25 February – Live in love

We all know that one of the Big Five (at least) is really gunning for its next win. Year after year it generally out-performs the other four with its results. And when it does win, it will be another glorious contest, won’t it?

For the avoidance of doubt I’m talking about Italy. They’ve had ten top 10 finishes in the last twelve appearances since they came in from the cold. A win and a couple of runner-up spots mean that it could be this year again. However, there were two songs finishing outside the top 10 – probably wrongly. One of those can from today’s birthday girl Francesca Michielin. Only 21 at the time, and surrounding by a noteworthy range of props. She got a couple of maxima, but it was more a jury song than one for televoters. Maybe the televoters weren’t happy with so much ecology on stage.

Francesca is 29 today.

Buon compleanno, Francesca!