Italy ITALY 2025 - Lucio Corsi - Volevo essere un duro

[ESC United Mod Team]

 

[HarryUK]

My dear friend.
We aren't upset but just passionate
You can't imagine the success that this festival has in our country.
Maybe you don't know but many years ago, in the eighties, another festival was held Festival di Saint Vincent. A festival with a different vibe, with more commercial songs ( even in English). But didn't last because of the importance Sanremo has.
Sanremo is our Wimbledon

We wouldn’t have you guys any other way!

 

[njdevils94]

In other news it looks like voting mechanisms will be changed for Sanremo 2026. A possibility you might be able to vote on RAI Play now.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1891902707784470801

It seems like Olly found the way to reschedule his concerts. His ESC participation is supposed to be announced this Friday

As most of us expected. Just about rescheduling concerts not to lose money.

 

[Neely]

I've been a bit deflated since Saturday but only because I've been especially spoilt by results in previous years. Four of my favourites won San Remo in a five year stretch (and also remained my favourite ESC competitor in those years) and in other years my personal preference had at least found its way into the top five so this year I've had to suck it up a little with a top five that didn't greatly enthuse me.

That said, I feel like the penny has dropped tonight and I'm no longer disatisifed with the prospect of Balorda Nostalgia being this years Italian entry. What's helped is no longer comparing it just to the San Remo line up (in which I honestly probably preferred 20 other songs) but just simply listening to Balorda Nostalgia in context of what else is so far on offer for Eurovision itself and it scrubs up pretty well.

There's an authenticism, and cheeky charm, to Olly which should ensure another comfortable top ten finish.

 

[JSSArcos]

My dear friend.
We aren't upset but just passionate
You can't imagine the success that this festival has in our country.
Maybe you don't know but many years ago, in the eighties, another festival was held Festival di Saint Vincent. A festival with a different vibe, with more commercial songs ( even in English). But didn't last because of the importance Sanremo has.
Sanremo is our Wimbledon

managed to bring together the two things I like to watch the most (besides Eurovision of course): Sanremo and Wimbledon

 

[nudiecrudi]

Olly has reached 3 million of steamins in one day taking the 24th position on Top songs global charts.
The countries that have streamed most his song, escluding Italy, are Switzerland, Germany, Spain, GB and France.

 

[Paco Roca]

Olly has reached 3 million of steamins in one day taking the 24th position on Top songs global charts.
The countries that have streamed most his song, escluding Italy, are Switzerland, Germany, Spain, GB and France.

This translates into solid jury votes. And also quite a good televoting support... The nations mentioned are the most populous in Europe.

 

[sucof]

Olly has reached 3 million of steamins in one day taking the 24th position on Top songs global charts.
The countries that have streamed most his song, escluding Italy, are Switzerland, Germany, Spain, GB and France.

Surprising Lucio Corsi, is the highest entry in the Spotify world ranking with listening at +1400%

With the victory of Olly and his song Balorda Nostalgia, the Festival has driven an incredible increase in listenership for Italian music, recording a +14% on a global scale.
Sanremo 2025 has broken every record on Spotify, consolidating its role as the most followed musical event of the year. With over 130 million listens, a growth of 14% for Italian music and the dominance of the Sanremo 2025 playlist globally, the Festival once again demonstrates its impact on the international music scene.
For the second consecutive year, the official playlist of Sanremo 2025 has taken first place globally, becoming the most listened to on Spotify for the entire duration of the Festival.
The songs in the competition totaled almost 130 million streams on Spotify, with an increase of 11% compared to 2024.
On the first day of the Festival, 9 songs exceeded one million plays in 24 hours, compared to 7 the previous year.
After the victory at the Festival, “Balorda Nostalgia” by Olly reached 24th place in the Top Songs Global Chart, with over 3 million plays in a single day.
This result represents the best placement and the highest number of streams in a day for an Italian song since 2022, when Brividi by Mahmood and Blanco recorded similar numbers.
Thanks to the impact of Sanremo, Italian music has seen a growth of almost 14% in global listening on Spotify compared to the period before the Festival. Spotify users have created over 30,000 Sanremo-themed playlists since the beginning of the year, marking a 12% increase compared to 2024.
Here are the Top 10 most listened to songs on Spotify during the Festival week (February 12-16, 2025):

“Balorda Nostalgia” – Olly
“BATTITO” – Fedez
“LA CURA PER ME” – Giorgia
“Incoscienti Giovani” – Achille Lauro
“DAMME ‘NA MANO” – Tony Effe
“fuorilegge” – Rose Villain
“Volevo essere un duro” – Lucio Corsi
“La tana del gabbiano” – Bresh
“Dimenticarsi alle 7” – Elodie
“La Mia Parola” (feat. Guè, Joshua, Tormento) – Shablo

The songs of Sanremo 2025 have conquered not only the Italian public, but also the international one. The 5 foreign countries that listened to the Festival's songs the most on Spotify were:

Switzerland
Germany
Spain
United Kingdom
France
This once again demonstrates the global impact of the Festival and Italian music.

