Sanremo is about to make its big return! After last year saw reigning winner Marco Mengoni place 4th in Eurovision 2023 for Italy with ‘Due Vite‘, there is no doubt the Mediterranean nation will want to send another top scoring song. With host and artistic director Amadeus (probably) leaving after this edition, he has no doubt spared no expense on forming a high quality lineup for audiences on Italian soil and beyond, and just looking at the artists competing, we can tell there will be something for everybody.
In this article, we introduce you to the 30 artists competing for the win at Italy’s most famous contest, and a place in the Eurovision 2024 lineup.
Alessandra Amoroso – ‘Fino a qui’
Alessandra Amoroso is making her debut in Sanremo this year. Born in 1986, the singer from Galatina, Apulia participated in many local competitions growing up. She won Amici di Maria De Fillipi back in 2009 after previously being rejected, and has gone on to be one of the top selling Italian artists, with over three million units sold overall. She has released nine albums, debuting atop the charts seven times, and has amassed countless awards. Her pop sound has been influenced mainly by Anastacia, Aretha Franklin, and Mina. She currently has over 930,000 monthly listeners on Spotify to her name.
She will be competing with the song ‘Fino a qui’ (Until now) written by herself, Jacopo Et, Federica Abbate, Ketra, Takagi, and Pierfrancesco Pasini. It is an emotional and captivating ballad, and features a piano.
Alfa – ‘Vai!’
Andrea De Filippi, or Alfa, is also making his debut in the contest. The rapper, singer-songwriter, and radio host, was born in 2000 in Genoa, Liguria. He studied guitar and piano from a young age, and entered local freestyle competitions growing up. Rising to fame on Tiktok in 2019, his music is a mix of pop, rap, and indie. Notably for Eurovision fans, he collaborated with 2022 Armenian entrant Rosa Linn on an Italian version of her viral entry ‘Snap’. He also has 2.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be participating with the song ‘Vai!’ (Go!) written by himself, Ian Brendon Scott, and Mark Jackson. The entry showcases a catchy chorus and a folk-inspired sound.
Angelina Mango – ‘La noia’
Angelina Mango is another debutante into the contest. Born in 2001, the singer-songwriter from Maratea, Basilicata is the daughter of the famous late singer Giuseppe Mango, known as Mango. Alongside that, her mother is Laura Valente, formerly of the group Matia Bazar. Always with music in her life, she was influenced during her childhood by the Rolling Stones, Nirvana, and Aretha Franklin. Her pop style led her to a runner up placing in Amici di Maria Filippi last year, and she has opened concerts for such artists as Elisa. She currently has almost two million monthly listeners on Spotify.
She will be competing with the song ‘La noia’ (The boredom) written by herself, Madame, and Dardust. The uptempo song brings both contemporary and past influences.
Annalisa – ‘Sinceramente’
Annalisa Scarrone, known mononymously, is a singer-songwriter from Savona, Liguria. She last participated in 2021 with ‘Dieci’ (7th), but also competed in 2018 with ‘Il mondo prima di te’ (3rd), 2016 with ‘Il diluvio universale’ (11th), 2015 with ‘Una Finestra tra le stelle’ (4th), and 2013 with ‘Scintille’ (9th). Born in 1985, she learned classical guitar, piano, and flute in her childhood, also taking part in various competitions. She began promoting as a solo singer in 2011, coming second in Amici di Maria De Filippi. She has sold over three million units, won numerous awards, and was named one of the hundred most successful women in Italy by Forbes in 2013. She currently has over 2.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
She will be participating with the song ‘Sinceramente’ (Sincerely) written by herself, Davide Simonetta, Paolo Antonacci, and Zef. It is an uptempo song with a powerful bridge and great vocals.
