Angelo Sotgiu, the former member of the popular Italian music group Ricchi e Poveri, found himself at the center of controversy during the Rai 1 New Year's Eve broadcast, "L'Anno che Verrà". While the audience counted down to the start of 2025, Sotgiu's expletive-laden outburst added unexpected drama to the festive evening.
Just moments before the midnight countdown, and convinced his microphone was off, Sotgiu shouted at the audio technicians backstage with colorful language, calling out, "Open my microphone, c*** head". This outburst, which he thought was private, was captured live on air, much to the surprise and discomfort of host Marco Liorni and the audience.
Marco Liorni, who hosted the event, quickly realized the gravity of the situation upon hearing the insults reverberate across the crowd. Following the incident, he addressed the audience, stating, "We owe you apologies because we have been informed some inappropriate language slipped out, and I wanted to apologize to the public who heard it and felt disturbed by this certainly inappropriate expression." His sincere apology aimed to mend the situation, highlighting the challenges of live television.
The incident occurred during one of Italy's most-watched yearly traditions, where various artists, including prominent names such as Anna Oxa and Cristiano Malgioglio, perform for thousands gathered at the event. The atmosphere typically brims with joy and excitement, making the unexpected outburst even more shocking.
Reportedly, the backstage issue arose because Sotgiu and fellow performer Angela were on stage using playback—their vocals pre-recorded to avoid any mishaps during live performances. This approach is standard practice to maintain quality and prevent unintended noises or mistakes from slipping through. Unfortunately for Sotgiu, this meant his microphone was intentionally muted, leading to his frustration.
Instead of calmly addressing the technicians for assistance, the seasoned performer lashed out, resulting in his comments being broadcast nationally. The playful spirit of the evening quickly shifted to surprise and concern among viewers and the studio audience.
Social media users swiftly reacted as clips of the incident circulated online, transforming the expletive-filled moment from blunder to viral sensation. Many shared their disbelief and amusement at the unexpected display of raw emotion during such a jubilant occasion. It highlighted how live broadcasts can lead to unforeseen moments, sparking both laughter and criticism.
Critics and fans alike were quick to comment on the situation. Some found the incident humorous, citing it as just another example of the unpredictability of live entertainment. Others expressed disappointment, feeling it tarnished the celebratory nature of the New Year festivities. No statement was issued by Angelo Sotgiu following the incident, leaving many to speculate on his feelings about the unintended viral nature of his comments.
The strong reaction to the verbal slip serves as a reminder of the responsibility entertainers hold when performing live, where every word can reach millions even if intended for just one person behind the scenes. Such incidents also raise questions about the pressures faced by performers under live conditions and the careful balance required between spontaneity and professionalism.
The night was meant to end on high notes, with the countdown culminating with cheers and fireworks heralding the start of 2025. Yet, it’s Sotgiu's vulgarity which dominated discussions, overshadowing the efforts of many artists who performed tirelessly.
Despite the embarrassment for those involved, the episode will likely serve as learned material for future shows. Audience members and entertainers alike are continually reminded of the unpredictable nature of live broadcasting, ensuring they keep their cool even under pressure.
Moving forward, it will be intriguing to see how Rai 1 responds to this incident, both in terms of ensuring technical reliability and possibly providing clearer guidelines to performers about on-air conduct. 2025 has already begun with its share of surprises, and the reverberations of this New Year's Eve gaffe will certainly echo for some time to come.