Sarah Toscano made waves during her performance of 'Amarcord' at Sanremo 2025, marking her debut on the prestigious festival stage and showcasing her artistic maturity.
Despite her young age, the 19-year-old from Vigevano captivated both the audience and critics alike with her emotional and engaging delivery. 'Amarcord,' co-written with Jacopo Ettorre and Federica Abbate, dives deep through modern pop melodies mixed with poignant lyrics reflecting on nostalgia and fleeting moments.
The lyrics of 'Amarcord' convey contrasting themes of lightheartedness and deep reflection. Lines such as "with you, the Ferris wheel was more romantic" and "nothing remains for me" evoke the irreplaceable beauty and inevitable loss of memories. Sarah has mentioned, "If the song were an image, it would be a theme park at night," highlighting the dreamlike, nostalgic essence of her piece.
Sarah Toscano, who rose to fame as the winner of the 2024 edition of 'Amici di Maria De Filippi,' has had her career blossom since then. Following her victory, she launched her EP 'Riflesso,' which features some of her earlier hits. Her participation at Sanremo signifies another step forward, solidifying her position as one of Italy's most promising young artists.
Critics have noted the song's sonic contrasts, reminiscent of the rich emotional spectrum found in Federico Fellini's film of the same name—'Amarcord.' The juxtaposition of past and present, light and dark, plays poignantly within the song. Opening with the delicate notes of piano, hinting at the sound of a music box, it accompanies the lyrical explorations of past love and nostalgic reflection.
The orchestration, enhanced with strings, elicits almost baroque charm but is juxtaposed with contemporary beats, creating an enchanting yet modern sound. The duality recalls similar musical dynamics seen in Emma's 'Femme fatale,' both songs balancing delicate moments with bursts of vibrancy.
What makes 'Amarcord' resonate, perhaps, is how it captures the emotional intensity of youthful experiences. Sarah knows the fine line between evoking nostalgia and keeping the theme relatable and contemporary. "It’s important to connect with the present of your artistic experiences," she has said, emphasizing her vision as she steps onto the Sanremo stage.
During the Sanremo festival, Sarah also launched the 'Gelateria Amarcord' in Piazza Cristoforo Colombo 12, inviting fans to indulge in ice cream flavors named after fellow artists competing at the festival. This unique homage not only reflects her artistic approach but also builds community, bridging her music with tangible experiences for fans.
Adding to her festival schedule, Toscano is set to perform alongside the duo of producers and DJs, Ofenbach, on February 14 during the cover night. Their collaboration on 'Overdrive' has garnered immense popularity, achieving Gold certification and accumulating over 404 million streams on Spotify. This move underlines her ambition to expand her international reach.
With upcoming live performances slated for October later this year, including dates at well-known venues in Milan and Rome, the excitement surrounding her future is palpable. The buzz from Sanremo 2025 suggests she is not just another new artist but is carving her niche with evident clarity and purpose—perhaps even becoming the next big star of Italian pop music.
'Amarcord' is more than just a song; it's an evocative exploration of memory, love, and artistic expression from Sarah Toscano, who stands on the precipice of what could be a monumental career. Whether through nostalgic notes or vibrant performances, she seems poised to continue captivating audiences well beyond the festival stage.