BigMama – ‘La rabbia non ti basta’
Marianna Mammone, known as BigMama, is a rapper from Serino, Campania. She will be making her debut as a competitor in Sanremo, but you may recognise her from last year’s festival when she performed ‘American Woman’ with Elodie on covers night. Born in 2000, she began rapping at 13, and began publishing music when she was just 16. She is also openly bisexual, a LGBT advocate, and an icon of body positivity. Her hip hop music has earned her over 25,000 monthly listeners. Notably, she submitted her entry initially to Sanremo Giovani, but Amadeus liked it so much he decided to include her in the big artists contest instead.
She will be competing with her song ‘La rabbia non ti basta’ (Rage is not enough for you) written by herself, Ailo, Estremo, and Enrico Brun. It is an uptempo song with personal lyrics and a punchy finale.
Bnkr44 – ‘Governo punk’
Bnkr44 (pronounced ‘Bunker Quarantaquattro’) is a musical collective making their debut as competitors. However, you may know them from performing ‘Charlie fa surf’ with Sethu on last year’s cover night, and notably being one of the Sanremo Giovani 2023 winners with their song ‘Effetti speciali’. Members Piccolo, Faster, Fares, Erin, Caph, JxN, and manager Ghera formed in 2019 in Empoli, Tuscany. They originally got together playing in their local area, and uploaded music to Soundcloud before being signed to a record company. Their blend of indie, pop, and drum and bass has nearly 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
They will be participating with the song ‘Governo punk’ (Punk government) written by the band, alongside Jacopo Et. The entry brings strings and electric guitar together to create a ‘90s pop-rock punk-esque song with a catchy refrain.
Clara – ‘Diamanti grezzi’
Clara Soccini, known mononymously, is a singer and actress also debuting in the contest, after impressively winning Sanremo Giovani 2023 overall with her song ‘Boulevard’. She was born in 1999 in Varese, Lombardy, and initially worked as a model in Milan, then decided to pursue her passion for music during the COVID-19 lockdown. She currently stars as the musician ‘Giulia’ or ‘Crazy J’ in the incredibly popular series ‘Mare Fuori’. Her trap-laced pop has gained 1.2 million monthly listeners.
She will be competing with the song ‘Diamanti grezzi’ (Raw diamonds) written by herself, Alessandro La Cava, and Katoo, which is a modern love song blending classic and contemporary styles and composition.
Dargen D’Amico – ‘Onda alta’
Jacopo Matteo Luca D’Amico, known as Dargen D’Amico, is a singer-songwriter, producer, and disc jockey. He last took part in Sanremo in 2022, placing 9th with ‘Dove si balla’. Born in 1980 in Milan, Lombardy, he initially took part in local freestyle challenges with his initial stage name Corvo D’Argento. He formed the group Sacre Scuole with Guè and Jake La Furia, before embarking on a solo career. He has been a judge on X Factor Italia since 2022. His pop, rap, and hip house has been influenced by such artists as Lucio Dalla, Franco Battiato, and Enzo Jannacci, and he has nearly 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be participating with the song ‘Onda alta’ (High wave) written by himself, Cheope, Gianluigi Fazio, Stefano Marletta, and Edwyn Roberts. Similar to early 2000s dance music, the entry has a rich intensity and a catchy chorus.
Diodato – ‘Ti muovi’
Antonio Diodato, known as Diodato, is a singer-songwriter from Aosta, Aosta Valley. A familiar face to Eurovision fans, he was notably set to represent Italy in Eurovision 2020 with ‘Fai Rumore’, until the cancellation of the contest scrapped plans. Also interesting to fans of the contest, he is the second cousin of Sweden’s 2018 representative Benjamin Ingrosso. He also participated in Sanremo 2018 with ‘Adesso’ alongside Roy Paci (8th), and in the newcomers section in 2014 with ‘Babilonia’ (2nd). Born in 1981, his first works were made in Stockholm as part of a lounge music compilation with Sebastian Ingrosso and Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia. His pop/pop-rock has been influenced by artists like Pink Floyd, Fabrizio De André, Luigi Tenco, Domenico Modugno, and Radiohead, and he currently has over 400,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be competing with the song ‘Ti muovi’ (You move) written by himself. With heartfelt lyrics, the strong finale offers a guitar and percussion chords.
