Tonight Italy will decide the winner of the 69th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival. The winner of Sanremo will also have first refusal to be Italy act for Eurovision 2019. But which of the 24 acts deserve a shot? The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has been listening to all the entries and has picked our favourites. Read on to see what we thought!

Cristian

1. Mahmood – “Soldi”

This song is not only my solid number one this edition (and already one of my favourites in the history of the contest), but also the only entry that really makes me think of Eurovision. I want my own nation to show a modern and contemporary side. “Soldi” is the perfect emblem of what Italy is today, musically and socially. It’s about mixing cultures that enrich us and it shows a mix of sounds from the alternative music scene that is influencing charts and big artists. One of the most courageous and unique tracks ever performed at the Ariston Theatre.

2. Loredana Bertè – “Cosa ti aspetti da me”
3. Arisa – “Mi sento bene”
4. Irama – “La ragazza col cuore di latta”
5. Ultimo – “I tuoi particolari”

Florian

1. Loredana Bertè – “Cosa ti aspetti da me”

Loredana Bertè’s performance brings something really special with it. I love the richness of her voice and the track is effortless yet delivers a captivating live show. Out of the masses of entries at Eurovision, this not only stands out but also raises the bar in terms of quality. Overall, this would surely bring home another great result for Italy!

2. Il Volo – “Musica che resta”
3. Irama – “La ragazza col cuore di latta”
4. Nek – “Mi farò trovare pronto”
5. Ultimo – “I tuoi particolari”

Josh

1. Il Volo – “Musica che resta”

Il Volo’s “Musica que resta” is my top pick for San Remo because it shows that the Il Volo guys have continued their growth as artists and vocalists. Five years on from “Grand Amore” , their voices blend with every bit the same emotion and passion that they had before, but it takes a special group with special voices to be able to punch through an orchestration that some may say isn’t as rich as “Grande amore” and is a slower burn. The naysayers might be valid in those concerns — but “Musica che resta” puts their voices more front and centre, and the payoff at the end is every bit as beautiful and emotional as it was five years ago.

2. Simone Cristicchi – “Abbi cura di me”
3. Federica Carta & Shade – “Senza farlo apposta”
4. Ultimo – “I tuoi particolari”
5. Loredana Bertè – “Cosa ti aspetti da me”

Luis

1. Enrico Nigiotti – “Nonno Hollywood”

“Nonno Hollywood” is among this year’s most typical Italian songs. Enrico doesn’t bring a modern twist like other entries in Sanremo 2019, but there’s no need to. The strength of this entry is how deeply those lyrics touch, how roughly sincere and melancholic they are. Enrico’s harsh voice cuts through and conveys all the emotion of the child who has lost his grandfather, and has then had the guts of transcribing such a painful experience into a song. There’s nothing particularly new or original in this entry, but that’s the least important thing when an artist transmits the way Enrico does.

2. Irama – “La ragazza con il cuore di latta”
3. Nek – “Mi farò trovare pronto”
4. Zen Circus – “L’amore è una dittadura”
5. Mahmood – “Soldi”

Marek

1. Loredana Bertè – “Cosa ti aspetti da me”

I don’t judge Sanremo based on singing skills, as clearly there’s an untold rule in the show: the older the performer, the less f*cks given. “Cosa ti aspetti da me” is something that feels really fresh to Sanremo. It’s neither a boring ballad nor a joke song, but it’s something that feels both modern and good. I might have had trouble placing some of the songs in my top five, but Loredana’s song was always guaranteed its place at the top. Well, we know she’s obviously not winning the show — as this spot is already taken by Ultimo — but it would be really nice seeing her the in top three and not seeing Il Volo take one of top spots. (I’m pretty sure while creating “Musica che resta” they opened “Grande amore” in a music app and clicked the “Randomise and make it more cliche” button.) So let’s just enjoy the unique energy that Loredana brings to the contest tonight, because the next few months will be all about Ultimo.

2. Ultimo – “I tuoi particolari”
3. Arisa – “Mi sento bene”
4. Paola Turci – “L’ultimo ostacolo”
5. Irama – “La ragazza col cuore di latta”

Pablo

1. Mahmood – “Soldi”

When assessing Sanremo, you must ask yourself two questions: “Is it the best overall?” and “Would it work in Eurovision?”. I’m pleased to say “Soldi” is a big yes on both questions. Decidedly urban and young, but still possessing that Italian class, Mahmood elevates his Arabic-tinged single to new heights that would be daring but exquisite for both Italy and the Tel Aviv atmosphere. Mahmood may be an outsider Newcomer in a sea of established artists, but what he brings to the table is more than worth to send to the Eurovision stage.

