Ever since Mahmood took the surprise win at the Sanremo Music Festival 2019, life has been a whirlwind of press conferences and interviews. He had one more appearance to make on Sunday evening when he stopped by the late-night talk show Che tempo che fa and performed his winning song “Soldi”.
Unlike the Sanremo version of the song, which was arranged for a live orchestra, Mahmood performed last night’s version using a backing track based on the studio version.
It offers Eurovision fans the first hint of what the eventual Eurovision version of “Soldi” might sound like.
Mahmood performed the song on a bare stage, decorated only by the LED stage walls and floor. The screens displayed graphics in shades of red and turquoise, mostly just saying “Mahmood” and “Soldi”.
The Italian singer wore black trousers with a gold and black shirt, accessorised with his signature take on a wallet chain.
The performance also gave fans the opportunity the chance to see “Soldi” performed without all the trappings of Sanremo, no cutaway shots of the orchestra. The focus was on Mahmood and he owned the camera.
The studio version of “Soldi” is 3:15, just 15 seconds over the three-minute time limit for Eurovision. As is typical for Italian entries, it is expected that a Eurovision version edit of the song will be released at a later date.
“I would have chosen Ultimo”
Meanwhile, Mahmood’s Sanremo win has come under criticism from Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of the Interior, Matteo Salvini. The right-wing politician tweeted, “Mahmood… mah… The most beautiful Italian song?!? I would have chosen #Ultimo, what do you say?”
#Mahmood…………… mah…………
La canzone italiana più bella?!?
Io avrei scelto #Ultimo, voi che dite?? #Sanremo2019 pic.twitter.com/jpflaSLF7c— Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) February 10, 2019
Thinly disguised political criticism or just a disgruntled Ultimo fan?
Politics makes for strange bedfellows and Salvini’s tweet had replies of support, including from those who agree with his politics, fans of Ultimo, fans of Il Volo, Sanremo viewers who felt the press jury had too much power and those who felt that Mahmood wasn’t Italian enough.
However, others pointed out that Mahmood won Sanremo fairly as per the competition rules. It was also noted that Mahmood is Italian, was born in Italy to an Italian mother, and his song is mostly sung in the Italian language.
Wiwibloggs readers have generally been supportive of Mahmood’s Sanremo win. Over on YouTube, viewer “mimmi brontola” wrote:
“Ok, let’s get this straight … Alessandro Mahmood has a Sardinian mum and an Egyptian father, was born and bred in Milan. So he’s Italian.
“I teach in Milan and a lot, really a lot of my students are very similar to him… students with immigrant parent/parents and full to the brim with talent and “joie de vivre” in the face of hardship. You cannot get more Italian to me and I am elated that he’s won.”
But regardless, Sanremo 2019 is over, the winner has been decided.
Update: Will Mahmood go to Eurovision?
Just this morning, Mahmood confirmed that he has NOT yet decided if he will go to Eurovision. Speaking to La Stampa, Mahmood said he didn’t know if he would go to Eurovision and said “we must understand things better”. He explained his change from Saturday night’s emphatic “yes” was because “We have seen how much work it entails and we want to consider it well.”
Fans are already campaigning for Mahmood to say yes, with a #mahmood4eurovision hashtag.
What do you think? Do you like Mahmood’s new performance of “Soldi”? How would you like the song to be staged? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!
Mahmood I support you from Italy, my brother. Italy will win again
He confirmed his participation!
The more I think about it the more I believe that the 3-minute rule is hella restrictive, and there should be a leeway of about 15-20 seconds (pop songs usually have a length of 3:20-30 anyway). Come on EBU, if you plan on tweaking things a little every year, make this the next one.
Really like the song and glad it won. I do think however he sounds quite out of tune during some of it. Surprised Rose Viola didn’t receive more attention – remains my favourite.
I would be so sad if he didn’t go, this is my winner. Plus I really think italy wouldn’t do as well with anyone else.
Yes, that is my understanding as well. Technically quite easily done, IMO. (Francesca Michelin and Il Volo had much tougher time edits on their songs. And Gabbani’s verses got badly chopped away.)