Emma – ‘Apnea’
Emmanuela Marrone, known mononymously as Emma, is another familiar face, having represented Italy in Eurovision 2014 with ‘La mia città’, placing 21st. The singer-songwriter from Florence, Tuscany debuted in Sanremo in 2011 alongside Modà with ‘Arriverà’ (2nd), also participating in 2012, winning with ‘Non è l’inferno’, and placing 6th in 2022 with ‘Ogni volta è così’. Born in 1984, after promoting with various groups, she rose to prominence as a solo singer, winning Amici di Maria De Filippi in 2010. She has won a wide range of awards, and has sold over two million units in Italy. She has also starred in series, coached on Amici di Maria De Filippi, and judged on X Factor Italia. Named one of the hundred most successful women in Italy in 2020 by Forbes, her pop/pop rock has been inspired by Gianna Nannini, Mina, and Loredana Bertè. She has earned nearly two million monthly listeners on Spotify.
She will be participating with the song ‘Apnea’ (Apnoea) written by herself, Davide Petrella, Paolo Antonacci, and JVLI. It is a dance song reminiscing about love.
Fiorella Mannoia – ‘Mariposa‘
Singer Fiorella Mannoia is a veteran of the contest, having last competed in 2017 with ‘Che sia benedetta’ (2nd), and before that in 1988 with ‘Le notti di maggio’ (10th), 1987 with ‘Quello che le donne non dicono’ (8th), 1984 with ‘Come si cambia’ (14th), and 1981 with ‘Caffè nero bollente’ (finalist). Born in Rome, Lazio in 1954, she began her career in 1968 working in the world of cinema as a stuntwoman (like her father), and did dubbing work. She made her musical debut at the Castrocaro Festival in 1968. She has won many awards with her pop music, and has released many songs across 39 albums. She has often worked with charities, and has performed in many charity events. Her distinct vocals have won her nearly 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
She will be competing with the song ‘Mariposa’ (Butterfly) written by herself, Cheope, Carlo Di Francesco, Federica Abbate, and Mattia Cerri. It has a catchy chorus supported by a rhythmic guitar and strong lyrics.
Fred De Palma – ‘Il cielo non ci vuole’
Federico Palana, known as Fred De Palma, is making his debut in the contest this year. Born in 1989 in Ceva, Piedmont, he showed a strong aptitude of freestyle early on in his career. Entering freestyle contests helped with gaining contacts, and he eventually formed the Royal Rhymes group, carrying out his first experiments in the studio. He eventually embarked on a solo career in 2012, and often collaborates with other artists, including Spanish singer Ana Mena. His reggaeton style has gained him almost two million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be participating with the song ‘Il cielo non ci vuole’ (The sky doesn’t want us) written by himself, Jacopo Et, and JVLI. It is an original dance song with a catchy chorus.
Gazzelle – ‘Tutto qui’
Singer-songwriter Flavio Bruno Pardini, or Gazzelle, is also debuting this year. His stage name is a distortion of the Gazelle Adidas shoe model. He began playing at the age of 22 in clubs. Before the release of his first album ‘Superbattito’ in 2017 he had not revealed his face, only posting a few blurry photos online. He also released a book of poetry named ‘Limbo’ in 2019. With an introverted and melancholic personality, he deals with various themes of social issues in his songs. Influenced by artists like Cesare Cremonini, Marco Mengoni, Tame Impala, and Oasis, his mix of indie pop, indietronica, pop, and pop punk has earned 2.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be competing with the song ‘Tutto qui’ (That’s all) written by himself and Federico Nardelli. It is a modern sounding love song with a powerful finale.
