As we reported at the end of June, RAI has introduced a major revamp of Sanremo Giovani. In fact, the contest will take place in December rather than during the week of the Sanremo Festival. The submission window for Sanremo Giovani is now open.
Deadline on October 5th at 6 pm
Through a tweet on Sanremo’s official page, RAI officially opened the submission window for Sanremo Giovani. Record labels have until October 5th at 6 pm to put forward names of singers or submit entries.
Sono aperte le iscrizioni a #SanremoGiovani 🎧
Le case discografiche possono inviare la domanda di partecipazione dei loro artisti fino al 5 ottobre, seguendo le istruzioni riportate qui➡️ https://t.co/Q84Nklsydi#Sanremo2019 pic.twitter.com/b3wVFfG0xn— Festival di Sanremo (@SanremoRai) September 4, 2018
Sanremo Giovani 2018
Unlike previous years, Sanremo Giovani will take place between December 17 and 21 instead of the week of the Festival. 24 singers under the age of 36 will compete for 2 spots in the Sanremo Festival, where they will be able to compete for victory. Before the shows, singers will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and their music through 45 minutes long evening shows. According to Claudio Baglioni, the show’s Artistic Director, the introduction of these changes will help find new musical talents.
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 hear about the broadcaster’s Eurovision plans soon. 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.
What do you think of these changes? Do you think they will help Italy win the trophy? What is your favorite Italian entry so far?
Let us know in the comments below or on social media @ESCXTRA.
