Italians gear up for 2020 Sanremo festival
For those who love a list of song titles with no real idea of what they might sound like, today's your lucky day! RAI...
20 December – Yes, I softly said yes
Our friends in Italy are an interesting case study. Their relationship with the Eurovision Song Contest seems more love/hate than most. And there's a...
Sanremo 2026 Confirms Dates, Conti Returns, and the Olympics Get in...
Italy’s biggest musical soap opera will air later than usual next year, with RAI confirming that the 76th Festival di Sanremo will run from...
Man with a monkey wins Sanremo 2017
Francesco Gabanni has been named winner of the 2017 Sanremo Festival. In a press conference after the show, he confirmed he will accept the...
Monty’s Eurovision Countdown Part 23 – ITALY
Non Mi Avete Fatto Niente by Ermal Meta and Fabrizo Moro
I’ve seldom been so pleased as to learn the Italian broadcaster RAI has finally...
29 October – You, who played with my heart and with...
As you will know, every performer in our favourite TV show is a professional. They all want to do their best. Nevertheless, it must...
Phil’s Eurovision Countdown – Part 25 – Italy
La bella Italia. Known chiefly these days for being a bit sulky with the contest for a gazillion years in the 90's-2000's, and then...
25 February – I gave less space to the heart and...
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...
28 April – And stick you to my breast, so that...
We're continuing our look at duets through the ages. As I've said, they can be hit or miss. They can be well-suited, or thrown...
18 January – Two big white tears, like two pearls from...
Certain contests are known for more than just the songs. It could be a stage invasion, someone falling over when trying to present a...