Alessandro Mahmoud, known as Mahmood, will represent Italy at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv with his song “Soldi”. It’s a strongly autobiographic trap influenced R’n’B track. Filled with sounds from the Middle East, it will most definitely make your hands clap.

Italian broadcaster RAI chose Mahmood through the historical Sanremo Music Festival selection show. He survived a field of twenty-four finalists and emerged triumphant in a super final against much more established artists Ultimo and Il Volo, both of whom were considered strong favourites.

As we count down to Israel, we’ve compiled 10 facts you need to know about Mahmood. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

1. His stage name is a play on words

Mahmood is a portmanteau of Alessandro’s surname Mahmoud and the English expression “my mood”. It represents the singer’s main goal: to bring his personal story and, therefore, his state of mind into his songs. “It’s a more complete version of me,” he said to Freeda.

2. He got a “familiar” tattoo

On the wrist of his left hand, Mahmood has a triangle tattoo. Many people think it is an esoteric symbol, a reference to the Illuminati. Well, they are wrong. It is a stylised letter A. “In my family, our names begin with this letter. I am Alessandro, my mother Anna and my father Amed”, he revealed.

3. He has a strong bond with Sardinia

Mahmood’s mother Anna comes from Orosei, a little town on the Italian island of Sardinia. Besides Italian, Alessandro also speaks Nuorese, a sub-dialect of Sardinian, often considered the most conservative of all Romance languages. “There is a phrase that my mother says several times, because I am always a bit late: ‘a ti mofese’. It means ‘hurry up!'” said Mahmood to Radio Italia.

He also told L’Unione Sarda: “I go to Sardinia every summer. If I miss one I feel sick. There is my grandparents’ house there and it is always nice because we are a very large family. My mother has 11-12 brothers (I never remember exactly how many!) and many cousins. The time I spend in Sardinia is really useful because I am very attached to Sardinian culture and folklore. And when I am on the island, perhaps because of the place, maybe because I hear the language, I feel truly inspired. Every time I breathe in Sardinia, all I do is writing”.

4. He is the king of cappuccinos

Like many others, Mahmood had to make a living doing jobs besides music. He worked as a waiter and bartender for three years in a cafe in San Babila, a neighbourhood in Milan. Interviewed by weekly gossip magazine Chi, the singer said: “At first my cappuccinos sucked: customers offended me more than once. Then I became the king of cappuccinos”. Mahmood also revealed that he wrote the lyrics of some songs on customers’ orders and during his commutes on the Milan metro.

5. He loves Pokémon

Mahmood calls himself a nerd. And his obsession with Pokémon has become an important part of his artistic expression. On the cover of his first album “Gioventù bruciata” the singer wears a shirt with a picture of Rayquaza, a legendary Pokémon from the third generation of the video game series. Pokémon also appears in the lyrics of “Gioventù bruciata“. Mahmood sings: “Giocavo in macchina con la Nintendo e i Pokémon / E ti lamentavi se non volevo più parlare” (I used to play in the car Nintendo and Pokémon / And you complained if I didn’t want to talk anymore).

6. His lucky star is Freddie Mercury

“I am a pacifist, I believe in the lucky star and perhaps my lucky star is Freddie Mercury”, says Mahmood in an interview by Chi. “The evening before Sanremo Giovani” — explained the singer — “the contest that allowed me to compete among the big names, I saw Bohemian Rhapsody. I cried three times because of the beauty of the movie. It gave me energy, a particular boost. I am convinced that it brought me luck”.

7. He entered X Factor Italy

When he was 20, Alessandro auditioned for X Factor Italy. He reached the Judges’ Houses stage, but failed to make it through to the live shows. However, the rules of the sixth edition allowed a previously eliminated contestant to return to the competition in the third live show. Unfortunately, the adventure of Mahmood — mentored by TV hostess Simona Ventura, who also coached Giusy Ferreri and Francesca Michielin — lasted only one episode. The singer was kicked out in the sing-off by Romina Falconi.

8. He attempted Sanremo previously

Before winning Sanremo with “Soldi” against all expectations, Mahmood had already taken the stage at the Ariston Theater. It was 2016 when he took part in the Newcomers category of the long-lasting Italian music festival with the song “Dimentica”, placing fourth in the final. Two other acts competed with him, that perhaps you might know: Francesco Gabbani, who won with “Amen“, and Ermal Meta, who placed third with “Odio le favole“. Should we check the list of 2016’s Sanremo Newcomers to find the next Italian Eurovision representative?

9. He took part in the Summer Festival

One thing is for sure: Mahmood is not afraid to prove himself and competitions do not scare him at all. In 2017, he participated in the Emerging Artists category of the Summer Festival, a musical event held in Piazza del Popolo in Rome, broadcast since 2013 on Canale 5. The show offers the audience the most successful summer songs in Italy and a contest dedicated to rising artists. His entry “Pesos” reached the final, but first prize went to the duo I Desideri with the song “Uagliò“.

