Cristina D'Avena, the voice behind beloved children's songs, has continued to enchant audiences across Italy, celebrating her career's milestones as she prepares to return to the stage for "Zecchino D’Oro – La magia della Vigilia," airing on December 24th. The singer's storied career began as she captured hearts at just three years old with her performance of "Il valzer del moscerino" during the prestigious children's music competition. Reflecting on her remarkable life, D'Avena shares insights about both her professional achievements and personal life, offering fans a glimpse of the woman behind the songs.
Having started her singing career at the tender age of three, D'Avena quickly gained recognition for her remarkable talent. Debuting on the small screen during the 1968 edition of Zecchino d'Oro, she scored third place with the performance of the now-iconic song. Following her early beginnings, D'Avena became one of the most recognizable voices for animated series theme songs throughout the 1980s, amassing sales of over seven million copies of her records, with hits like "La Canzone dei Puffi" and "Kiss Me Licia" cementing her legacy as a beloved cultural figure.
Beyond her singing prowess, Cristina ventured to host various television shows, winning accolades including the prestigious Telegatto award for "Sabato al Circo" and leading several popular programs like "Cantiamo con Cristina" and "Serenate." The 1990s marked the beginning of her expanded career as she began writing children's books, showcasing her versatility as both artist and author. Not resting on her laurels, she reached new heights by performing at the renowned Sanremo Music Festival and launching the album "Duets" which found widespread success, proving her continued relevance and adaptability within the ever-changing music industry.
Despite her illustrious career, D'Avena maintains deep humility and gratitude for her family's influence. She recalls her father's concern during her rising fame, having arranged for her to have bodyguard protection during her early years in Milan. "When I first got started, my father insisted I should have somewhat of a watchful presence at my side; he was worried for my safety," she shared. This close-knit family dynamic is something D'Avena treasures and credits as integral to her grounding throughout her decades-long career.
While her public presence is vibrant, Cristina D'Avena has chosen to keep her personal life predominantly private. There’s been some speculation about her love life, particularly her reported flirtation with Pasquale Finicelli during the filming of "Kiss Me Licia," where she noted, "There was quite the chemistry, it was just youthful love at the time." Today, she is happily linked to Massimo Palma, who is outside the entertainment scene, showcasing her preference for privacy when it concerns her romantic relationships.
Questions about marriage have surfaced after D'Avena revealed receiving marriage proposals from Palma, playful saying, “At the moment, I've declined because we can never seem to agree on everything. But I would love to marry one day—let's see what the future holds!” This candidness speaks volumes about her warm-hearted nature and her genuine approach to life's challenges.
Reflecting on her life choices, D'Avena expressed some regret over not becoming a mother, attributing her singular focus on her career as the main reason. “I put my career first for so long, believing I would always have time to think of starting a family. But as time passed, I realized it may not happen for me,” she said compassionately. Yet, she still finds joy and fulfillment through her little fans, stating, “They surround me with love! I feel like their mom when they come to hug me and share their joy every time they hear my songs.”
With such impactful relationships and heartwarming anecdotes, D'Avena's success can partly be traced back to her esteemed mentor, Silvio Berlusconi. She fondly remembers his influence on her early career: “Berlusconi was truly gracious and generous with me. I was just known as the voice of children, but he helped me gain visibility on television to present my performances,” she remarked, expressing sadness over his passing earlier this year.
Now, almost six decades since her debut, Cristina D'Avena looks forward to her time onstage for the upcoming holiday special. "I can hardly wait to return to 'Zecchino D’Oro' this Christmas Eve. It feels like being home again," she concluded, embodying the spirit of nostalgia and dreams she has shared with countless young hearts. Her timeless contributions to Italian music continue to be felt, and as she gears up for her next performance, fans across generations eagerly await the return of their childhood icon.
