Lucio Corsi has marked his debut at the prestigious Sanremo 2025 Festival with his song 'Volevo essere un duro', which resonates with the audience through its blend of humor and deep introspection.
His entry to the festival was met with enthusiasm as Corsi delivered one of the five most voted performances of the night, alongside notable artists such as Brunori SAS, Giorgia, Simone Cristicchi, and Achille Lauro. The public eagerly awaits how the remaining votes will stack up against the other performances, as their cumulative scores will determine the outcome of this year’s competition.
Born on October 15, 1993, in Grosseto, Corsi grew up under the influence of iconic musicians like the Blues Brothers and Genesis. He stepped onto the music scene officially with the release of his first album, Bestiario musicale, back in 2017, followed by two more albums highlighting songs reflective of both personal and societal themes.
His latest piece, 'Volevo essere un duro', is not just another entry but rather showcases Corsi’s unique approach to songwriting—one where vulnerability, humor, and self-reflection intertwine. "It was born a year and a half ago for the album I’m preparing, not for Sanremo 2025... Songs shouldn’t be forced. They should be loved regardless of the path they take," Corsi explained, giving insight to his artistic process.
The lyrics of 'Volevo essere un duro' cleverly juxtapose aspirational ideals of masculinity with the stark realities of human insecurity. With lines like, "I wanted to be tough / Who doesn’t care about the future", Corsi quickly spins these themes on their head. The humorous yet relatable admission of personal vulnerabilities becomes evident when he candidly admits, "But I’m nobody / I wasn’t born with the face of toughness". This duality allows listeners to connect with his struggles, evoking both laughter and empathy.
Musically, the song features reminiscent orchestral arrangements and light guitar work, encapsulating the essence of classic balladry, encouraging freedom of expression through the richness of the Italian language. This style, lauded for its accessibility, shines as Corsi navigates personal tales of ambition against the societal notions of strength and masculinity.
Speaking on personal growth, he reflects on childhood advice from his mother: "My mother used to tell me... I would fall off the trees". This connection to his youth not only establishes intimacy with the audience but also reinforces the notion of embracing one’s vulnerabilities as part of growth. Corsi utilizes humor and oddball imagery, such as mentioning “a robot”, “a sumo wrestler”, and even “a hen with golden eggs”, adding depth to his narrative and keeping the tone light yet reflective.
While his entry might not introduce Corsi as the festival's most mainstream artist, he reflects the true spirit of what it means to be a cantautore (singer-songwriter) in modern Italy, capable of delivering personal truth with humor and grace. Many industry peers, including well-known artists like Cesare Cremonini, have acknowledged Corsi’s talent, underscoring his duality as both established within indie circles yet lesser-known among mainstream audiences.
Corsi’s performance will likely continue to resonate even after the festival concludes, highlighting the pivotal role it may play in augmenting both his career and visibility within the larger Italian music scene. His presence marks not just another performance, but the authentic voice of modern songwriting, where acceptance of one’s flaws is celebrated rather than stigmatized.
The anticipation among fans and critics alike for Corsi’s next steps is palpable as they look for growth beyond Sanremo, following the contours of his career path forged by introspective lyrics and engaging melodies. This year’s festival not only serves as his stage debut but positions him as one to watch, promising not only to entertain but to provoke thought on the nuanced constructs of identity and masculinity through his art.
Lucio Corsi’s entrance at Sanremo 2025 is truly emblematic of how original voices can forge connections through simplicity and sincerity, effectively inviting listeners to reflect on their journeys alongside him. The heartfelt humility coupled with introspective storytelling is sure to leave lasting impressions long after the final votes are counted.