10. He writes hits for others

Mahmood’s was an in-demand songwriting talent even before this year’s exploits. The singer has in fact written some successful songs, such as “Hola (I Say)” for Marco Mengoni (Italy’s 2013 rep) and Tom Walker and “Nero Bali” for Elodie and Michele Bravi. He also composed two other songs, “Mille lire” and “Rivoluzione“, for Marco’s latest album Atlantico. In addition to that, he wrote and sang “Presi male” with Michele Bravi and “Luna” with rapper Fabri Fibra.

Do you think Mahmood can give Italy their third Eurovision victory? Let us know in the comments.

Read more Eurovision 2019 artist facts here.

Total
41
Shares
61 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Mila
Mila
5 years ago

The most irritating interviewer ever. Barely managed to watch it till the end

Fatima
Fatima
5 years ago

>Mahmood is a portmanteau of Alessandro’s surname Mahmoud and the English expression “my mood”
Seriously? It does seem odd that he’d pick an English expression when he avoids speaking English in interviews. The Italian word for mood is much more interesting, so he could/should have been called “Mahumore.”

Clara
Clara
5 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

He can speak english, watch this video
https://youtu.be/VFo5OtkOnjI
Interview mahmood english eurovoxx
He preferred to speak Italian in the interview with William and it was good because we like him speaking Italian, one of the most beautiful and musical language 🙂

Ffs
Ffs
5 years ago

The more I hear his song the more I like it and he seems like a nice person. I’d love him to win but I’m afraid he won’t …. they push the Netherlands so hard that it’s almost inevitable

Mirko
Mirko
5 years ago
Reply to  Ffs

And the jury will blow away our opportunity to win the competion, like every year!

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago
Reply to  Mirko

I’m afraid that’s a distinct possibility. The juries placed DoReDos higher than Fabrizio & Ermal last year…they are not very bright.

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
5 years ago

Probably the most modern and urban sounding entry to come out of San Remo to Eurovision since Italy returned!

Clara
Clara
5 years ago

In the article it is not written but Mahmood also wrote an amazing song for one of the most important italian rappers, Gué Pequeño; the song is called “doppio whisky”. The music and the atmosphere of this song are something hypnotizing … you’ll like it !
I put the link to the studio version of the song and also to the exhibition of Gué Pequeño and Mahmood in the big concert of Gue Pequeño last month in Milano, Forum Assago.
https://youtu.be/SlSZkZLLqwA
Gué pequeno feat mahmood studio version doppio whisky
https://youtu.be/EIUVObZmjI8
Gué pequeño e mahmood live doppio whisky forum assago milano

Christian
Christian
5 years ago

Not a big fan but good luck

La Signora
La Signora
5 years ago

I’m going to his concert soon, pretty excited 🙂

Clara
Clara
5 years ago
Reply to  La Signora

Me too! In Milano Mi Ami festival 🙂

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago

Sorry to burst your bubble, but as much as I love Slovenia (4th place), it will not win.

Anniee
Anniee
5 years ago

Love this artist and his music! Dimentica is another of his fab works. I’ve been listening to it on repeat <33333

Darren
Darren
5 years ago

I want him to be my boyfriend so much. We can travel around beautiful Italy together eating pasta and drinking coffee.
I would be living my best life.

Nicky91
Nicky91
5 years ago
Reply to  Darren

He’s not even cute. And he’s probably a bottom as well

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

He’s definitely not cute, but gorgeous and hot.

Elsa
Elsa
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

Nicky91 😀

Darren
Darren
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

Nicky91
I’m a top so it wouldn’t matter

Clara
Clara
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

Nicky91
He’s more than cute…. handsome and sexy, he can be a model, and you know it very well or maybe do you need a pair of glasses

Nicky91
Nicky91
5 years ago
Reply to  Clara

He’s ugly.. get over it

Clara
Clara
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

Above, in the article, there is the video of Pesos… open it and watch how ugly Mahmood is?

Alessandro Leonardo Gauci
Reply to  Nicky91

When I first saw him on the first night of Sanremo I didn’t feel attracted to him, to be honest. But he quickly grew on me and personally, I think that he is extremely hot. He also has a beautiful personality – he is cute, humble and thankful for what he has. He hasn’t let fame get to his head.

Jingo
Jingo
5 years ago
Reply to  Darren

???

Clara
Clara
5 years ago

Mahmood is a great artist and we all love him and his music! I suggest you to listen to these songs of the album Gioventù bruciata I put below the link, they are amazing
https://youtu.be/-w5pbp3d-yQ
Live asia occidente – Mahmood
https://youtu.be/I0GbfjV8hdc
Il nilo nel naviglio mahmood live radio2
https://youtu.be/M_SHQeleiIA
Uramaki
https://youtu.be/GfUyQ1f7bds
Good vibes
Alessandro you have to know we’ll always support you, we don’t care about your position in this competition because the important for us is that now we know a great artist as you are and we wish you all the best !

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
5 years ago

The Winner!

Nicky91
Nicky91
5 years ago

Fact N11…. he likes D*ick

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

And so does the majority of this community, so who the frick cares..