A brand new song that unlike the ESC-formula of meaningless fun and entertainment mingled with escapism, actually has the musical craftsmanship that showcases thought, depth, authenticity, courage and a storytelling content that should move and touch us all … A soulful contemporary R&B urban vocal blended with folk and up-to-date production aided by such a memorable and striking hand clapping that speaks volumes even if you can’t understand Italian. But this can only seal its presence and be validated as a true piece of music, , unless fans hysterically and dramatically wish for more entertainment in a form of a… Read more »
Well I’m glad that you like this potential entry from Italy. 🙂 As for the rest of your comment, it is predictable, coming from you. I won’t try to change your mind. Some others will probably try; that’s their waste of effort. Enjoy the music that you can.
This is a truly great comment, Charles! I couldn’t have said it better.
I really want Mahmood for Italy, but if not……….. I can´t be the only one adding 1+1?!
IF Mahmood say no to Eurovision, I guess Ultimo does too, since he´s fully booked those weeks.
Which gives us: Il Volo for Italy 😀
Yeah, no I’ll pass, thx. We want Mahmood.
Or Simone. Or Arisa. 🙂
Il Volo would be great! 🙂
How’d you get your avatar?
That’s a question i have had for the last six years xD
I am determined to solve this mystery. 😛
I’ve already answered this question for you on the “favourite Eurovision act” poll. 🙂
I noticed, I am just wondering if there are other options where I don’t have to get a WordPress account. 🙂 Do you think all the avatars happened the same way?
Yeah, I actually think this might be the case. At least I can’t think of any other way.
The “Wiwibloggs App” might enable it, but that’s more a suggestion than an observation.
N.B. I stopped using the app last year. Too many technical issues. I don’t even know if it still exists.
Btw: “I am determined to solve this mystery” was code for “Robyn will be able to explain.” 😛
Well it is currently around 9am in New Zealand.
The angel has risen <3 Thank you, Robyn. 🙂
I hope that Mahmood’s personality and attitude are as strong as his song. He can’t give up just because of hate that Ultimo’s fans pour over him. This situation is ridiculous. How the heck couple instastories of emotionally labile runner up of Sanremo can influence decision of The Winner wheather to represnt HIS country at the biggest song contes or not. This song is catchy at the first tone, its contagious, interesting, extravagant, dark and very diffrent form previous italian entries. I may be biased because I’m in love with this country no matter what, but I know that this… Read more »
i don’t care about the staging. he has to come to tel aviv and share his song all over europe
this performance is amazing, even better than the Sanremo one and the song is one of my favourite songs of 2019 so far, I really hope he goes to ESC
#mahmood4eurovision
Let’s do it, Mahmood. It will be stressful, some people will hate you for no reason (but hey, nowadays you just need to be alive to face this kind of thing), but many people will get your back and get to know your talent.
In theory, he would only have to do the rehearsals in the arena and the actual shows in the final. Like one and a half weeks in May. Nobody is actually obligated to do anything beyond that. I hope the artists know that.
I remember when Malena Ernman was representing Sweden, she flew back to Stockholm between rehearsals on Eurovision week to fulfill opera commitments. The life of a diva.
Btw, I have to thank you Sabrina. In one of your comments you mentioned how Simone Christicci’s song has such good lyrics. So I had to give that song another listen as well and I agree, it’s great.
It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Maybe not something suited to win a song contest, since it’s more like spoken poetry. But it’s one of those pieces of artistry that makes Sanremo so great.
Agreed! So beautiful. These kind of songs should stands a chance at winning. I mean, he did quite well in the field of 24 contestants.
I like this’but I kinda want the top 6 yo all refuse and they send Irama, beautiful song and lyric.
by the way soldi is the 40th most streamed song on spotify WORLDWIDE today. almost 1.6 million streams. it’s also the record for the most streamed song in a day in italy….. i guess the italian public has seen the light
Wooow,quality wins. We all have to fight for Soldi to be sent!
And Bilal’s chances of doing well need to be further hindered!
It has also chart well on Itunes in Spain, Switzerland, Malta, France, Belgium, Netherlands or Sweden.
It should enter at some point in Germany and Austria I think.
I smell ESC winner material 🙂
Well I personally wanted Ultimo or Il Volo to win but I like Mahmood’s song quite a lot and thus I want him to go to Eurovision. He will have my vote surely!