 

[sucof]

During the interview, Olly addressed the topic of his possible participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. "I have some dates booked in that period," he explained, implying that his presence is not yet certain. "It's a huge opportunity and I would be very proud, but my tour has been sold out for a long time and I'm evaluating for this reason." If Olly decides to withdraw, Lucio Corsi could take his place, who - tour dates in hand - has no commitments from May 13 to 17, the period in which Eurovision takes place, in Basel, Switzerland. "I heard that you don't know if you'll go to Eurovision," Cattelan asked point-blank. The singer-songwriter's response was clear: "It's true. With great respect I know how important an event it is, but I have commitments already booked."

 

[nudiecrudi]

This translates into solid jury votes. And also quite a good televoting support... The nations mentioned are the most populous in Europe.

I know but I have a sensation that he's going to refuse.
Let's say that Olly has that "full package" needed for ESC. Good looking, energetic, passionate, good raspy voice.
I'm not sure if Lucio's song would function in ESC.

 

[Paco Roca]

I know but I have a sensation that he's going to refuse.
Let's say that Olly has that "full package" needed for ESC. Good looking, energetic, passionate, good raspy voice.
I'm not sure if Lucio's song would function in ESC.

I don't know... Sanremo is important and earning money at concerts too but the ESC has allowed singers like Damiano to become international. It has allowed the European public to discover their discography. If he misses this opportunity he will regret it.

But I'll tell you something about Lucio Corsi. Don't underestimate him. His music is international. It harks back to the British and American way of making music (Glam Rock) that has proliferated and had many supporters in Northern Europe. I don't know... maybe someone will call me crazy but in Lucio I see the strength of a David Bowie I'm not saying he reaches the talent of the great David but I see charisma in him. I see in Lucio a mascot for Eurovision and that he can also be like Sobral surprising everyone at the photo finish.

The melody is there, the Italian language too, Lucio loves to spice up his performances and the song talks about the desire for redemption and feeling stronger. All elements of a good recipe. Don't underestimate him.

 

[Paco Roca]

I read that Rai has given Olly a deadline to decide. February 23rd.

However, if Lucio is chosen I will be equally happy. For me he brings fun but also sweetness and originality.

Ready for the group hug with Lucio's fans in the thread

 

[JSSArcos]

Lucio is 12 points for me, Olly is 10. So either choice is great.

 

[nudiecrudi]

I don't know... Sanremo is important and earning money at concerts too but the ESC has allowed singers like Damiano to become international. It has allowed the European public to discover their discography. If he misses this opportunity he will regret it.

But I'll tell you something about Lucio Corsi. Don't underestimate him. His music is international. It harks back to the British and American way of making music (Glam Rock) that has proliferated and had many supporters in Northern Europe. I don't know... maybe someone will call me crazy but in Lucio I see the strength of a David Bowie I'm not saying he reaches the talent of the great David but I see charisma in him. I see in Lucio a mascot for Eurovision and that he can also be like Sobral surprising everyone at the photo finish.

The melody is there, the Italian language too, Lucio loves to spice up his performances and the song talks about the desire for redemption and feeling stronger. All elements of a good recipe. Don't underestimate him.

I do think his song is very qualitative.
But I'm not sure it would have that appeal you're talking about.
The last years have proven that loud, novelty pop well staged songs have the priority.

 

[sucof]

Lucio is 12 points for me, Olly is 10. So either choice is great.

if you can, privately record the live videos of sanremo because rai will delete everything in a few days!

 

[Paco Roca]

I wanted to be a tough guy

I wanted to be a tough guy
One who doesn’t care about the future
A robot, a sumo wrestler
A drug dealer running away from a wolfdog
At the Bolo (1)* station
A golden-egg goose

But I’m a nobody
I wasn’t born with a tough face
I’m even scared of the dark
If I got into a fight they beat me up

And so they paint my eyes black
But I never wasted my time
It’s the time that left me behind

“Living life
Is kid’s play”
Mom said to me, and I
Would fall down the trees

How tough is the world
For normal people
With few love around
Or too much Sun in their glasses

I wanted to be a tough guy
One who doesn’t care about the future, no
A robot, gold medalist in a spitting contest
The bag-snatcher waiting for you in the dark
The King of Porta Portese (2)*
The magpie that steals your wedding ring

“Living life
Is kid’s play”
Mom said to me, and I
Would fall down the trees

How tough is the world
For normal people
With few love around
Or too much Sun in their glasses

I wanted to be a tough guy
But I’m a nobody…

Judo white belt
Instead of a star, a sneeze…

Sunflowers with glasses told me
“Watch out for the light!”
And that moons without holes
Are a fraud

That, in the end, running away
From your fears is pointless

Living life is kid’s play…

I
I wanted to be a tough guy
But I’m a nobody
I’m nothing but Lucio
I’m nothing but Lucio

---

1. Bologna
2. One of the historical city gates of Rome. In front of it, a famous market takes place. A 1972 song by Claudio Baglioni is dedicated to this popular and lively market.

