After taking a break for the Sanremo music festival, Ora o mai più returns with its semifinal round on Saturday, February 22, 2025, marking another exciting chapter for this musical competition. Hosted by Marco Liorni, the show continues to focus on giving former music stars, who have slipped out of the limelight, another shot at fame.
This evening’s episode will see eight competitors taking to the stage, each paired with their musical mentors. The contestants are:
- Pierdavide Carone with Gigliola Cinquetti
- Valerio Scanu with Rita Pavone
- Matteo Amantia with Alex Britti
- Pago with Patty Pravo
- Carlotta with Donatella Rettore
- Loredana Errore with Marco Masini
- Antonella Bucci with Raf
- Anonimo Italiano with Riccardo Fogli
The competition resumes at 9:30 PM on Rai 1 and also streams live on RaiPlay. According to Liorni, "Ora o mai più is back tonight," promising viewers thrilling performances and updates on the contestants’ standings. The current leaderboard prior to the semifinals places Carone at the top, followed closely by Scanu and Carlotta.
This episode will be divided between two rounds. The first segment features the competitors singing with their mentors, showcasing their growth and artistry. Following this, the second round intensifies with direct challenges against each other, featuring special guest artists like Enrico Ruggeri, Michele Zarrillo, and Amii Stewart.
Adding even more excitement, renowned journalists Andrea Laffranchi from Il Corriere della Sera, Claudia Rossi of Il Fatto, and Andrea Parrella from Fanpage will also be present. They will provide commentary and select one contestant to receive a bonus of 10 points, which could significantly alter the course of the competition. Liorni noted, "The presence of these journalists will bring fresh insights to our contestants' performances."
A new twist for this semifinal is the absence of live audience voting via social media due to the episode being pre-recorded. Instead, one hundred audience members will cast their votes using voting devices provided to them. This change has sparked discussion among fans, as social media support will no longer impact the contestants’ standing directly.
Fans are eager for the evening’s show, especially as the anticipation builds toward the final episode on March 1, 2025, where the season champion will be crowned. The excitement surrounding the singers, their mentors, and the esteemed guest artists promises to create memorable moments for all viewers.
Overall, Ora o mai più continues to captivate audiences with its blend of nostalgia, competition, and heartfelt performances, showcasing talent from artists who have contributed significantly to Italy’s music scene.