He will still go. I think he got surprised with all the work that comes with Eurovision, preparties , cutting the song to 3 mins, all the rehearsals but he will go in the end I’d be surprised if he decided not to go now after all this hype.
hmm yea eurovision will take up at least 3 weeks in may. he ain’t forced to do the pre-parties and he just has to cut 15 seconds, he can just cut half of the bridge n the song will be just fine. cmon he can’t miss this occasion !!!
It is a lot of work and pressure 200m people so I understand the initial shock but I’d be more surprised it he randomly pulled out after all the hype
I already liked the song at Sanremo stage, but l’m completely blown away by the studio version! He must, must, must accept to participate.
It would be so sad if he won’t go to Eurovision ’cause it’s the best of all the selected songs by faaaaar
Even better than the San remo version! this is such a powerful song, I do believe we already have a winner!
oops…I didn’t read the part where he says he hasn’t stil made his mind about Eurovision. that would be such such a shame… and even more shame it he doesn’t go because of all the hatred receiving. This will be the chance for Italy to win the contest for the third time… unless they don’t want to win it…
I messaged him on Instagram, I hope he will represent Italy, it’s my number 1 atm. ;-;
Oh nooo! He Mahamood must go to Eurovision!!!
It would be shame if he doesn’t go, and they send Ultimo, the biggest a**hole I have seen in music industry with his boring monotone song. Am I the only one who finds it disgusting how much hate Bilal and Mahmoud is subject to? Europe has to have a good look at herself and realize what has it become. It also pays to look at history to remember what marginalizing minorities caused in the long run. And the irony is, last time it happened it was Jews who suffered, and now it is Muslims. I find it absolutely amazing that… Read more »
You’re not the only one who feels this.
Thank you for your comment. It touches me.
You are asking respect for two artists while you are insulting and disrespecting another artist. That’s not very kind. And your comment was not fortunate. Everybody deserves respect.
Fair enough. However, one has to admit that Ultimo is not doing his “respect” any favours by filming his YouTube posts. From what I have seen, he is potentially hurting his international career by doing so.
Ultimo has every right to feel how he feels.
Feeling is normal. Acting on it is not. One is humane, other is animalistic
He lost my respect with his behaviour. Simple as that.
Hate towards Bilal was mainly coming from other Muslims, so the ‘bridges’ that were ‘built’ by him have already been destroyed by his cousins.
The Jewish holocaust was not “the last time it happened”…look at the Balkans in the 1990s, or the Rohingyas in Myanmar. It happens more frequently than we like to admit.
neither mahmood nor bilal are muslims…. maybe u mean arabs
This is exactly why we all love Sanremo. Nobody who participated particularly cares about Eurovision lol.
Still, only one winner has turned it down…so far…
And it was because they had plans for those dates! Not because they didn’t really want
Mahmood’s interview for Radio Deejay: “Since the victory was a bit unexpected we have not yet put our heads on the Eurovision theme because we are still organizing the last things, but surely we will think about it in the next days. In any case, I would go with Soldi anyway”.
I’m an italian fan of Mahmood…I think that in this moment he is very very confused from the reactions to his victory. He has been used from a certain part of intellectuals, to give a lesson to the people that voted this government. Really sad, but so it is… a bunch of insults hitted this guy that is extrmely kind, honest and well educated. Not prepared to face a situation like this. Anyway… we hope he’ll decide to go…
He is my winner right now. I hope he will choose to represent Italy. It will be so sad if he won’t :'(
What is he yapping about?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue5Lm8MAUlM
Can someone, please help?
It sounds to me as if Ultimo is insulting the San Remo festival’s journalists and jury system. Is that correct?
I think I’ve caught calling some manager a b*stard. Sore loser, me thinks.
In the end he calls his own manager a bastard, because he had pranked him during an Italian tv show. It was just a joke and nothing to do with Sanremo.
Journalists did insult Il Volo on Saturday. And also tried to provoce him after the contest. Press was not professional and there’s a lot of critisism.
Yes, but the fun fact is that he knew the rules and from whom his song would be judged when he decided to participate in sanremo.. why participate if you think that low of them, it doesn’t make any sense!! Ultimo is an amazing artist and I understand that he had 47% of public’s vote and that he feels uncompleted with the results, but that was a risk he took from the beggining and now is coming out as an unproffessional stubborn child!!
