Since Italy’s return in 2011, the country’s ratings for Eurovision have remained impressive. Broadcaster RAI have announced their scheduling plans for next year’s event, keeping the contest at centre stage on their channels.
It has been announced that both semi finals will continue to air on digital channel Rai 4. This has been the case since 2014 when the semi finals were moved over from sister station Rai 5.
The Grand Final meanwhile will continue to air on the network’s main channel, Rai 1. From 2011 until 2015, the finale was broadcast on the less-popular Rai 2, but due to the contest’s impressive viewing figures in 2015, RAI decided to promote the show to it’s flagship channel.
As well as it’s TV coverage, Rai Radio 2 will continue to broadcast radio commentary of the show.
A fast track ticket to San Remo 2019
The country’s representative will once again be chosen via Festival di Sanremo. The 2019 edition has been confirmed to take place between 5th – 9th February.
A new festival has also been announced by RAI to accompany San Remo. Sanremo Giovani will offer young performers, under the age of 36, the chance to win two spots at the main festival. The show will be broadcast in December.
Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest
Italy was one of the original 7 countries which competed in the very first contest in 1956. So far, they have participated a total number of 44 times, winning twice in 1964 and 1990. The country regularly participated at Eurovision until 1997 when it withdrew – an absence which would last 14 years. They returned in 2011, represented by Raphael Gualazzi with the song Madness of love, earning 2nd place. Since returning, Italy have 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 juries, they finished 3rd in the public televote – resulting in 5th place overall.
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