Olly, the rising star of Italian pop, has officially announced his withdrawal from representing Italy at Eurovision 2025, opting instead to focus on his already scheduled concert tour. Olly, whose real name is Federico Olivieri, gained national acclaim after winning the prestigious Sanremo 2025 festival with his hit song, "Balorda Nostalgia." His decision has sent ripples through the Italian music community, paving the way for fellow artist Lucio Corsi, the runner-up at Sanremo, to step up as the new representative for Italy.
After much anticipation and speculation, Olly took to Instagram on February 22, 2025, to share his heartfelt reasoning behind the decision. He revealed the magnitude of his internal struggle: "Al final, uno tiene que hacer lo que le apetezca," he wrote, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself. His scheduled concert tour was fully booked during the same timeframe as Eurovision, which significantly influenced his choice. "Decidí renunciar a la oportunidad de participar en el Festival de Eurovisión, consciente de que es una de esas cosas que quizás te suceden solo una vez en la vida," he added, acknowledging the honor of being considered for such a prestigious event.
Olly expressed immense gratitude toward the fans who had previously supported him, hoping to reciprocate their affection at his upcoming concerts. He declared, "Esta decisión es mi manera de escucharme a mí mismo y quizás también mi forma retorcida de decir gracias." Olly's decision reveals not only his commitment to his fans but also his desire to manage his artistic identity on his own terms. While many may perceive this as turning down the opportunity of a lifetime, Olly sees it as choosing to live at his own pace.
Lucio Corsi, who secured the second position at Sanremo with his song "Volevo essere un duro," is now set to take the spotlight at Eurovision, scheduled for May 17, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland. Corsi has openly expressed his enthusiasm about this unexpected opportunity, confirming on his social media platforms, "Nos vemos en Eurovisión. Estoy muy feliz." With the qualification norm indicating Corsi follows the Sanremo ranking, his transition to representing Italy feels seamless.
The excitement surrounding Corsi's upcoming appearance stems not only from his impressive Sanremo performance but also from the powerful message embedded within his Eurovision entry. Corsi's song poignantly tackles themes of personal identity and societal pressures, serving as both a celebration and critique of societal norms. The lyrics to "Volevo essere un duro" exemplify his struggle with authenticity and vulnerability, eloquently stating, "Volevo essere un duro, Che non gli importa del futuro..." This exploration is sure to resonate with a wide audience at Eurovision.
Both Olly and Corsi have made significant marks within the Italian music scene, reflecting the rich diversity and talent present today. The Sanremo festival, which has long been heralded as Italy's musical crown jewel, provides these artists with substantial exposure. Historically significant, Sanremo often provides the platform for artists to be selected for Eurovision, allowing for prominent figures like Olly and now Corsi to gain international recognition through this association.
The announcement of who will represent Italy at Eurovision traditionally engenders much excitement. The RAI, Italy's public broadcaster, showcases national pride and artistic talent through this festival. This synergy between Sanremo and Eurovision highlights the enduring legacy of Italy’s contribution to the European music scene since the inception of Eurovision.
Overall, Olly’s decision, though met with some disappointment from his fans, opens the door for Lucio Corsi, whose upcoming performance will offer him the opportunity to introduce his artistry to a broader audience. Olly’s determination to prioritize his current commitments speaks volumes about the challenges artists face when balancing personal aspirations with public expectations.
With the excitement building for Eurovision 2025, fans can now turn their attention to Corsi’s forthcoming performance and the promise of his uniquely compelling stage presence. The anticipation surrounding this year's competition continues to grow, and it seems Italy has another talented representative ready to make waves on the European stage.