Fatima
Fatima
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

So what?
the main reason people love Mahmood its because of his talent and nice personality, he can love whoever he wants:)

Nicky91
Nicky91
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

At least Duncan is open about it

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

It’s none of your damn business what people do in their bedrooms, Mahmood (or anyone else for that matter) doesn’t owe you to be open about anything!

Susane
Susane
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

What do you mean ‘open’? Mahmood’s love life is literally a reallity show in Italy, lol
Italians always know when and where Alessandro and his fiancee Lorenzo eat in restaurants, shopping in malls, smoking on the street,hanging out with friends, hugs,
laughing or kissing in the car, recently two love birds had a big dramatic fight in the middle of the street, with tears, screams and dramatic gestures….
how more open you want him to be? Have sex with Lorenzo on the stage? Lol

Nicky91
Nicky91
5 years ago
Reply to  Susane

Yes he better have sex on stage to win the contest with that cheap basic song smh

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

SOLDI, SOLDI, that means MONEY, FYI. Got the irony of your rude comment? The only basic and cheap thing here is your comment.

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

Good for him. The same goes to many, many women. See?

Clara
Clara
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

Well this Nicky 91 is an hater of mahmood (and supporter of another big contender in Esc) who always talks bad about mahmood.
“Dear” nicky and dear all, please stop talking always about mahmood’s sexuality. There are others important contenders in this Esc, even your favourite, nicky, who are gay or bisexual and noboby cares about that ! Why just talking about mahmood there is always someone who underlines these kind of things, that are private and mahmood said many times he doesn’want to speak about ??? Please respect him!

Rimig
Rimig
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

Why do you guys feed these trolls? Better just ignore them

melody
melody
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

just like you

Nvm
Nvm
5 years ago

Sanremo newcomers category, 2016. That year Gabbani won, went to Sanremo in 2017 and won. In 2018 Meta went to Sanremo and won. In 2019 Mahmood went to sanremo and…
Freaking iconic.comment image

Ric
Ric
5 years ago
Reply to  Nvm

So i suppose next year The short girl in the photo Will represent Italy

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Ric

I think the massive pants Mahmood’s wearing in that picture will represent Italy.

Nvm
Nvm
5 years ago
Reply to  Ric

Who knows? We’ve had male Sanremo winners for 5 years straight (Michielin came 2nd) so why not? No idea who she is though lol. Not that we knew who Mahmood was until February 9th anyway, and look what’s happening to him now xD

La Signora
La Signora
5 years ago

Yes, I liked her very very much! I hope she’s going to be part of Sanremo next year 🙂

Clara
Clara
5 years ago

Cristian Scarpone volevo segnalarti questo articolo su Mahmood dove è intervistato uno dei referenti del festival di Montreux, che racconta di come hanno ascoltato Soldi e sono rimasti molto colpiti e hanno deciso di invitare Mahmood.
Hanno considerato Soldi un Ovni, oggetto non identificato, qualcosa di non classificabile… Mahmood canterá prima di Rita Ora l 8 luglio.
Magari potresti fare un articolo per la tua rassegna stampa eurovision… Grazie ciao, clara
https://lemultimedia.info/2019/04/17/remi-bruggmann-on-a-ete-tres-impressionnes-par-la-chanson-de-mahmood/

Michèle
Michèle
5 years ago
Reply to  Nvm

What great talent.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  Nvm

so get ready for Carlo Conti in 2020.

Nina
Nina
5 years ago

Too much Pokemon lovers this year ) I like it !!!!

Cilo
Cilo
5 years ago

11. He’s a dominant top 😛

Ivar
Ivar
5 years ago
Reply to  Cilo

Are you sure you are on the right website?

La Signora
La Signora
5 years ago
Reply to  Ivar

Definitely not

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago

This one is my favorite 10 facts so far. Bilal at #2.

ItalianDude
ItalianDude
5 years ago

Mahmood also engaged with his longterm boyfriend Lorenzo Marcucci 🙂
Italy proud of you Alessandro, no matter which place you will get in the GF, just enjoy your Eurovision adventure!

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  ItalianDude

Lorenzo is one lucky guy 😛
They look so hot together , dark and brutal Alessandro and blue eyed blondy Lorenzo lol

Nguyet Huynh
Nguyet Huynh
5 years ago

Both Dimentica and Pesos are so good. I’ve listened to them a lot recently <3 Along with many other tracks on his album :)))

Rimar
Rimar
5 years ago

He is just such a truly amazing artist with original and personal songs. In addition, he is himself and doesn’t change to what other say he should do.

Laia
Laia
5 years ago

11. He has a very irritating voice, like so many other italian singers

Elsa
Elsa
5 years ago
Reply to  Laia

Yes, very nasal, but not all of them. Pausini does not have for one.

Clara
Clara
5 years ago
Reply to  Laia

Also you , laia, are very irritating…

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago
Reply to  Laia

I utterly enjoy those nuances of Italian voices, though I can’t call them irritating.

James
James
5 years ago

11. Mahmood’s Sanremo journey was sort of foretold when he took part in a music school competition when he was younger. Hehe
https://youtu.be/z7b6qmiAcMo

Kosey
Kosey
5 years ago

I like him even more now that I know his name should be spoken in a Yorkshire accent!