Rose Villain captivated audiences at the 2025 Festival di Sanremo with her performance of the song 'Fuorilegge', marking her return to the prestigious competition for the second consecutive year. The Italian singer-songwriter, known for her distinctive blue hair and engaging stage presence, showcased her growth as both an artist and performer.
Wearing a stunning red Fendi Couture gown, Rose descended the iconic steps of the Teatro Ariston, where she was greeted by the pulsation of excitement from the crowd. Her appearance was not just stylish but represented her artistic collaboration with Fendi, as she prepared to embody the essence of mermaidcore, bringing it to life on the famous stage.
'Fuorilegge', which translates to 'Outlaw', is characterized by its exploration of intense emotions, especially love and desire. According to Rose, "Il testo della canzone parla del desiderio che è lo scheletro di ogni relazione, ma può anche essere logorante. È un fuocherello che precede l’amore e ti fa sentire, appunto, illegale" (The song's lyrics discuss desire, which is the skeleton of every relationship but can also be draining. It's kind of like fire before love and makes you feel unlawful). With its deep emotional resonance, the song carefully addresses the dichotomy of passion and the chaos it can bring.
The performance garnered significant attention, not just for its artistic merit but also for the immediate reaction from the audience. Just before Rose took the stage, someone shouted from the crowd, “Sj 'na pret,” which is Neapolitan and translates to “You are a stone,” indicating appreciation and attraction. This spontaneous expression instantly went viral across various social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, adding to the buzz surrounding her performance.
After her lively interpretation of 'Click Boom' last year, where she placed 23rd, Rose's return was met with high expectations. Many fans and critics anticipated how her growth as an artist since last year would translate on stage. “Amo così tanto il brano Fuorilegge – racconta – che penso abbia bisogno di una grande opportunità, come il palco dell’Ariston. La canzone affronta il tema del desiderio” (I love 'Fuorilegge' so much, and I think it deserves a great opportunity like the stage of Ariston. The song addresses desire), Rose expressed, showcasing her confidence and connection to her music.
Arriving at Sanremo after a productive year filled with sold-out performances and collaborations with artists like Guè and Achille Lauro, Rose has solidified her role within the Italian music scene. Notably, she has recently opened for Coldplay’s concerts, marking significant milestones. Her collaboration with Achille Lauro on the hit 'Fragole' brought more attention to her talent and uniqueness.
The song itself begins introspectively, engaging the audience with questions: “Cosa fai mentre tutti dormono?” (What are you doing when everyone is sleeping?). It sets the tone for contemplation, reflecting longing and the weight of emotional absence. Such lyrical depth aligns with Rose's artistic aesthetic, which often blurs the lines between sweetness and darkness.
An interesting backdrop to Rose’s music is her love for cinema, particularly thrillers by directors like Fincher and Nolan. "Sono sempre stata attratta dal thriller" (I’ve always been attracted to thrillers), she noted, indicating how storytelling influences her songwriting. This cinematic flair doubles down on the emotional storytelling she encapsulates through her performances.
Throughout the evening, Rose continued to command attention with her artistry, where music, emotion, and fashion converged impeccably. This year’s Sanremo festival has again placed her at the forefront of contemporary Italian music, showcasing not only her individual artistry but also her collaborative spirit within the industry.
Her ability to connect deeply with both her music and her audience was palpable; she reflected this not only through her lyrics but through her expressive performance. Rose Villain’s participation at Sanremo 2025 serves as both a personal triumph and as another chapter solidifying her place among Italy's musical elite.
With the festival winding down, Rose's 'Fuorilegge' stands as a strong contender, promising to resonate with listeners well beyond the confines of the festival. It showcases her artistic evolution, and her dedication to exploring impactful themes lays the groundwork for what lies ahead.