Geolier – ‘I p’ me, tu p’ te‘
Another debutant taking part this year is rapper Emanuele Palumbo, or Geolier. His stage name comes from the French word ‘geôlier’ (prison guard), which in Italian means ‘secondino’, the nickname for inhabitants of the Secondigliano neighbourhood where he comes from in Naples, Campania. The rapper born in 2000 grew up listening to Co’Sang, Club Dogo, Michael Jackson, Nas, and Rocco Hunt, and originally took part in freestyle competitions under the name Emanuele. His hip-hop/trap blend has impressively earned 5.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be participating with the song ‘I p’ me, tu p’ te’ (Me for you, you for me) written by himself, Davide Simonetta, Paolo Antonacci, Gennaro Petito, Davide Totaro, Francesco D’Alessio, and Michelangelo. It is an uptempo catchy entry in Neapolitan.
Ghali – ‘Casa mia’
Ghali Amdouni, known mononymously, is a rapper from Milan, Lombardy also debuting this year. Though you may remember his iconic 2020 guest performance in which he had a stunt double ‘fall’ down the staircase. Born in 1993 to Tunisian parents, he grew up without his father, who was arrested, and in an environment of degradation and crime he himself was arrested and spent time at a juvenile prison. He started in the hip hop world as Fobia, and later changed his stage name to Ghali Foh. He founded the group Troup D’Elite in 2011, which included rapper Ernia, singer Maite, and producer Fawzi. After their contract ended, he published a series of singles on his Youtube channel and gained popularity, and changed his stage name to Ghali in 2015. His pop, trap, and pop rap is influenced by Stromae, Michael Jackson, and Jovanotti, and he has three million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be competing with the song ‘Casa mia’ (My home) written by himself, Davide Petrella, and Michelangelo. It is an engaging song reflecting on society with catchy wordplay.
Il Tre – ‘Fragili’
Rapper Il Tre (Guido Luigi Sernia) also debuts this year. Born in 1997 in Rome, Lazia, he made his name with his victory at the music contest One Shot Game and releasing his first mixtapes. The viral success of his single ‘Bella Guido’ and his Youtube series ‘Real Talk’ earned him a recording contract. His album ‘Ali – Ultima notte’ debuted atop the charts, and won the Lunezia Special Mention Award at the Festival della Luna in Aulla for its musical literary value. With his hip hop and pop rap, he is a notable new artist on the rap scene, and has earned a very respectable 720,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be participating with the song ‘Fragili’ (Fragile) written by himself, Brail, Giorgio Di Mario, Paolo Zou, and Francesco Maria Aprili. It is an entry that gradually builds featuring rap and strings.
Il Volo – ‘Capolavoro’
Operatic pop group Il Volo (Piero Barone born in 1993 in Naro, Sicily, Ignazio Boschetto born in 1994 in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, and Gianluca Ginoble born in 1995 in Roseto degli Abruzzi, Abruzzo) is a familiar act to the Eurovision crowd, having placed 3rd in Eurovision 2015 for Italy with ‘Grande amore’. They competed more recently in Sanremo in 2019, placing 3rd with ‘Musica che resta’. They were formed in 2009 during the child talent show Ti lascio una canzone. They were the first Italian artists to sign a contract with a major American label (Geffen), and were initially called The Tryo, and Il Trio. They have had many tours worldwide and have recorded songs in Spanish, English, French, German, and Latin. As of 2022, they have sold over 20 million copies worldwide, and have nearly one million monthly listeners on Spotify.
They will be competing with the song ‘Capolavoro’ (Masterpiece) written by Edwyn Roberts, Stefano Marletta, and Michael Tenisci. It is somewhat a departure from their usual style, with a rich orchestral arrangement.
Irama – ‘Tu no’
Singer-songwriter and rapper Filippo Maria Fanti, or Irama, returns to the contest this year. His stage name is an anagram of his middle name, and also means ‘rhythm’ in Malay. Born in 1995 in Carrara, Tuscany, he made his official music scene debut in the newcomers section of Sanremo 2016 following some collaborations. There, he lost his duel to Ermal Meta, and didn’t make it to the final. He has returned since, in 2019 with ‘La ragazza con il cuore di latta’ (7th), 2021 with ‘La genesi del tuo colore’ (5th), and 2022 with ‘Ovunque sarai’ (4th). He rose to fame by winning Amici di Maria De Filippi in 2018, and has since won Amici Speciali, a spin off season to raise funds during COVID-19. His pop/dance pop has sold over three million units, and earned 2.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be participating with the song ‘Tu no’ (Not you) written by himself, Giulio Nenna, Emanuele Mattozzi, Frè Monti, and Giuseppe Colonnelli. It is a piano ballad with intense vocals and strings.