You’re missing part of his point: the juries are supposed to be objective, but they were already insulting Il Volo during their performance (and… look, they got a low jury score, even though their televote was really high). Is it right for the juries to be made of such people? Plus, during the press conference after the end of the Festival journalists were the first ones to attack him: he had just said “I’m happy for the other “ragazzo”, Mahmood” (ragazzo = young man, normal term to use in Italian and perfectly correct to refer to a 27 years old,… Read more »
During the press conference after Sanremo ended, Ultimo exploded cause he was sick and tired of some journalists, who have been insulting him and lots of the other artists for the whole week (mainly Il Volo who were shamelessly insulted during their performance and when their 3rd place was announced). There were some mean, vicious journalists among the press who teased and provoked him as he spoke, asking him how he felt about his defeat (even when he’d said that it was not a defeat to him, he was glad to being part of such a great event). Also, when… Read more »
https://www.tio.ch/people/people/1351622/il-vergognoso-insulto-dei-giornalisti-a-il-volo-merde (I used google translator so that you could understand it) SANREMO: THE SHAMEFUL INSULTS OF JOURNALISTS AGAINST IL VOLO: “DIPSH*TS!” Quite a word, shouted by journalists in the press room at Sanremo against Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble. Lack of professionalism. It is appropriate to say it. It’s been minutes since this the video was on social networks – published by Francesco Facchinetti and shot inside the Casino Theater during the proclamation of the third place of Il Volo – and it has inevitably outraged the masses. In those few seconds of shooting, you can clearly see… Read more »
During the press conference after Sanremo ended, Ultimo exploded cause he was sick and tired of some journalists, who have been insulting him and lots of the other artists for the whole week (mainly Il Volo who were shamelessly insulted during their performance and when their 3rd place was announced). There were some mean, vicious journalists among the press who teased and provoked him as he spoke, asking him how he felt about his defeat (even when he’d said that it was not a defeat to him, he was glad to being part of such a great event). Also, when… Read more »
Time for Rai to reform San Remo.
My apologies to Ultimo. I did not know the full extent of the abuse.
I agree!
So true. I’ve said it before, that I didn’t even want Ultimo to win from the start and Il Volo didn’t convince me neither, but the press was just unprofessional throughout all the festival. It seems they had a personal ‘hate’ with Ultimo and Il Volo and it kinda explains their voting in the end. Ultimo and Il Volo were first and second all the time, even during the final night, and it all changed during the last minutes. The press’ cheers of joy when Il Volo where announced third and their insults left me speechless. And their tears of… Read more »
Well said, Lourdes!
That’s nasty. Those journalists were messing up the festival. Sad to see not only Ultimo and Il Volo getting the hate by the press, but Mahmood became the lure of national hatred for what he wasn’t doing.
But now I’m curious if there were bad/nasty things done by either Ultimo or Il Volo pre-festival, and caused hatred between them and the press.
Ultimo was even the favorite to win until Saturday, he wasn’t hated before the Festival (only when things started to heat in the press conference). But now the poor guy is public enemy number one. I get his point, and actually agree with most of it, but he did lost it…and now he’s considered arrogant and a spoiled cub. As far as Il Volo, people outside Italy can’t even imagine the level of hatred they’ve been subject to over the years in their own country: because “they come from a talent show”, because they “sing old music”, because “they only… Read more »
I know this is a controversial point of view, but please consider this: If the whole point of the song Mahmood sings is about the personal consequences of a deception for money, then cancelling Eurovision for a record contract and a few touring dates (i.e. for money) would be rather hypocritical to the song. And in turn, I might lose my respect for the artist on that basis. On the other hand, if Mahmood does not wish to face backlash from his own country’s elected representatives and other artists (in the possible form of a hate crime), then I would… Read more »
That’s a little harsh. He’s just had the defining moment of his career, if he wants to capitalize on it in order to set up a long-lasting career, well…that’s hard to begrudge. It’s not a character flaw to want a livelihood. I think it’s perfectly reasonable that he takes time to consider the implications properly.
Indeed, it was harsh, and for that I am sorry. I hope Mahmood’s management are able to come to a decision that he agrees with, if that makes sense.
