Hello contest, the music of tomorrow 2026, registration is open: here's how to participate.

Bologna, November 6, 2025 – The contest that celebrates the talents of tomorrow and draws inspiration from the legacy of Lucio Dalla returns. Registration is free until December 14, 2025, for " CIAO Contest. The Music of Tomorrow ," dedicated to finding the best emerging artists and producers . The event, conceived by Pressing Line and iCompany, is organized by the latter under the artistic direction of Massimo Bonelli.

The sections of the contest

The contest is divided into two sections: " Artist ," for singer-songwriters and performers who can submit an original song, written and performed by them, regardless of genre; and " Producer ," for artistic producers, who can submit a song entirely arranged by them, also without genre restrictions. Covers and private or password-protected links are not permitted.

How to sign up

The rules and registration form are available at this link . An initial selection is made by the event's artistic director, whose decision is final. After this initial phase, at least ten artists will be selected for each category, who will advance to the final stage of the contest. The finalist projects will then be evaluated by a jury of qualified industry professionals, who will select the winners of the two sections.

The artistic legacy of Lucio Dalla

Inspired by Lucio Dalla's artistic vision, always characterized by curiosity about the future, experimentation, and the pursuit of new forms of expression , the "CIAO" festival has established itself as a key event . Year after year, it successfully highlights and highlights the new gems of the Italian music scene, focusing on innovation and the promotion of emerging creativity.

The "Dalla Dancers"

Each year , the "Ballerini Dalla" awards are presented, honoring the most representative artists of the new Italian music scene. These prizes are independent of any market logic: they honor the quality of the music produced, the originality, open-mindedness, and innovative strength of the artists.

The winners of past editions

Over the course of the three previous editions, the series dedicated to Lucio Dalla was broadcast in March on Rai1 . Winners included: Brunori Sas, Calcutta, Cesare Cremonini, Colapesce, Dimartino, Daniela Pes, Dardust, Fulminacci, Luché, Madame, Mara Sattei, Margherita Vicario, Noemi, and Paolo Benvegnù.

The initiative is promoted by the Lucio Dalla Foundation and carried out with the support of the main sponsor Banca di Bologna, in collaboration with the Municipality of Bologna and the media partnership of QN Quotidiano Nazionale, il Resto del Carlino, La Nazione, Il Giorno, Luce!.