La Sad – ‘Autodistruttivo’
La Sad is a group from Milan, Lombardy making their debut this year. Made up of Theø (Matteo Botticini, singer and guitarist born in 1987 in Brescia, Lombardy), Plant (Francesco Emanuele Clemente, rapper born in 1999 in Altamura, Apulia), and Fiks (Enrico Fonte, singer born in 1990 in Riviera del Brenta, Veneto), the project was born when the three of them came together in the city. Impressively, they have even toured overseas in London and Barcelona. Sonically pop punk and emo trap, they have proclaimed that their music is not punk, “it’s La Sad”. Their lyrics are often autobiographical, and talk about social issues. Their influences include Blink-182, Juice Wrld, and Machine Gun Kelly, and they have over 360,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
They will be competing with the song ‘Autodistruttivo’ (Self-destructive) written by themselves, Riccardo Zanotti (the frontman of Pinguini Tattici Nucleari), and Marco Paganelli. It is an entry with punk influences and pessimistic lyrics.
Loredana Bertè – ‘Pazza’
Loredana Bertè is a singer-songwriter, actress, and former dancer returning to the contest this year. Last participating in 2019 with ‘Cosa ti aspetti da me’ (4th), she also participated in 2012 with ‘Respirare’ alongside Gigi D’Alessio (4th), 2008 with ‘Musica e parole’ (disqualified due to plagiarism), 2002 with ‘Dimmi che mi ami’ (17th), 1997 with ‘Luna’ (20th), 1995 with ‘ANGELI & angeli’ (19th), 1994 with ‘Amici non ne ho’ (13th), 1993 with ‘Stiamo come stiamo’ alongside Mia Martini (14th), 1991 with ‘In questa città’ (18th), 1988 with ‘Io’ (16th), and 1986 with ‘Re’ (9th). The volume of her participations earned her the City of Sanremo Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Born in 1950 in Bagnara Calabra, Calabria as the younger sister of Mia Martini (Italy’s Eurovision representative in 1977 and 1992), she moved to Rome after her parents’ separation and took her first steps in the entertainment world as a dancer. She is known for her extravagant looks onstage, and boasts a long music career with 28 albums and over eight million records sold. Her pop rock and rock has over 830,000 monthly listeners.
She will be participating with the song ‘Pazza’ (Crazy) written by herself, Andrea Bonomo, Luca Paolo Chiaravalli, and Andrea Pugliese. It is a rock song that explores the topic of self.
Mahmood – ‘Tuta gold’
Alessandro Mahmoud, or Mahmood, is a very familiar face to Eurovision fans, having represented Italy in Eurovision twice in recent years, 2019 with ‘Soldi’ (2nd), and 2022 with ‘Brividi’ alongside Blanco (6th) after winning Sanremo in both years. The singer-songwriter and lyricist was born in 1992 in Milan, Lombardy to a Sardinian mother and an Egyptian father, who broke up during his childhood. He grew up in the suburbs and started singing from an early age. He studied at a singing academy from age 15, and participated in X Factor Italia in 2012, being eliminated in the third live episode. He won Area Sanremo in 2015, which led him to participate in Sanremo Giovani 2016 with ‘Dimentica’ (4th), and won Sanremo Giovani 2018 with ‘Gioventù bruciata’. He creates contemporary R&B and pop, however it is hard to define his style within genres, being inspired by such artists as Frank Ocean, Rosalía, and Fabri Fibra. He currently has nearly two million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be competing with the song ‘Tuta gold’ (Golden tracksuit) written by himself, Jacopo Et, and Katoo. An upbeat club-ready song with personal themes referencing his father and societal issues.
