Olly amazed the audience during his performance at the Sanremo 2025 festival with his emotional ballad "Balorda Nostalgia." The young Genoese singer, whose real name is Federico Olivieri, captivated viewers on February 13, leaving them with praises and applause.
"Balorda Nostalgia" marks Olly's return to the Sanremo stage, following his breakout success with the song "Polvere" at the previous year's festival. His latest performance showcased significant growth and maturity as an artist, as the song explores themes of nostalgia and reminiscing about past relationships.
The response from the audience was electric, culminating in unexpected standing ovation for Olly. This reaction surprised the singer himself, who appeared somewhat bewildered by the acclaim. Social media quickly buzzed with varied opinions about the audience's fervent response, illuminating the dividing sentiments among viewers.
Many praised the performance, with one user expressing, "Olly, I stood up myself, sing me life please!" Others were less impressed, questioning the reasons for the standing ovation. One user remarked, "Come on guys, for heaven's sake, Olly's song is nice, but it's not deserving of such over-the-top reactions." Such critiques sparked discussions among fans, leading to defenses of Olly’s talent and the song’s emotional resonance.
Comments from social media users reflected the spectrum of opinions: "This standing ovation for Olly is simply incomprehensible," clashed with those defending the singer, stating, "He's taken ownership of the stage and deserves every bit of applause!" The emotional substance of "Balorda Nostalgia" seemed to evoke powerful sentiments, with some listeners reminiscing about past relationships, even those they never had.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Olly was his personal life, particularly speculation about his relationship with Benedetta Quagli, former partner of footballer Federico Chiesa. Despite maintaining some privacy about his romantic involvements, whispers of their connection intensified as rumors circulated social media. Olly previously stated, "Love is private; I like my music to speak for me,” but hints have emerged through various social media posts.
Fans unearthed details, noting how Benedetta was spotted with friends of Olly during the festival—gossiping continued to swirl as they were photographed together at the cinema about a month prior.
Despite the personal scrutiny, Olly has remained focused on his craft, engaging his growing fanbase through social media channels. His Instagram profile @olly_nclusive, boasts thousands of followers, where he enthusiastically posts updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interactive content with listeners.
The song "Balorda Nostalgia" is now available across major streaming platforms including Spotify and YouTube, and Olly announced he would be embarking on several concert tours to entertain fans across Italy. With the momentum gained from his Sanremo performance, many anticipate the next chapter of his promising career.
Olly’s ability to resonate through his lyrics and performances, coupled with the public’s reaction, indicates his growing prominence within the Italian music scene. While he faces both applause and criticism, it’s clear Olly has made his mark on Sanremo and beyond, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what he will bring to the stage next.