Italian broadcaster (RAI) revealed their plans for the upcoming autumn season and confirmed that the Sanremo Music Festival will take place between next February 5th and 9th.
Claudio Baglioni still Artistic Director
The Sanremo Music Festival started in 1951 and thus the 2019 edition will be the 69th edition of the show. Eurovision is in concept similar to Sanremo, as the Italians set the example for the EBU. Popular Italian singer-songwriter Claudio Baglioni will once again be the Artistic Director of the show. It will be his responsibility to find the right singers and songwriters to take part in the show. Since 2018, record labels are able to suggest artists to compete in the festival.
No confirmation of participation at Eurovision yet
Although Sanremo is confirmed, RAI has not yet confirmed whether they will participate in Israel next May. Last year, the confirmation came in September so we may need to wait a little longer to hear about the broadcaster’s Eurovision plans. Furthermore, it is not known whether Sanremo will be the selection method for the entrant or whether RAI will opt for internal selection, like in 2014. Usually, the winner of Sanremo gets the offer to represent Italy in the big Eurovision stage.
Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest
Italy was one of the seven countries that competed in the very first contest in 1956. So far, it participated at Eurovision 44 times, winning twice in 1964 and 1990. The country regularly participated at Eurovision until 1997 when it withdrew for 14 years. Italy returned to the contest in 2011, represented by Raphael Gualazzi with “Madness of love” earning 2nd place. Since returning, Italy ranked in the top 10 in six out of eight occasions, including two top 3 finishes in 2011 and 2015. In Lisbon the duo Ermal Meta and Fabrizio Moro represented Italy. Although they placed 17th with the jury, they came 3rd with the televote, coming 5th overall.
Do you think RAI will confirm Italy’s participation at Eurovision? Will you be tuning in and watching the festival in 2019? Who would you like to see as Italy’s representative at Eurovision? What’s your favorite Italian entry?
Let us know in the comments below or on social media @ESCXTRA.