Maninni – ‘Spettacolare’
Singer-songwriter Alessio Mininni, known as Maninni, might be remembered by fans as a participant of Sanremo Giovani 2022. Although he did not win, this year he makes his debut into the main contest. Born in 1997 in Bari, Apulia, he has had an interest in music since childhood (it is in fact considered his greatest passion), immediately cultivating a love for guitar, piano, and drums. He has enjoyed radio play through his career and has been added to a variety of Spotify playlists, such as ‘School Indie’ and ‘Indie School’. His soft pop has been influenced by many genres and singers including U2, Pink Floyd, and Cesare Cremonini, and has garnered over 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be participating with the song ‘Spettacolare’ (Spectacular) written by himself, Maria Francesca Xefteris, Roberto William Guglielmi, and Giovanni Pollex. It is a compelling love song wrapped as a classic ballad.
Mr. Rain – ‘Due altalene’
Rapper and record producer Mattia Balardi chose his stage name ‘Mr. Rain’ based on the fact he is supposedly only able to compose when it rains. You may recognise him for placing 3rd just last year with pop ballad ‘Supereroi’. Born in 1991 in Desenzano del Garda, Lombardy, he began a music career in 2011, releasing mixtape ‘Time 2 Eat’. He participated in X Factor Italia in 2013 with rapper Osso, but left after passing the auditions. After touring through Italian cities, he released a number of albums. His pop-rap has earned him 2.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be competing with the song ‘Due altalene’ (Two swings) written by himself and Lorenzo Vizzini. Showcasing his trademark style, it is a piano driven entry with rap and orchestral elements.
Negramaro – ‘Ricominciamo tutto’
Pop rock band Negramaro returns to the contest this year after last participating in the 2005 newcomers category with ‘Mentre tutto scorre’ (didn’t place). Formed in 1999, the band takes its name from ‘negroamaro’, a grape variety from their homeland Salento, Apulia. They consist of Giuliano Sangiorgi (vocals, guitar, and piano), Emanuele Spedicato (guitar), Ermanno Carlà (bass), Danilo Tasco (drums), Andrea Mariano (piano, keyboard, and synthesizer), and Andrea De Rocco (sampler). After releasing demos, they held live performances, and quickly became an emerging phenomenon on the alternative circuit. In 2001 they became a finalist on MTV’s Brand: New Talent, and also won the Tim Tour, holding a public concert, and obtaining a record contract in the following year. Their alternative rock, pop rock, and pop has earned 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
They will be participating with the song ‘Ricominciamo tutto’ (Let’s restart it all again) written by Giuliano Sangiorgi, the frontman of the band. The entry is piano driven, with their signature sound highlighted by vocals and production. Interestingly, their song has won the Lunezia Award for the best lyrics.
Renga e Nek – ‘Pazzo di te’
Renga e Nek is a collaborative duo made up of Francesco Renga and Nek.