2. Loredana Bertè – “Cosa ti aspetti da me”
3. Il Volo – “Musica che resta”
4. Daniele Silvestri – “Argentovivo”
5. Nek – “Mi farò trovare pronto”

Renske

1. Arisa – “Mi sento bene”

I wasn’t able to watch the first night of Sanremo, but when I was watching back the performances, one song stood out to me and that was Arisa’s. A stunning woman with an equally stunning voice combined with an uplifting track is totally a class apart in a Sanremo filled with whispery male ballads and crossover rap. I don’t want to cry, I don’t want to mourn, I want to dance and shout around “mi sento bene”!

2. Ultimo – “I tuoi particolari”
3. Loredana Bertè – “Cosa ti aspetti da me”
4. Irama – “La ragazza col cuore di latta”
5. Il Volo – “Musica che resta”

Robyn

1. Daniele Silvestri – “Argentovivo”

Lyrically, “Argentovivo” is like the dark side of same subject covered by Daz Sampson’s “Teenage Life” — the realisation that it’s hard out here for a teen — but done so much better. Daniele Silvestri performs in that classic Italian style of half singing, half chanting, which perfectly complements the lively rap of MC Rancore. There are more opposites in the music, with the menace of the orchestral horns and strings underscored by the hip hop percussion. “Argentovivo” is waaay too long for Eurovision — and perhaps it wouldn’t survive a Eurovision edit. But it at least deserves to win Sanremo 2019.

2. Mahmood – “Soldi”
3. Motta – “Dov’è l’Italia”
4. Arisa – “Mi sento bene”
5. Ultimo – “I tuoi particolari”

What do you think? Who is your favourite to win Sanremo 2019? Who should get the ticket to Tel Aviv? Tell us your thoughts below!

Read more Sanremo Eurovision news here

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Ana
Ana
5 years ago

A bit delayed top 5 😉
1. Mahmood
2. Ultimo
3. Loredana Berte
4. Enrico Nigiotti
5. Irama

I love Il Volo, but I think they did their best in 2015 and this is enough. 🙂

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago

It started at 20.40 and finished at 01.30 – so that’s almost five hours, not even counting the previous four nights. I wouldn’t want it any other way…!

Zoli
Zoli
5 years ago

If Italy have Il Volo, Ultimo and Irama, then they why send Mahmood?

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago

It’s interesting that Mahmood was so behind in the televote, 14% to Ultimo’s 46%. Is there usually such a large difference?

Trafalgar
Trafalgar
5 years ago

Complimenti Mahmood, complimenti Italia!!A wonderful, ultra-modern song that was sung by Mahmood viscerally, it really sprang from his soul. Many, many congratulations from Athens!!!

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago

Who’s gonna win?

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Mahmood! I’m happy.

Eurovision fan since 2014
Eurovision fan since 2014
5 years ago

Loredana 4th, the audience seems not to be particularly happy with the results 🙁

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

Sanremo always brings great music every year! And this year isn’t an exception.

First of all, I have to say Arisa and Nek should go to Eurovision some time. What great artists!

My favourites here are (apart from Nek and Arisa) Irama and Il Volo. I love all of them.

Mirko
Mirko
5 years ago

Sanremo is giving me a lot of emotions this year, i’m not sure what’s going to be the best choice for Eurovision. There’s a lot of opportunity to play: Cristicchi has charming attitude and a fantastic lyrics (reminds me a lot of Salvador Sobral vibes), Silvestri is so sexy (i have to say) and his black and dark lyrics are perfect for something new in the contest, Irama has a powerfull meaning and the gospel chorus makes me so happy, Loredana has charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent (like RuPaul) and a lot of energy. I only know that tomorrow i’m… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

This is such a difficult decision for Italy. What a wonderful headache. I wish them all the best.
Also, the winner of San Remo may very well turn out to be different to their Eurovision representative this year.

Héctor
Héctor
5 years ago

1. Ultimo – I tuio particolari
2. Einar – Parole Nuove
3. Mahmood – Soldi
4. Nek – Mi farò trovare pronto
5. Zen Circus – L’amore è una dittadura

Italy, give me any of them please. Anyway, I’ll be depressed for the rest of the NF season thanks to Australia. Seriously, so many years as a eurofan and I still don’t know how to cope with my favs losing the opportunity of being in Eurovision.

