On Saturday 10 February, the long anticipated final of ‘Festival di Sanremo’ came to its climax. A festival that has been held annually since 1951, making it an even longer running music competition than the Eurovision Song Contest. Despite not being considered an actual national selection for Eurovision, Italy has drawn their representative for the competition from the Sanremo festival for many years. Usually the winner get’s offered the chance to represent them at Eurovision. If they decline the honor goes to the second place etc… However there have been multiple occasions on which the Italian representative has been chosen in a different manner. This year Angelina Mango came out on top with her song “La Noia” after a show that spanned over 5 nights.
Italy at Eurovision
Despite being one of the founding members, Italy has only competed a total of 48 times in the contests 67 year run. In 1956 they were represented by 2 different singers and songs. They were “Aprite Le Finestre” by Franca Raimondi and “Amami Se Vuoi” by Tonina Torrielli. One of the biggest hits to ever come out of the contest was “Nel Blu, Dipinto Di Blu” by Domenico Modugno, more commonly know as “Volare”. A song that would go on to chart worldwide and later get countless covers.
Italy has won the competition 3 times so far. Their first win was in 1964, when Gigliola Cinquetti topped the voting with her entry “Non Ho L’età”. Another song that would go on to become a big hit. It would take them another 23 years before they won again, in 1990 with the song “Insieme” sung by Toto Cutugno. Their most recent victory of course, was just 3 years ago. Måneskin, an Italian rock and roll band, won the 2021 contest after topping the telvote with their song “Zitti e Buoni”.
Despite a lot of success Italy withdrew from the contest in on several occasions, the last in 1998. They would not return until 2011. Since their return Italy have become yet again an absolute power house! Reaching the top ten 10!!! times in the last 12 years, including a third place, 2 second placements and their victory in 2021.
Big 5
Along with the UK, Germany, Spain and Germany, Italy are part of a group of countries called ‘the big 5’. Granting them automatic qualification for the grand final of the contest every year. They get this status because they are the countries that are the biggest financial contributors. A rule that has been disputed many times by fans. However it is unlikely that Italy would not have qualified for the final had they not been in this position, as is proven by their track record.
Italy 2024
This year marks 50 years since a female act not only won Sanremo but has also accepted the offer to perform her winning song at the Eurovision Song Contest! It was about time Italy! Festival di Sanremo spanned over 5 nights, 4 semi finals and a final in which each time a professional jury and/or a televote gave out a ranking. Towards the end of the final night, 5 acts made it to the super-final. The contest saw many returnees, such as Mahmood, Diodato and Loredana Bertè. In the end neither of them made it to the super-final. The 5 acts advancing were Annalisa, Angelina Mango, Geolier, Irama and Ghali. After another televising round all the points were added up and it was Angelina Mango who topped the ranking with her track “La Noia”.
Angelina Mango is a 22 year old singer from Maratea. Her song “La Noia” is a folk pop song written by herself and Madame. According to Angelina “This song came out of a reflection on time. Boredom is seen as a negative thing, but actually it is time that you dedicate to yourself, it allows you to discover yourself. Between a life of highs and lows and one of boredom, I will always choose one of highs and lows, but I will always leave myself time for boredom as well”.
Does Angelina have what it takes to grant Italy their 4th win? Will the supermarkets in Italy be selling more mango’s? Who knows! What I do know is that you can find our honest but fair review on this entry below! As usual we have added are totally unbased early predictions!
niallpoints Review
Niall
Okay I might not have gotten it at the time we recorded the reaction, but this has actually really grown on me. As I said at the time all the elements were there, it just wasn’t coming together for me, however now. This is fun.
I think one thing this track does well is showcase Angelina’s vocal – I mean, we all heard that a cappella right? My worry for this song will be how it translates with staging and without an orchestra – but Angelina has such an attitude that I don’t think it really matters.
Early prediction: 8 – 14
Tomas
Tell me the last time Italy did not send quality to Eurovision… I’ll wait… This is just another fantastic entry from them. “La Noia” was my favorite act from Sanremo this year. My fave actually won something! That never happens. I love the ethnic feel that this has, the folk elements. It sounds very southern. And it’s giving me summer vibes!
Angelina is a very good performer and sings the song so well. To have the guts to sing a part of your song a cappella with a live band in front of millions of viewers… at her age! Just WOW! This is going straight onto my playlist and into my top 3!
Early prediction: 6-10
So that’s our review for Italy’s entry for Eurovision 2024! Do you agree with us? Did you have other favorites in Sanremo? Can Italy win again? Let us know in the comments down below! While you’re why don’t you have a look at our reaction video to “La Noia”, by Anglina Mango right here!
