Italy Archives - EuroMix

Olly Turned Down Eurovision, and Now Reveals – Does He Regret It?

October 9, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Two months after Olly, winner of Sanremo 2025, gave up representing Italy at Eurovision in Basel, he finally talks about his decision – does he regret walking away? A few months ago, we reported that Olly, who won Italy’s Sanremo Festival with the song “Balorda nostalgia” (“Foolish Nostalgia”), announced that he would forgo the right to represent Italy at Eurovision 2025, which took place in Basel, Switzerland. In his place, runner-up Lucio Corsi represented the country with his song “Volevo essere un duro” (in English: “I Wanted to Be Tough”), bringing Italy to an impressive fifth place. At the time, Olly announced his withdrawal from the opportunity to represent Italy via an Instagram post: “I truly believe that I need to reconnect with everything happening to me right now, before looking further ahead, before continuing with my beloved live performances… That’s why I’ve decided to give up the opportunity to take part in Eurovision”. Now, for the first time since the contest ended, Olly reflects...

End of an Era in Italy’s Sanremo: Carlo Conti Bids Farewell to the Stage, and Everyone In Italy is Talking About It

October 4, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); End of an era: Carlo Conti, the man who became a symbol of Featival Di Sanremo, ends his journey after more than 40 years with RAI and five unforgettable editions as host and artistic director. Featival Di Sanremo 2026 will mark a historic moment not only for Italian music but also as a farewell to one of its defining figures. Carlo Conti, the cheerful yet meticulous television personality who led the iconic event over five editions, has announced that the upcoming festival will be his last as both host and artistic director. For many in Italy - and Eurovision fans in Israel - this truly signals the end of an era. Featival Di Sanremo is widely regarded as one of Italy’s most respected and influential music events, held annually in the coastal city of Sanremo in northern Italy. Beyond its role as a national cultural celebration, the festival has a deep historical connection - it inspired the very...

Disappointment: Three RAI Senior Executives Call to Boycott Israel at Eurovision

September 23, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Is Italy changing its stance on Israel? While once considered a supporter, senior executives at the Italian national broadcaster RAI now urge the country to boycott if Israel remains in Eurovision. Contrary to what many in Israel thought until recently, Italy may not necessarily support Israel’s participation in the contest. Three members of the RAI board of directors — Italy’s public national broadcaster — have demanded that the organization announce it will not take part if Israel remains in the competition. They argue that such an early declaration would be “another way to increase pressure” on Israel. They warned that Italy’s silent participation, with no form of protest, could be perceived as tacit legitimization of the events in Gaza, pointing out that five other countries — the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, and Spain — have already stated they will not take part if Israel is included. It should be noted, however, that despite these claims, Iceland has not yet publicly confirmed...

Contestants of Sanremo Festival to Be Revealed on December 7th

September 18, 2025September 23, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Italy’s national broadcaster RAI announced today that the contestants of Festival Di Sanremo 2026, will be revealed on December 7th by artistic director and host Carlo Conti. Italy’s national broadcaster RAI announced today that the list of participants in the 76th edition of the Italian Eurovision pre-selection, Sanremo Festival 2026, will be revealed on December 7th by the festival’s artistic director and host, Carlo Conti. The festival will take place between February 24th–28th, featuring 24 artists. The winner will earn the opportunity to represent Italy at Eurovision 2026. Should the winner refuse, the national broadcaster will select another contestant from Sanremo’s lineup to represent the country. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Although the official lineup for Sanremo has not yet been released, recent leaks suggest that several past representatives of Italy may return. According to reports in the Italian music industry, the most frequently mentioned names are: Angelina Mango – winner of Sanremo 2024, who...

Sanremo Festival 2026: Agreement Between RAI and Sanremo Secures Future

September 4, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sanremo and RAI signed an agreement ensuring the festival remains in the city through 2028, keeping its Eurovision tradition alive The Sanremo Festival, which serves as Italy’s selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest, will remain in the city of Sanremo for at least the next three years. After lengthy and unpredictable negotiations, the Italian national broadcaster RAI and the Municipality of Sanremo signed an agreement granting the municipality ownership of the festival’s trademark, while RAI will retain full production rights and the authority to select Italy’s Eurovision representative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Festival Dates and Rumors The upcoming edition of the Sanremo Festival will take place from February 24th to February 28th, 2026, immediately following the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina and just before the start of the Paralympic Games. This represents a departure from the traditional dates due to scheduling conflicts and the density of large-scale events in the city. Carlo Conti will...