His song is about how money affects the relashionships inside a family, not an artist’s career!! It’s not the same thing… even if he refuses to go to eurovision, i don’t think it would be a matter of money more than a metter of what is more important for his career.. let’s admit that eurovision has never been the most important “price” for a sanremo participant!! I just hope that the thing holding Mahmood back isn’t the hate he is getting from people in italy, it would be very sad!!!
He won San Remo and deserve to go to Eurovision (but festival must change rules for 2020, especialy with power of juries, Mahmood in super final had only 14% of televote with 3 super finalist Ulto had 47%). We have simillar situation, like many year ago , when juries chosen black Miss Italy. She after many negative comments , not go to international beauty contest as Miss Italy.
Mistake, she gone to Miss Universe after all negative comments by many in Italy.
Correct, She represented italy at the Miss Universe 1997 competition in Miami and placed top 6! The best placement for the country since then
I really hope he does go to eurovision. I’ve started to love his song since he won san remo last saturday.
I can see why he is unsure. With his fast rise from little known artist to Sanremo winner, he is getting the first big break of his career. Usually the Sanremo Giovani winner has a year to tour and put out a new full album, taking advantage of the win to launch a career. To go to ESC will waste touring time as most Italian artist tour either fall/spring as the summer is filled with numerous festival appearances. Its a big consideration for his management to determine how best to guide Mahmood’s career.
He didn’t have to get on a promo tour like the average Eurovision star. Many went on without having to focus all those months to a single gig. MetaMoro only went on to promote their song just a week before rehearsals.
Take your chance and soar, Mahmood.
I don’t really like his song, but at the same time I want to see him at Eurovision. I watched some interviews and he worked hard to get some kind of recognition, Eurovision would be a big opportunity for him. But maybe he wants to focus on other things…
He won based on the contest rules and deserves the chance to go, if he wants to. Hope nothing else is coming into his decision-making process. I don’t honestly believe (at this point in his career) that whatever else he had planned over the next few months would be more worthwhile than the exposure he’d get from Eurovision.
No Il Volo! I don’t wanna hear any popera!!!! Send him!
Too bad… You’ll have Australia ! =)
Romaina is also ready. So I don’t think it’s a good idea to send Il Volo. They will split votes.
Nooooooo, Mahmood you gotta go!! Soldi has already become such a big fan favourite, I’d be so freaking sad about this. Listen guys, you all have to do something about this. We have to show Mahmood, that we really want him to go! Mahmood for Eurovision!!!
It would be a shame for him to back out. He won fair and square.
Il Volo and Ultimos songs were not THAT good.
He better go to Eurovision, he’s my number 1 right now.
OH PLEASE PLEASE COME YOU’RE ALREADY THE FAVOURITE
Although I do like Ultimo, but with his bitter attitude about his second place is not a good sign. “Soldi” is the perfect entry for Italy to reach top 10 yet again. What I see with Mahmood’s winning is that it’s meant to be, especially the fact that the odds were against him, and now look how he managed to win it all. Now that itself shows something and I admire that.
#mahmood4eurovision
Maybe if Mahmood decides not to go they can send Irama instead
I don’t want to worry anyone, but Mahmood said in multiple interviews that he’s now not sure anymore about eurovision, and we will have the final answer in the coming days because he and his management have to figure out how the whole thing works..or something like that. It will be odd after the official confirmation even on the esc official profiles, and at this point the choice would return to Rai, considering how Ultimo took the whole thing he is almost out of the game (and stil has a lot of concerts), so Il Volo ? Arisa? I really… Read more »
How did ultimo take the whole thing ?
Well, he was quite angry for reaching top votes with the televotes but not with the jury, so he complained a lot about the fact that “popular vote doesn’t count” and he had a little fight with the press, also criticizing all the pressure put on him, being the bookies favourite since december. In the end, he left Sanremo saturday night and avoided all the post festival appereances
But there already is a released studio version of soldi. I think it sounded pretty much the same as in this show plus they added some backing vocals in the playback
It’s a decent song and with the right staging it would elevate the song more. Wish he would connect with the cameras more as he seems to avoid looking at it.
actually in an interview yesterday he said that he’s rethinkin bout his eurovision participation. what we need to do is send him messages on fb & ig to convince him to go. he’s third in the betting odds (only below the ever-overrated sweden n russia) & he’s already a fan favorite. please don’t let those sad racists who try to put him down win. mahmood deserves his eurovision experience just like he deserved to win sanremo !!!