Mara Venier welcomed a star-studded lineup on the March 2nd, 2025 episode of Domenica IN, broadcasting live from the Fabrizio Frizzi Studios in Rome. The show featured Massimo Ranieri, Marcella Bella, Serena Brancale, and Dalila Di Lazzaro, each sharing valuable insights from their personal lives alongside breathtaking performances.
Massimo Ranieri kicked off the episode by reflecting on his remarkable 67-year career, humorously stating, "Gli anni sono un numero, la capoccia lavora bene" (Age is just a number; it’s all about how you feel upstairs). At 74 years old, Ranieri recalled his childhood experience of working at the age of seven, which he described as both challenging and formative. He reminisced about the early days of his career, including his first participation at the Sanremo Music Festival at 17 and shared how he once served tables to support his family.
Ranieri’s performance of his recent song, “Tra le mani un cuore,” moved the audience and showcased his enduring talent. The way he mixed poignant memories of his early career with his current pursuits illustrated his deep connection to the music industry and to his audience.
Next up, Marcella Bella took the stage, recounting her family background and her recent life changes. Bella, who participated at Sanremo 2025 with “Pelle diamante,” has made significant lifestyle adjustments recently, opting to abstain from alcohol. "È un periodo che non bevo più, né vino, né nulla" (It’s been some time since I stopped drinking anything), she shared, attributing her weight loss to her newfound happiness and satisfaction from her music.
The conversation turned to her personal relationships, especially with her brother Gianni, with whom she maintains a close bond. Bella showed great humor about her new role as grandmother, giving her charming anecdotes about her family and her approach to life. She emphasized the importance of living for the present and shared her joy about returning to the Sanremo stage after 18 years.
Serena Brancale, another dynamic performer of the day, brought her unique energy to the show. She shared her heartfelt connection to her mother, stating, "Io sono sempre stata la preferita di mamma, ero quella che imparava tutto in pochissimo tempo" (I’ve always been my mother’s favorite; I was the one who learned everything quickly). This sentiment touched Mara Venier deeply, visibly moving the host to tears. Brancale’s performance of “Anema e Core” was both powerful and emotive, capturing the audience's attention as she spoke of her mother’s joy and support throughout her life.
Venier’s emotional response illustrated not just the impact of Brancale’s words but also the powerful bond shared between mothers and daughters, enriching the narrative of the show. Brancale's reflections conveyed the experience of losing her mother as she recounted moments from her childhood, creating beautiful parallels between performance and personal experience.
The episode also welcomed Dalila Di Lazzaro, who took the opportunity to share her tragic personal story, particularly her battle with neuropathy resulting from medical miscommunication after her son’s death. cMio figlio Cristian suonava la chitarra e aveva fatto un concerto di cui io non sapevo nulla” (My son Cristian played guitar and had done a concert of which I was unaware), she said, highlighting how her son remains present with her even after his passing. Di Lazzaro’s bravely recounted her struggles with health professionals and voiced her passionate call for greater awareness of chronic pain conditions, making her segment a compelling reminder of the real-life impacts of medical issues.
Throughout the show, the guest interactions were rife with empathy, creating moments of genuine connection. The rich emotional landscapes within each guest’s narrative and the overlapping themes of loss, love, and resilience formed the crux of this impactful episode.
Adorned with rich and heartfelt performances, the episode of Domenica IN not only entertained but also provided poignant reflections on life’s trials and joys. From Ranieri’s humorous insights to Brancale’s touching moments, these artists brought both their professional talents and personal stories to the forefront, making for a memorable viewing experience for all.
All four guests offered something unique to the show, affirming their relevance not just to Italian music but to the broader discourse on emotional and personal stories intertwined with their art. Their time on the couch with Mara Venier underscored the powerful connections forged through shared experiences and the ability of music to heal and inspire.