Pierfrancesco Renga (known as Francesco Renga), a singer-songwriter born in 1968 in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, originally participated in the Deskomusic contest with the group Modus Vivendi in 1984, but later joined Timoria (with whom he competed in Sanremo 1991 with ‘L’uomo che ride’, but didn’t qualify) after they competed in the same event. He went on to have a solo career, releasing a total of 15 albums. He has won two Lunezia Awards for musical-literary value for the albums ‘Francesco Renga’ and ‘L’altra mezzo’. No stranger to the contest as a solo artist, he competed in the 2001 newcomers category with ‘Raccontami…’ (6th), 2002 with ‘Tracce di te’ (8th), 2005 with ‘Angelo’ (1st), 2009 with ‘Uomo senza età’ (finalist), 2012 with ‘La tua bellezza’ (8th), 2014 with ‘Vivendo adesso’ (4th), 2019 with ‘Aspetto che torni’ (15th), and 2021 with ‘Momento perfetto’ (22nd). His pop, pop rock, and alternative rock has earned him over 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
Filippo Neviani, known as Nek, is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Sassuolo, Emilia-Romagna. Born in 1972, he has sold over ten million records worldwide. He debuted in 1986 as part of the country duo Winchester, then in 1989 he became the singer and bassist of the rock band White Lady. Starting a solo career in 1991, he participated in the Castrocaro Festival, signing a record contract after reaching the final. He participated in the Sanremo 1993 newcomers category with ‘In te (il figlio che non vuoi)’ (3rd), in 1997 with ‘Laura non c’è’ (7th), 2015 with ‘Fatti avanti amore’ (2nd), and 2019 with ‘Mi faro trovare pronto’ (19th). His pop/pop-rock style has been influenced by Sting, and he has said “ever since I was a child, I have tried to imitate him”. He currently has 2.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
The two singers began an artistic collaboration as the duo officially named RengaNek in 2022, releasing an album of the same name in 2023, and collectively they have over 60,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
They will be competing with the song ‘Pazzo di te’ (Crazy for you) written by themselves, Diego Mancino, Luca Chiaravalli, and Dardust. It is a classic rock ballad reflecting on love, with their signature voices standing out.
Ricchi e Poveri – ‘Ma non tutta la vita’
Music group Ricchi e Poveri is making their big return to the contest this year. True veterans, they have previously competed in 1992 with ‘Così lontani’ (NQ), 1990 with ‘Buona giornata’ (17th), 1989 with ‘Chi voglio sei tu’ (8th), 1988 with ‘Nascerà Gesù’ (9th), 1987 with ‘Canzone d’amore’ (7th), 1985 with ‘Se m’innamoro’ (1st), 1981 with ‘Sarà perché ti amo’ (5th), 1976 alongside I Nostri Figli with ‘Due storie dei musicanti’ (13th), 1973 with ‘Dolce frutto’ (4th), 1972 with ‘Un diadema di ciliegie’ (11th), 1971 alongside José Feliciano with ‘Che sarà’ (2nd), and 1970 alongside Nicola Di Bari with ‘La prima cosa bella’ (2nd). Notably, they also represented Italy in Eurovision 1978 with ‘Questo Amore’ (12th). Formed as a group of four in 1967 in Genoa, Liguria, members Angela Brambati (1947), Sardinian Angelo Sotgiu (1946), and former members, the late Franco Gatti (1942-2022), Marina Occhiena (1950) stood out for their blend of different voices, respectively contralto, tenor, bass, and soprano. They debuted at the Cantagiro music event in 1968 with ‘L’ultimo amore’, and have become one of the top selling Italian artists with more than 22 million copies sold overall. With Marina Occhiena leaving after 1981, and Franco Gatti leaving after 2016 (both only returning for a brief time between 2020-2021), Angela Brambati and Angelo Sotgiu will be presenting their entry this year. Their pop has earned them 5.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with international hits such as ‘Sarà perché ti amo’ and ‘Che sarà’.
They will be participating with the song ‘Ma non tutta la vita’ (But not the whole life) written by Cheope, Stefano Marletta, and Edwyn Roberts. It is an upbeat entry with flamenco undertones and a joyous spirit.
Rose Villain – ‘Click boom!’
Rosa Luini, known as Rose Villain, is a singer-songwriter and rapper from Milan, Lombardy. You may recognise her from performing with Rosa Chemical on covers night last year with the song ‘America’, but she makes her official debut this edition. Born in 1989, she is the daughter of Franco Luini, the founder of the brand Tucano. After discovering her talent for singing in elementary school, she moved to Los Angeles at age 18, graduating from the Contemporary Musicians Institute in Hollywood a few years later. She later moved to New York, and completed studies in theatre and musical arts on Broadway. She first gained popularity as a feature on the hit songs ‘Don Medellín’ by Salmo in 2016, and ‘Chico’ by Guè and Luchè in 2020. Her passion of criminology and films by such directors as Quentin Tarantino and Alfred Hitchcock lead her to her dark sound, and her mix of pop, hip hop, and urban has been inspired by artists like Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, and 2Pac. She has 2.5 monthly listeners on Spotify.
