With twenty-four acts competing, we’ve decided to whittle down our feature on Italy’s Sanremo Festival 2020 to a top eight. With the final taking place tonight (8th Feb.) we will also be a step closer to finding out who will be representing the Big 5 country at Eurovision – presuming the victor has opted in to do so.
Irene Grandi – Finalmente io
We’ve fallen a bit in love with Irene Grandi and her upbeat anthem Finalmente io. The singer delivers an attitude of empowerment and up-tempo strength to this glorious pop rock anthem.
Rita Pavone – Niente (Resilienza 74)
With the energy of Debbie Harry seventy-four year old rock icon Rita Pavone unleashes headbanging Italo-rock anthem Niente (Resilienza 74). Unlike the UK’s veteran acts in the past, Italy’s Rita tackles this anthem head on delivering gallons of energy and fire to her performance. Rita, we stan.
Francesco Gabbani – Viceversa
The charismatic 2017 competitor returns with Viceversa, a slick piano pop number slightly more mellow than his previous Euro favourite Occidentali’s Karma . It’s a charming little number that seems to be an understandable favourite with the betting odds.
RIKI – Lo sappiamo entrambi
The gorgeous mid-tempo from RIKI is another of our favourites. It’s heartfelt and vocally immaculate, delivered by the stunning singer-songwriter. As it begins to build about the two minute mark, RIKI’s Lo sappiamo entrambi hits its stride packed with dramatic impact.
Pinguini Tattici Nucleari – Ringo Starr
This smooth nostalgic pop anthem is an immediate crowd-pleaser boasting a catchy melody and lyrical hooks that stick with us. Perhaps the novelty name Tactical Nuclear Penguins will be more of a hit that Czechia’s We All Poop.
Levante – Tikibombom
This emotive atmospheric pop track is much darker than its Tikibombom name would suggest. Levante packs the track with a moody emotion as she sings against an infectious drum loop in this striking pop number.
Elodie – Andromeda
Penned by Eurovision 2019 favourite Mahmood, Elodie’s Andromeda blends classic Italian pop with nu-disco. It’s a big elegant string-filled dance anthem impeccably delivered by a singer with presence and passion.
Elettra Lamborghini – Musica (E Il Resto Scompare)
Full of passionate Latin energy Elettra L.’s Musica (E Il Resto Scompare) is a floor-filling dance anthem with elegant Mediterranean production. Elettra is a captivating presence who injects this with an enigmatic charm and glamour.