It seems the Sanremo festival confused quite a few international fans last night, who mistook this prestigious event for a simple national final.
As if the Italians cared the least for Eurovision.
The real competition went its own way and in the middle of it, as a sidedish or a consolation prize, one of the songs was appointed as Italy's entry for the ESC. In fact, more of an internal selection rather than a national final.
Probably the choice was partially an attempt to find something suitable for international exposure, but just as much a result of negocation with record labels and performers. Who was willing to go, at all?
Nina Zilli was willing, and I am very happy about that. She is a most uplifting new acquaintance with her personable voice and intriguing prescence, oozing with star quality.
For the second year running, the Italian entry has roots digging deep into a musical soil that hasn't been too well represented at eurovision through the years. It will be very interesting to see what Europe makes of it.
Nina Zilli is also the first female solo performer to represent Italy since Mia Martini did her thing in Malmö twenty years ago. Maybe that is a good omen, too. Not that she needs one, but anyway.
Nina Zilli - Per sempre (Italy 2012)