Shocking News on the International Stage: Måneskin Announces Reunion!

August 19, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The manager of Måneskin, the internationally successful winners of Eurovision 2021, announced the band’s reunion for live performances in the last quarter of 2025! What caused the comeback? Måneskin, winners of Eurovision 2021 with the song “Zitti E Buoni” (in English: “Shut Up and Behave”), is expected to reunite soon after suffering heavy financial losses following the group’s split and the pursuit of solo careers. The band’s manager, Alessandro De Angelis, father of bassist Victoria De Angelis, confirmed that the group plans to return to the stage in the last quarter of 2025, ahead of a full tour in 2026. Alessandro also acts as CEO of Måneskin Empire Srl, which owns the Måneskin brand rights. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sharp Financial Losses for Måneskin’s Music Company This announcement follows the loss of first place in the Italian music company rankings by the firm that holds the group’s music rights. The decline resulted from the temporary break-up of band members Damiano David, Victoria De...

Approaching a Compromise: Sanremo Festival Expected to Remain in the City Until at Least 2028

August 17, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After months of uncertainty, RAI and the Municipality of Sanremo are set to sign a three-year agreement with an option for further renewal, ensuring the festival's continuation in the city. The Italian national broadcaster, RAI, and the Municipality of Sanremo, are close to signing a deal that will guarantee the Sanremo Festival remains at its traditional venue until 2028, with an option to extend for an additional two years, according to Italian media reports and statements from officials in both organizations. The agreement is expected to be finalized in early September, ending a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding the future of this major event in Italian culture, which also serves as the official pre-selection for the country’s Eurovision representative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Uncertainty and Breakdown Between the Parties In recent months, heated discussions have taken place between RAI and the Municipality of Sanremo, with scenarios where the festival-drawing top musicians and millions of...

Eurovision 2025: Tommy Cash Releases a New Song, and Ignites Controversy!

August 15, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Tommy Cash, who captivated audiences at Eurovision 2025, has recently released a new song, stirring up controversy on the international stage. During his performance at the Red Valley Festival in Olbia, Italy, singer Tommy Cash, Estonia’s representative to Eurovision 2025, surprised the audience with the premiere of a new song. Performed in Italian, like the Eurovision entry “Espresso Macchiato”, the song rekindled debate in Italy about the artist. The new single once again explores Italian stereotypes - coffee, mortadella, pop culture references, and nods to actor Roberto Benigni. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Possible Preparation for a Eurovision Comeback? The artist, whose Eurovision song ignited controversy in Italy, continues to delve into Italian culture in his music. While his initial foray may have seemed like provocation, it’s now evident to fans that Tommy Cash’s connection to Italy is deepening. In past interviews, he has expressed his love for the country, becoming a frequent guest at local festivals. Moreover, his...

The Battle Is Over: The Sanremo Festival Will Remain in Sanremo

August 10, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After months of economic and legal disputes, RAI and the Sanremo municipality have reached an agreement: the Sanremo Festival will stay in Sanremo. Who will fund the coveted festival, which selects Italy's Eurovision song? For months, reports have circulated that the prestigious and long-standing Sanremo Festival, from which Italy’s Eurovision representatives are chosen, might be leaving its legendary city for the first time in 75 years due to a heated conflict between the Italian national broadcaster, RAI, and the municipality of Sanremo. Now, it seems the drama is nearing its end, but with a controversial turn: this time, the Sanremo municipality will foot the bill - the same municipality that demanded the “Sanremo” trademark from RAI, alongside 1% of its advertising revenues. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From Dreams of Fame to Harsh Financial Reality RAI clarified that it was tired of serving as a cash machine and declared: “Either change direction, or we will find another...

Italy: Damiano David Nominated in Two Categories at the American MTV Awards

August 6, 2025August 10, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The nominees for the MTV American VMA Awards have been revealed, and Eurovision fans have reason to celebrate: Damiano David, lead singer of Maneskin, is nominated for two major awards! The nominees for the MTV American VMA Awards have been announced, and Eurovision fans can take pride: Damiano David, lead singer of Maneskin, is nominated in two important categories. This is a major milestone for a Eurovision winner, especially in a ceremony closely linked to the American music industry. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Nominations: MTV Push Performance and Best Long Form Video Categories David is nominated in the MTV Push Best New Performance category thanks to his appearance with "Next Summer". The MTV Push program is designed to promote emerging musicians. David faces competition from breakthrough artists such as Shaboozey and Gigi Perez. He is also nominated for Best Long Form Video thanks to the clip for his song "Funny Little Stories". This time,...