalatsongcontest.it.
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Where does it take place — Qal'at Song Contest
Teatro Rosso di San Secondo e Palazzo Moncada