Achille Lauro captured hearts once again at Sanremo 2025, performing his stirring new song, "Incoscienti Giovani." This entry marks Lauro's third appearance at the prestigious festival, where he showcased both his musical prowess and the deeply personal circumstances surrounding the song.
On stage at the historic Ariston Theater, Lauro introduced the performance with poignant words, stating, "Dear journalists, songs aren’t just simple songs. They are our stories. This is 'Incoscienti Giovani,' told by someone who lived it, tonight from my greatest love." These remarks set the stage for what would be not just a performance but also a heartfelt story woven through music.
The audience was eager to learn more about the inspiration behind the touching ballad. Lauro revealed the source of his inspiration through the reading of a letter from his mysterious ex-girlfriend, referred to only as 'S.' The letter painted an intimate portrait of Lauro's youth, detailing the struggles they both faced during their formative years. "When I first met Lauro, he was a skinny teenager, with his hair always cropped short and his face gaunt. We fell in love at such a young age," the letter began. 'S' described how they shared struggles and how Lauro often sought solace through writing music.
This letter addressed many aspects of Lauro’s early life, emphasizing his quiet resilience and the hidden traumas he carried. 'S' continued, noting, "He learned to suffer in silence. I understood him because my mother and I were also alone. My father always humiliated her until the day he left. He never knew what it meant to be truly together; he didn’t know love."
Listeners were deeply moved, especially as 'S' recounted moments of Lauro’s life when he felt lost. "I recall those shabby hotel rooms he despised and how he would lie just to not be burdensome to me and his friends. Late at night, when everyone returned home, he'd say, 'Don't worry, I’m at a friend's place,' but he ended up sleeping hidden away somewhere instead." Such revelations illuminated the challenges Lauro endured during his youth, responding to many who pondered his creative process.
Though the identity of 'S' remains enigmatic, her heartfelt letter echoes the essence of Lauro’s song. She expressed, "I will always be in love with the dreamer boy he once was. Despite being difficult, those who could navigate through the surface found his poignant sensitivity—a sensitivity he channels even now through his music, as evidenced by this song.”
The emotional weight of the performance did not go unnoticed. Attendees and viewers alike expressed sentiments across social media platforms, reflecting on the genuine rapport Lauro appeared to share with the letter, and by extension, the love for his past life experiences.
What makes this performance particularly special is the juxtaposition of Lauro’s public persona against the deeply personal narrative he shared. Known for his diverse musical styles ranging from rock to R&B, Lauro transcends purely aesthetic appeal with such raw and honest storytelling. His previous Sanremo performances, such as with “Rolls Royce” and “Me ne frego,” set high expectations, but "Incoscienti Giovani" is clearly rooted much more deeply.
The audience couldn't help but wonder about the significance of 'S.' Who is she, and why does she remain unnamed? Lauro himself has kept his private life largely under wraps, only hinting at past relationships through whispers from fans and the press. This intrigue adds another layer to his artistry, allowing listeners to speculate on the blend of fact and fiction inherent to songwriting.
Lauro’s current romantic life features Giulia Toscano, sister of former Amici contestant Sarah Toscano, who opts for more privacy than the spotlight he commands. Lauro's dedication to keeping his past and present love lives separate reflects his desire to maintain authenticity as he navigates fame.
"Incoscienti Giovani" is not merely about love but speaks volumes about sacrifice, empathy, and the tender sensations of youth. Lauro’s ability to draw upon his history and communicate it through music captivates audiences, making them reflect on their lives.
While the festival wraps up with applause echoing through the Ariston Theater, one thing is clear: The story of Achille Lauro, his music, and his connections continues to resonate—like the love letter from 'S'—deep within the hearts of many.