Olly, the rising star of Italian pop music, made waves during the first night of the Festival di Sanremo 2025, held on February 11, showcasing his captivating performance of "Balorda Nostalgia." The Genoese artist, known for his emotional lyrics and energetic presence, brought the house down at the Teatro Ariston, marking his significant return to the prestigious music festival.
His song "Balorda Nostalgia" dives deep through the complex feelings of longing and reminiscence, exploring the bittersweet nature of memories associated with past relationships. Olly, whose real name is Federico Olivieri, expressed the essence of the song, saying, "Balorda nostalgia è una canzone molto intuitiva, parla di nostalgia che è sempre un po' balorda, fa sempre un po' male" - indicating the nuanced emotions involved when reflecting on love lost.
"Balorda Nostalgia" is not just another romantic ballad; it channels the frustration and hope of reconnecting with someone who has been integral to one’s happiness. The lyrics articulate vivid memories entrenched with sorrow and warmth: moments filled with laughter, tears, and intimate silences shared on the couch. Olly's lyrics encapsulate these sentiments beautifully, offering listeners the opportunity to engage with their own nostalgia.
The young singer-songwriter has had quite the musical evolution since he first caught listeners' attention. With his first significant recognition coming from the Sanremo Giovani festival, where he presented the song "L'anima balla"—which paved his way to the main Sanremo competition—the artist continues to assert his place on the Italian music scene. His earlier participation at Sanremo 2023 with "Polvere" showcased his budding talent, but with "Balorda Nostalgia," it is clear he is presenting his matured musical identity.
This year’s festival included various notable performances, but Olly stood out with his casual yet stylish appearance, sporting a black vest and jeans, and showcasing his authenticity as he connects with both his music and the audience. Following his heartfelt performance, he expressed gratitude to the festival director Carlo Conti and to the audience, appreciating the opportunity to share his new song.
During the heart of the song, Olly reflects, “Ne sento in qualche modo la mancanza, con la consapevolezza degli inevitabili aspetti negativi che hanno fatto finire la relazione,” and this resonates with many fans who have experienced similar feelings of loss. His ability to articulate these powerful emotions has carved out his niche as one of the most relatable voices for young listeners grappling with love and loss.
His previous collaborations, particularly with rising stars like Angelina Mango, have only added to his reputation and followership. The song "Per due come noi" not only gained immense popularity but also achieved platinum certification, showcasing his growing influence and artistic capability. This is indicative of how his career has burgeoned since the beginning; now, he stands firmly among the leading young artists of Italy.
Olly hopes to leave his mark not only through his music but also by representing his love for his hometown, Genoa. He often emphasizes how much his city is ingrained within his artistic expression and persona, as it serves as his creative backdrop.
With future performances scheduled and plans for tour dates later this year, including much-anticipated stops in Milan and Genoa, it’s clear Olly is only getting started. The anticipation surrounding his next moves caters to both existing fans and those soon to discover his work. Using "Balorda Nostalgia" as both personal reflection and universal commentary on the nature of nostalgia, Olly not only hopes to captivate the current festival crowd but also draw listeners from all walks of life to resonate with his artistic expressions.
"Balorda Nostalgia," alongside its poignant lyrics and Olly’s charismatic performance at Sanremo 2025, solidifies his place as one of the most promising talents within the contemporary Italian music scene—one who articulates the pain and beauty of bygone moments through melody and lyricism.