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Ciao Italia! But should we be happy at their return? Written by on December 8, 2010 | 2 Comments

Paul Jordan is reading Central and East European Studies at Glasgow University, and is currently working on his PhD on Building Political and National Identity.

With his research concentrating primarily on national branding initiatives and the role that Eurovision plays, he’s perfectly suited to looking at the deeper cultural impact of the Eurovision Song Contest, here at ESC Insight.

Last week the EBU announced that Italy is set to return to the Eurovision Song Contest after a 13 year absence. For many fans of the contest this was exciting news – one of the founding fathers of the contest is coming back to the fold!

Whilst not set in stone, it looks very likely that Italy will have automatic entry into the Eurovision final (It would be hard to envision how the EBU tempted them back otherwise). For a country which pulled out through their own choice over ten years ago, it would be hard to see how they would come back if they had to risk the embarrassment of missing out in a place in the final. A final that they helped to create all those years ago.

Italy last participated in Eurovision in 1997 and despite finishing a very respectable fourth place they decided to leave Eurovision and haven’t been seen since. Until now. Italy is of course a country with a strong image in popular culture. It is also a country with a complex relationship with Eurovision; a country which regularly pulled out of Eurovision in the 1980s and 1990s citing “lack of interest”. Whilst in the UK the contest is treated with a certain amount of cynicism, we’ve been there year in year out – even when we come last. Why then do fans seem to adore the Italian contribution so much? Is it because of their songs?

Undoubtedly the Italians have contributed to some classics over the years – possibly even one of the most famous songs ever to come out of Eurovision – “Nel blu dipinto di blu” – also known as “Volare”. The song went on to win a Grammy despite only coming third in the 1958 Eurovision Song Contest itself. In fact many people don’t even know that the song was a Eurovision entry!

How about their song from 1984 “I Treni Di Tozeur”? Another classic hailed by the fans. Or what about the first Italian winner from 1964? A classic, albeit of its time… I’m not sure songs about minors loving adults would be seen through the same gaze nowadays.

There are of course countless other classic songs which Eurovision fans have taken to their hearts. The recent explosion of Italian entries shared on Facebook when the news was announced that Italy are returning is a testament to how many people love their songs and welcome their return to Eurovision. Perhaps the simple beauty of the Italian language also explains things further? Italian music continues to draw audiences and the enduring popularity of Italian artists such as Pavarotti as well as the arrival of “Popera” (in the form of Il Divo, G4, Rhydian, Josh Groban to name just a few) has done little to diminish this appeal.  Or is it because if it wasn’t for Italy and their Sanremo Music Festival, then there may never have been a Eurovision Song Contest in the first place?

Sanremo

Sanremo Music Festival

Perhaps it’s a mixture of all of these things. It is rather perplexing though that a country which has basically shunned our beloved contest for decades has now been greeted so enthusiastically by the contest’s most devoted supporters. It’s a funny old world.

Why did they choose to come back though? And why now? In Italy Eurovision has been seen as the Second Division behind San Remo. Why would they want to compete against other countries when they have their own internal contest which has produced hit after hit? The “lack of interest” cited by RAI surely is code for “we’re too good for this game”.

One of the biggest draws for Italy must surely have been Germany’s spectacular victory in Eurovision this year. 2010 proved that a big four country can win and will win with a song which has mass appeal. Yes Lena won the jury vote but she also won the public vote. This year marked a crucial turning point in the way Eurovision is imagined – 2011 will also see the return of Austria – another country with an “interesting” relationship with Eurovision (of course for “interesting” Paul actually means “huffy!” – Ed).

The staging of Eurovision in 1991 can be seen as a representation of how seriously Italy took Eurovision as a credible musical event. Not very.

1991 has gone down in infamy as being perhaps one of the most cringe-worthy, most uncomfortable contests to watch. And for that reason I personally absolutely love it. The Italians decided that if you didn’t speak their language then tough. No English, no French, just Italian. Toto and Gigliola; regularly interrupting each other, both not really seeming to know why they, or anyone else for that matter, was there. Compelling viewing from start to finish. Surely the highlight of that contest was Toto’s “Mr Naef, Mr Naef” moment where even dear old Frank Naef, the EBU Scrutineer, looked like he was about to give Mr Cutugno a good slap. To think – they actually had dress rehearsals for that show! Mind you, we had Samantha Janus flying our flag. “Janus as in anus” as ESC Insight’s own outspoken Juke Box Jury judge David Elder politely helped to spell out to the assembled press in Rome.

Personally speaking I’m not a huge fan of Italian Eurovision songs. I like many but I could take or leave most of them. Saying that I adore Jalisse’s “Fiumi Di Parole” as well as their effort from 1989 “Avrei Voluto”.  However I am trying to welcome them back with an open mind.

Nathalie Giannitrapani

Nathalie Giannitrapani

Already there is speculation that the X Factor winner Nathalie Giannitrapani will represent Italy in Germany next year. Time will tell. I wouldn’t be surprised if Italy decided to leave the Eurovision Family as quickly as they have returned. I hope I’m proved wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time if my recent betting record is anything to go by (I was convinced that Azerbaijan had it in the bag in 2010). Maybe a little flutter on Italy next year might be an idea.

I just hope that if they repeat 1991 then I want to be in the front row!

Welcome back Italy! Whilst you’re here you may as well throw some points our way, like in the good old days…

Paul Jordan.

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2 responses to “Ciao Italia! But should we be happy at their return?”

  1. Stuart says:

    Great article!

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