 

[EscGeek]

Rescheduling your concerts shouldn't be that difficult, right?. Musicians have tons of scheduled performances as that's literally their job, but eurovision is for many once in a lifetime opportunity. I think if he refuses, he's just not interested and we'll have to deal with it.

For me, as it currently stands, Lucio won't move Italy up or down my rank list as i find both songs equally adequate. (though in a had to head battle i'd choose Olly) But for italian high standards set since your return, i'll just say that 2025 is not your year

 

[nudiecrudi]

'll just say that 2025 is not your year

Maybe you're right. But to me 2025 is pretty a weak year. I just listened a recap of all released songs, 20, and to be honest, with exception of a couple of songs, I don't see anything above Italy.
We also know more or less what is coming from Serbia, Croatia, Iceland. Portugal and Danmark.
I don't see masterpieces in any of them.
With eventually Sweden, GB Germany France Georgia Netherlands. San Marino and Switzerland having all better option, which i doubt, Italy would be a top 10 again.

 

[Schlagerman1]

Rescheduling your concerts shouldn't be that difficult, right?. Musicians have tons of scheduled performances as that's literally their job, but eurovision is for many once in a lifetime opportunity. I think if he refuses, he's just not interested and we'll have to deal with it.

For me, as it currently stands, Lucio won't move Italy up or down my rank list as i find both songs equally adequate. (though in a had to head battle i'd choose Olly) But for italian high standards set since your return, i'll just say that 2025 is not your year

I think it is not only about interest. It has to with what feels right for you.
Not all artists are suited for the pressure and stress that brings with competing in ESC. Not only do you have to be good at 6-9 minutes during this week (3 mins for juries in final, 3-6 mins for televoters semi and final), you have to take lots of interviews, social gatherings, meeting other artists and delegations, say your opinion about things and such. To many, it is a walk in the park, but it isn't for everyone. The best example is Agnete who competed for Norway in 2016, who had very strong social anxiety, only had a few one-to-one interviews prior to the contest. The contest pulled a lot of strength for her and that is one of the most probable reasons why Norway failed to qualify that year, not only her emotional state, but also bringing the impression of being rather anonymous for the fans that loved her song (I personally didn't, but many did at the time).
Charlotte Perrelli toured all throughout Europe prior to 2008 but just when she came to Belgrade, she got to know that her husband had cheated on her, a devastating news that made her almost physically sick, which made her appearance in Belgrade look a lot worse than it would have done.

It isn't just to stand on the stage and look happy. It is so much more involved. I don't know Olly, many Italians could potentially answer that instead of me, but if you are a sensible soul which may need to adapt things to have a healthy life, then you should think through if you really want to compete in the contest or not. Whether he choose, I hope he feels happy with his choice and if he says no now, he might happen to win San Remo some other time, maybe when he is much more ready for ESC and might take his chances then.

 

[sucof]

I think it is not only about interest. It has to with what feels right for you.
Not all artists are suited for the pressure and stress that brings with competing in ESC. Not only do you have to be good at 6-9 minutes during this week (3 mins for juries in final, 3-6 mins for televoters semi and final), you have to take lots of interviews, social gatherings, meeting other artists and delegations, say your opinion about things and such. To many, it is a walk in the park, but it isn't for everyone. The best example is Agnete who competed for Norway in 2016, who had very strong social anxiety, only had a few one-to-one interviews prior to the contest. The contest pulled a lot of strength for her and that is one of the most probable reasons why Norway failed to qualify that year, not only her emotional state, but also bringing the impression of being rather anonymous for the fans that loved her song (I personally didn't, but many did at the time).
Charlotte Perrelli toured all throughout Europe prior to 2008 but just when she came to Belgrade, she got to know that her husband had cheated on her, a devastating news that made her almost physically sick, which made her appearance in Belgrade look a lot worse than it would have done.

It isn't just to stand on the stage and look happy. It is so much more involved. I don't know Olly, many Italians could potentially answer that instead of me, but if you are a sensible soul which may need to adapt things to have a healthy life, then you should think through if you really want to compete in the contest or not. Whether he choose, I hope he feels happy with his choice and if he says no now, he might happen to win San Remo some other time, maybe when he is much more ready for ESC and might take his chances then.

you have no idea of the tour de force that singers do during the week of Sanremo, some sleep a few hours a night between interviews with more than 1400 journalists, from TV, radio and accredited websites, the promotion of the album in their points, the rehearsals and the competition at the Ariston etc.. that in comparison the week of Eurovision is a walk in the park! you have not even the slightest idea of the effort that singers undergo during Sanremo.

 

[Citelis]

I think Lucio would be a riskier choice for Eurovision but i prefer his entry by a lot.