The Sanremo Music Festival, one of the oldest TV music competitions in the world on a national level, is Italy's most popular song contest. It was my first time watching it live. After almost 30 minutes in, the competition officially started. With 14 acts on the first night alone, here are some of the acts that I loved (or hated) or just worth commenting about.
gIANMARIA - Mostro
He looks like a twinkier version of Blanco. I know right! How can you be more twinky than Blanco but there you go!
Mr. Rain - Supereroi
He gave me Mahmood vibes - both the way he raps and the way he looks. I actually liked the song. It was a nice touch to listen to the kids’ choir accompanying the song. The only issue I have with this song is that it felt like it didn’t have any climax. It was just the same throughout.
Marco Menguni - Due Vite
I am going to be controversial here - he looks and sounds like Blas Canto from 2021 except he’s singing in Italian. That aside, easily my favourite act of the evening. The song is your typical Eurovision worthy ballad. Great vocals and great energy and I may have fallen in love with his cheeky smile.
Coma Cose - L’addio
I really like this duo. Her voice is just distinct and memorable and the composition of the song is just so beautiful. It certainly helps when they have a live orchestra for Sanremo. Love love love.
Leo Gassmann - Terzo cuore
This song is different from the majority of the other entries. Definitely switched the mood after a string of ballads! With that cheeky smile (and that cheeky kiss), this is a contender. He just needs to brush up his vocals a bit more but I certainly like this performance and the song.
Cugini di Campagna - Lettera 22
I just wanted to say they all recycled Blanco’s outfit from 2022’s grand final.
Colla Zio - Non mi va
They were so much fun! I could see myself jamming to this song and they bring so much energy. I can’t see this representing Italy in Liverpool but it's worth watching though!
Mara Sattei - Duemilaminuti
What a beautiful song and her vocals are just on point. I am personally voting for this one if I could vote. Easily, my favourite one for the night!
Mahmood & Blanco - Brividi
No they are not participating again but they did perform their hit song on the first night. Was it as magical as the first time they performed it in 2022? No. Was it worth highlighting? YES! This song is still on my repeat playlist!
At the end of the first night, Marco Menguni unsurprisingly topped the votes although I wished Mara Sattei received more love but at Sanremo, anything can happen and the first night is just the beginning. On the second night, 14 more acts will perform their song, hoping to repeat Maneskin’s glory in Liverpool.