The semi-final of 'Amici 24' aired on Canale 5 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, marking one of the most anticipated events of the television season. This episode, pre-recorded earlier in the week, generated significant buzz on social media, particularly due to its new rules and the emotional stakes involved. The show has long been a staple of Italian television, showcasing talent and dreams while also igniting discussions about its format and fairness.
In the previous episode, Chiara Bacci and Jacopo Sol were eliminated, leaving six contestants vying for victory. These contestants were divided into two historic teams: Team Zerbi-Celentano, featuring Antonia Nocca (singer), Alessia Pecchia (dancer), and Daniele Doria (dancer), and Team Cuccarini-Lo-Pettinelli-Lettieri, which included Francesco Fasano (dancer), Nicolò Filippucci (singer), and TrigNO (singer).
This year’s semi-final introduced a significant change in the competition’s rules: there would be no direct eliminations after each round. Instead, the jury, consisting of Cristiano Malgioglio, Amadeus, and Elena D’Amario, would select the finalists directly from the winners of each round. This adjustment sparked controversy among fans, who debated the fairness and transparency of the decision-making process.
During the first round, Francesco Fasano secured the first spot in the final. He was followed by Alessia Pecchia in the second round, who clinched the second place, and Daniele Doria, who took the third spot in the final. This left Nicolò Filippucci, Antonia Nocca, and TrigNO in a tense final ballot, with only one contestant facing elimination while the other two advanced to the final.
The semi-final was further enriched by special guests, including Annalisa, who performed her new single "Maschio" for the first time. Additionally, Geppi Cucciari delivered a comedic monologue addressing the importance of voting and democratic choices, adding a layer of depth to the entertainment.
Cucciari’s humor shone through as she quipped about Maria De Filippi, the show’s host, saying, "She wanted to be a judge but chose the judges of 'Amici' for reasons unknown." She also humorously referenced the recent papal conclave, suggesting that the dynamics of 'Amici' mirrored those of the church, with a nod to the three judges as akin to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Cucciari took the opportunity to encourage the young audience to participate in the upcoming referendum on labor and citizenship issues, stating, "If you keep to yourselves, someone else will decide for you on matters big and small." Her remarks resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.
Meanwhile, on Nove, the talk show 'Accordi & Disaccordi' aired at 21:30, hosted by Luca Sommi alongside Marco Travaglio and Andrea Scanzi. The episode featured a lineup of guests including Rosy Bindi, Tomaso Montanari, Alessandro Orsini, Michela Ponzani, and Moni Ovadia. This discussion promised to be intense and divisive, reflecting on pressing issues such as the Pope, the dire situation in Gaza, and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In contrast to the lighthearted atmosphere of 'Amici', 'Accordi & Disaccordi' aimed to tackle serious topics that require urgent attention and reflection. The show’s format allows for voices outside the mainstream to be heard, making it a crucial platform for political discourse.
Finally, on La7, Massimo Gramellini hosted 'In Altre Parole', featuring guests Corrado Formigli and actor Luca Marinelli. This program, known for its gentler approach to journalism, offered a space for thoughtful conversation amid the often chaotic media landscape.
As the night unfolded, viewers were treated to a rich tapestry of entertainment and discussion that reflected the complexities of contemporary society. From the emotional highs of 'Amici' to the urgent political conversations in 'Accordi & Disaccordi', the television offerings on May 10, 2025, captured a moment of cultural significance.
The semi-final of 'Amici 24' not only showcased budding talent but also served as a reminder of the power of democracy and the importance of participation in shaping the future. As Cucciari aptly put it, engaging in the democratic process is essential, especially for the youth who will inherit the world they help shape.