RAI, the Italian national broadcaster, has officially announced today the selection of Lucio Corsi to represent Italy at the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2025, taking place in Basel, Switzerland. This decision follows the withdrawal of Olly, the champion of the 75th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival, who declined the opportunity to compete internationally.
Lucio Corsi, the runner-up of Sanremo 2025, has been granted the honor of presenting his song “Volevo essere un duro” at Eurovision, marking only the latest twist amid this year's intense competition. According to RAI’s official press release, Corsi will showcase his entry during the Grand Final on May 17, broadcasted live on Rai 1, Raiplay, and Rai Radio2. The press release stated, "Lucio Corsi, the runner-up at the 75th edition of the Sanremo Italian Song Festival, will represent Italy in Basel during the Eurovision Song Contest 2025,” confirming his pivotal role.
The announcement follows Olly's post on Instagram, where he stated, "I spent days thinking and asking for advice... representing Italy at Eurovision is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I need to stay true to myself and focus on my live career.” Olly, who secured victory with his song “Balorda Nostalgia” by just 0.4 percentage points, revealed concert commitments as the reason for his decision. While his concerts could be rescheduled, he believed it would not be fair to his fans.
Corsi’s upcoming performance is expected to intrigue many, especially after the success of his Sanremo debut. His song “Volevo essere un duro” not only won the Mia Martini award for the best song but also captivated audiences and critics alike during the festival.
Born on October 15, 1993, in Grosseto, Tuscany, Lucio Corsi has crafted his identity within the Italian music scene through dynamic styles and rich storytelling. With previous releases such as his first studio album “Bestiario musicale” and significant milestones, including appearances in the Gucci Cruise 2018 campaign, Corsi has become one of the most promising voices representing Italy today. After moving to Milan to pursue music, he has developed a unique sound, influenced by notable artists like Genesis, Peter Gabriel, and traditional Italian musicians such as Ivan Graziani.
Corsi's rise has been dramatic, particularly following his participation at Sanremo 2025. His exit from the festival, having been so close to winning, has only amplified his popularity, with monthly listeners on streaming platforms skyrocketing from 115,400 to over 3.5 million.
Notably, Corsi will compete at Eurovision as part of the “Big Five,” automatically qualifying for the Grand Final. His song “Volevo essere un duro,” lauded for its thematic focus on societal pressures and vulnerability, is expected to resonate on the Eurovision stage due to its relatable message, as indicated by its metaphorical imagery of flowers being both beautiful yet fragile.
Italian music fans and Eurovision enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the contest scheduled for May 17, where Corsi will perform his piece. The event will feature 37 participating nations, with the excitement reaching beyond just the musical performances, but also the cultural exchange and artistic expressions represented.
Curiously, Italy's history with Eurovision, including three notable wins over the years, bolsters the anticipation surrounding Corsi and his upcoming performance. This year's entry presents yet another opportunity for Italy to highlight its rich musical heritage and engage with the diverse Eurovision audience.
Corsi's acceptance of the role as Italy’s Eurovision 2025 representative is significant not just for him personally, but also for Italy’s representation on the international stage. His distinctive style and past performances suggest he will bring something special to the contest, continuing the legacy of artistic excellence associated with Italian music.
With Lucio Corsi preparing to step onto the Eurovision stage, the hope is high for Italy's chance at another memorable entry. How well he performs may depend on his ability to connect with the audience during the live performance.
The excitement for Corsi’s participation stretches across social media as fans express their thoughts, fueling the buzz leading to the grand event. So as the countdown to Eurovision 2025 begins, all eyes will be on Lucio Corsi to proudly wave the Italian flag and deliver his artistic vision to the world.