Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Italy's perfect couple is back together. Last night they celebrated their reunion in Arena di Verona, the Roman amphitheatre built in 1st century. 15.000 people in the arena and millions at home watched the (over run) live spectacle with many guests as the couple relived their career and life  & love story with live orchestra and their music and family. The couple married in 1970 and separated in 1999. In between numerous hits, victory in Sanremo, two Eurovision song contests, films, solo albums and several kids. The disappearance of their daughter Ylenia in 1994 marked the end of an era. They cancelled all their gigs. One more album was released in 1995 but they didn't perform anymore together. Al Bano went solo in 1996 while Romina left the spotlight, convinced Ylenia was still alive somewhere. Later she moved back to the USA.  In 2013 they were again on same stage for the first time in Russia, followed by concert in the USA and Canada in 2014 and a mini tournee i...

Sanremo festival is not only about music. Or actually most of the time you would like it to be more about music. There are always endless guests and at times the show stops for talk shows that seem to go on forever. Or stand up comedians come and talk for ages, which is of course for non-Italians total waste of time. But next week when it starts and you are watching, remember it's Sanremo. It's Italian television. Nothing you can do about it. It's not a national Eurovision selection even if it serves as one, too. But it's only a minor sidekick and that moment will propably last in that five day marathon so long that if you blink you might miss it.....  Anyways, it has been confirmed and/or rumoured there will be several comedians this year, as usual. Also several athletes. And a lot of people you propably never heard of; after all it's Sanremo and everyone from Nobel prize sciencist to astronaut is welcome. There will be actors like Will Smith and Charlize The...

One month to go before RAI and Carlo Conti will publish the list of the artists and songs for the 2015 Sanremo festival and the rumour mill running wilder than ever. Some interesting new names have emerged among the possible ones. First of all Nina Zilli who is currently one of the judges in Italy's Got Talent and has recently given final touch to her new album to be released. It would be only logical she would try to launch it with Sanremo. Amici winner Deborah Iurato is about to fight it again against Dear Jack , this time in Teatro Ariston's stage. Malika Ayane may be in the list again seeking revenge for her previous attempts when Sanremo didn't treat her as well as she deserved. Francesca Michielin is in the list as well now. Recently she has collaboratd with Alice and Franco Battiato. Then we have Tiromancino as a big maybe, as well as Sanremo newcomer's winner 2014 Rocco Hunt . As for the old glories - so fond for Carlo Conti's team in their attempt t...