Lucio Corsi has emerged as one of the most intriguing talents of the Sanremo Music Festival 2025, captivating both audiences and critics alike with his poignant song, "Volevo essere un duro," which secured him the second place at the prestigious event.
Born and raised in Tuscany, Corsi's rise to recognition this year feels like the culmination of years spent refining his craft. His song delves deep, embracing themes of personal acceptance and authenticity, culminating in heartfelt lyrics like, "Volevo essere un duro, però non sono nessuno, non sono nato con la faccia da duro, ho anche paura del buio, se faccio a botte le prendo." This resonates with many listeners, particularly among youth grappling with their identity.
From the moment the festival kicked off, Corsi was already generating buzz with his unconventional style choices, which starkly contrasted the more polished images typically presented on such platforms. Instead of carefully curated outfits from high-fashion brands, Corsi opted for vintage and recycled clothing, showcasing his individuality and letting his personality shine through without succumbing to the image-driven pressures of Sanremo.
One of the most talked-about aspects of his appearance was his distinctive white makeup, inspired by theatrical traditions reminiscent of clowns and characters from the commedia dell’arte. It served not just as decoration but as a powerful statement about embracing vulnerability and expressing raw emotions. This choice acted as both a visual metaphor for the emotional layers of his performance and commentary on how the music industry often prioritizes appearance over substance. Corsi himself summed up his ethos perfectly when he stated, "Essere se stessi è l’unico vero atto rivoluzionario."
Adding layers to his newfound stardom is Corsi's past. Unbeknownst to many, he was not just born from the Sanremo scene; he had earlier experiences as a model for the luxury fashion house Gucci. Under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, he participated in the Cruise 2018 show at Palazzo Pitti, Florence. His involvement helped him cultivate his unique aesthetic, making his Sanremo debut feel like a natural evolution of his artistic identity.
Despite not winning the festival, Corsi's impact was tangible. Post-festival, his social media following skyrocketed from 63,087 followers to over 874,000, representing phenomenal growth driven by his universal message and authentic representation. It became apparent through various platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, where clips of his performances and their thematic relevance garnered attention. Notably, the song connected deeply with issues like bullying, with listeners reflecting on their own school experiences and the way they treated their peers.
Reflecting on Corsi's rise, it's evident how pivotal moments like the Sanremo festival can serve as catalysts for change, not only within the artist's career but also within public discourse around authenticity and the acceptance of diversity. His success within this competitive environment signals more than just personal acclaim; it embodies hope for aspiring artists feeling marginalized by conventional norms.
Looking forward, Corsi is set to perform again at his hometown of Arsita on June 22, and excitement grows around his plans for future music, including his upcoming album, also titled "Volevo essere un duro," scheduled for release on March 21.
His story is one of authenticity, personal discovery, and the power of individual expression. Lucio Corsi mirrors the struggles of many—the quest for acceptance within the often-unforgiving glare of public scrutiny—and reminds us through his music and persona to embrace who we are, imperfections included.