She will be competing with the song ‘Click boom!’ written by herself, Davide Petrella, and Sixpm. Starting minimally and evolving into an up-tempo entry, it explores personal awareness.
Sangiovanni – ‘Finiscimi’
Singer Sangiovanni (Giovanni Pietro Damian) chose his stage name out of the prefix ‘san’ (saint) and his first name, as he has been told he “does not have the face of a saint”. He previously competed in Sanremo 2022 with the song ‘Farfalle’ (5th). Born in 2003 in Vicenza, Veneto, he left high school during the fourth year to participate in Amici di Maria De Filippi, in which he won the singing category, and placed second overall. His music released through the show climbed the charts, and he achieved a number one single with the hit ‘Malibu’, which was the most listened to song in Italy on both Spotify and Apple Music, and the most viewed video of the year in Italy on VEVO. His pop/urban sound has earned him 2.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He will be participating with the song ‘Finiscimi’ (End me) written by himself, Pietro Miano, Fabio Campedelli, Sixpm, and Federico Vaccari. It is a modern ballad supported by strings, percussion, and piano.
Santi Francesi – ‘L’amore in bocca’
Santi Francesi (‘French Saints’) were one of the winners of Sanremo Giovani 2023, and will therefore make their debut in the main contest this year. The duo from Ivrea, Piedmont (Alessandro De Santis (vocals, guitar, and ukelele), and Mario Francese (producer, keyboard, synthesizer, and bass)) were originally known as The Jab. They won Liga Rock Park Contest in 2016, and competed in Amici di Maria De Filippi in 2017. After some successful years, including having their song ‘Giovani Favolosi’ feature in the Netflix series Summertime, they won X Factor Italia in 2022 mentored by Rkomi. Their pop blends their personal idea of the world regarding romanticism, sensuality, vital impulse, and isolation, and they have over 120,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
They will be competing with the song ‘L’amore in bocca’ (Love in the mouth) written by themselves, Antonio Filippelli, Daniel Bestonzo, and Cecilia Del Bono. It is a ballad which builds into a harmonic chorus with a classic structure.
The Kolors – ‘Un ragazzo, una ragazza’
Music group The Kolors make their return to Sanremo this year after placing 9th in 2018 with ‘Frida (mai, mai, mai)’. The group is comprised of cousins Antonio Stash Fiordispino (vocals and guitar) and Alex Fiordispino (drums and percussion), and Dario Iaculli (percussion). Formed in 2009 in Milan, Lombardy, they performed every evening at ‘Le Scimmie’, a venue in Milan. Some years later, they opened concerts for Paolo Nutini, Gossip, Hurts, and Atoms for Peace. Former member Alessandro Tammaro left in 2012, and they won Amici di Maria De Filippi in 2015 and achieved immediate success with the single ‘Everytime’. Between 2022-2023, former member Daniele Mona left the group, Dario Iaculli joined, and they switched record companies, before releasing their smash hit ‘Italodisco’. Their pop rock has earned three million monthly listeners on Spotify. Interestingly, they submitted their song to Sanremo 2023, but it was rejected. After going back and making changes to the entry, it is now ready to present to the public.
They will be participating with the song ‘Un ragazzo, una ragazza’ written by members Antonio Stash Fiordispino and Alex Fiordispino, Davide Petrella, and Francesco Catitti. It has a bombastic chorus with a triumphant finale, which will get people singing along.
Those are the thirty hopeful Sanremo 2024 competitors! The winner will represent Italy at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö with their entry they compete with in Sanremo. With a sea of familiar faces and debutants, past Eurovision competitors, newer and classic acts, and a range of genres, it will certainly be a week to remember.
Who would you like to see fly the Italian flag in May? Do you think Italy could earn their fourth win with any of these acts? Let us know!