Tomás davitt
Tomás davitt
5 years ago

Mahmood stands head and shoulders above the rest, it’s one of the few that I can actually remember. A very bland year of forgettable ballads for me this year. “Soldi” could do extremely well will his stage presence, the chorus with the thick beat and the clap which lend themselves extremely well to staging.

Michèle
Michèle
5 years ago

No love for Ghemon – don’t get it…

bastian
bastian
5 years ago

Im happy with Irama, Loredana, Mahmood and Nek, so please, one of these and i have a new number 1.

JeyDelRey
JeyDelRey
5 years ago

Loredana all the way but I think Irama or Ultimo will win Sanremo.

Evan
Evan
5 years ago

If one of the cute boys must win, let it be Irama. But my heart will forever be with Loredana Bertè and her witchy rocker vibe.

Evan
Evan
5 years ago
Reply to  Evan

OH! And no matter who wins, PLZ PLZ PLZ don’t do the goofy “writing the lyrics as the performer sings” thing.

Aida
Aida
5 years ago

IL VOLO of course! Musica che resta! Greetings from Serbia!

Mark
Mark
5 years ago

I always thought Ultimo or Irama were gonna win.

Eurovision fan since 2014
Eurovision fan since 2014
5 years ago

With so many talented artists and great tunes, I find it impossible to choose my favourite. Each one track has something unique – Irama’s gospel choir, Il Volo’s amazing harmony, Loredana’s hoarse voice what makes me shiver, Ultimo’s passion, Mahmood’s Arabic vibes, Arisa’s joyfulness or Simone’s soft and tender song and many more. I’m a bit sad because many of these gems are to be cut and rearranged to fit into 3-minute-rule, in case they go for Eurovision, let alone changing language It’s going to be an interesting evening for sure 🙂

Joshua
Joshua
5 years ago

Irama all the way.
Seeing the opinions of the Italian public, they all support Irama and/ or Ultimo. Those two are the most likely to win.

Marc
Marc
5 years ago
Reply to  Joshua

I think Simone Cristicchi and Loredana have a lot of support as well.
It’ll be exciting tonight with the results.

Joshua
Joshua
5 years ago
Reply to  Marc

By eurofans maybe… I can assure you those who like Loredana are a very small minority in Italy. They are actually making a lot jokes and memes about her and Patty.

John
John
5 years ago

I sense a victory for Ultimo, who then rejects Eurovision – and RAI decides to send Il Volo a second time?
Could that be reality?

Paule
Paule
5 years ago
Reply to  John

I honestly don’t think that such a young artist would reject eurovision.

justafan
justafan
5 years ago
Reply to  Paule

He has 3 important sold-out concerts scheduled that week, I highly doubt he’ll move them to a different date just to take part in Eurovision.

CHUPACABRA
CHUPACABRA
5 years ago

Mahmood

uzhas
uzhas
5 years ago

Rolls Royce underrated

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

oh wow oh wow marek stanning legendana bertalènt, royal throne for u

Dani
Dani
5 years ago

Daniele Silvestri would be an outstanding choice for Eurovision. I’m sure it would be even much better if they cut it into 3 mins. There are some unnecessary parts anyway. It’s such an awesome song. The rap parts by that guy is just breathtaking.

PP77
PP77
5 years ago

1.Irama
2.Loredana
3.Il Vollo

But winner is Ultimo, we know that before contest start, same with De moll band in Italy neighbour across Adriatic sea Montenegro

Paule
Paule
5 years ago
Reply to  PP77

Just like we knew that Sheppard would win in Australia… So there is still a way for Irama to win, I think.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

Mahmood and Loredana are great, but I think Irama should go to Tel-aviv.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
5 years ago

Everyone has their own favourites. I just hope if someone else wins, he/she will decline going to Eurovision so that my fave Mahmood can go instead.

Alon I srael
Alon I srael
5 years ago

Loredana all the way to Tel Aviv!

Paule
Paule
5 years ago
Reply to  Alon I srael

Her song is good, but her voice is too raspy, I believe. She wouldn’t go there anyway or do you think so?

ImFromRomania
ImFromRomania
5 years ago

I WANT TO WIN ONE OF THIS AND I WILL BE HAPPY : IL VOLO , ULTIMO OR IRAMA 🙂

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

Something is missing here:

1) Irama – La ragazza con il cuore di latta