The Wiwi Jury reveals their favourites in Italy’s Sanremo Music Festival 2021

Tonight Italy will decide the winner of the 71st edition of the iconic Sanremo Music Festival. But another decision to be made is who will represent Italy at Eurovision 2021. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has listened to the 26 competing entries and ranked their favourites. Read on to see who was top with the jury.

Cristian

1. Irama – “La genesi del tuo colore”

Save the best for last. Irama really impressed me with this track that rises from the line-up and creates a world of its own. The song manages to combine contemporary aspects with airy orchestral arrangements that draw heavily from the classical music tradition. It’s a clever mix of genres, with moving lyrics, and a rhythm that transports you on a rollercoaster of sensations. It sweeps me up emotionally and makes my eyes sparkle. Irama has found himself in a bad situation through no fault of his own, I hope this does not ruin his chances because it would be a crime. I cross my fingers and hope, as the Italian eurofan that I am, to be represented by this song at Eurovision.

2. Madame – “Voce”
3. La Rappresentante di Lista – “Amare”
4. Francesca Michielin & Fedez – “Chiamami per nome”
5. Noemi – “Glicine”

Pablo

1. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni”

I wished for them a few years ago, and am I extremely glad to see them finally in the fray. Personally, I’m someone who will be the first in line to buy anything that Damiano sings, and show unwavering support. Despite having incredibly impactful ballads, “Zitti e buoni” is exactly what they needed to bring. This is pure unabashed chaotic energy at its finest, offering such a high-fashion glam twist to what is such a punk, not-give-a-damn song, and it’s simply rousing. This piece of stage-ready perfect stadium rock is a showstopper. Here is hoping my wish becomes true!

2. Irama – “La genesi del tuo colore”
3. Gaia – “Cuore amaro”
4. Willie Peyote – “Mai dire mai (La locura)”
5. La Rappresentante di Lista – “Amare”

Lauren

1. Irama – “La genesi del tuo colore”

Wow. I was almost certain Måneskin would be my favourite since day one, but Irama caught me off guard. “La genesi del tuo colore” is one of the best Sanremo songs I’ve heard. Without reading a single lyric from the song (other than the intriguing title), this song is fascinating in its composition, production, countless musical elements, and Irama’s performative ability is beyond description. It’s part indie rock, part deep house, but for the most part — brilliantly executed electropop that I’ve been longing to hear at Eurovision.

2. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni”
3. La Rappresentante di Lista – “Amare”
4. Madame – “Voce”
5. Coma_Cose – “Fiamme negli occhi”

Luis

1. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni”

What’s not to like about “Zitti e buoni”? Måneskin bring a fierce performance, a killer song and they have been consistently on point through the week. While the act itself might not be the most original thing ever, its execution is excellent. Sending them to Eurovision would be a bold move from Italy, and a much appreciated one!

2. Willie Peyote – “Mai dire mai (La locura)”
3. Madame – “Voce”
4. La Rappresentante di Lista – “Amare”
5. Extraliscio feat. Davide Toffolo – “Bianca luce nera”

Natalie

1. Irama – “La genesi del tuo colore”

I was all about this being Annalisa’s year until I heard this. This is a concoction of many layers, and all of them are amazing. it’s a whirlwind of traditional swings married with modern electronic production to make a sublime epic extravaganza. The only problem is how it might be cut to three minutes, as there is so much going on every second and so much to lose. But to be honest, I don’t even care, this will be a song to behold at Rotterdam.

2. Annalisa – “Dieci”
3. Francesca Michielin & Fedez – “Chiamami per nome”
4. Fasma – “Parlami”
5. Orietta Berti – “Quando ti sei innamorato”

Robyn

1. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni”

Måneskin deliver a thrilling rock’n’f’n’roll performance. They bring a lot to the stage, plenty of style, swagger and attitude, but at the core is a good solid garage rock track. Regardless of who wins Sanremo, Måneskin would be a great pick for Eurovision, a burst of rock ‘n’ roll energy amid all the upbeat pop we’ll be hearing in Rotterdam.

2. Irama – “La genesi del tuo colore”
3. Ermal Meta – “Un milione di cose da dirti”
4. Willie Peyote – “Mai dire mai (La locura)”
5. Colapesce & Dimartino – “Musica leggerissima”

Oliver

1. Irama – “La genesi del tuo colore”

Lady Gaga’s “talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing” monologue fits well here. Even with the bizarre stage presence — which could be put down to the fact RAI aired rehearsal footage while he quarantined —  Irama has it all. “La genesi del tuo colore” stands out for all the right reasons. The song is constantly surprising, unpredictable, and plays to everything that pleases the Eurovision juries without feeling calculated or contrived. And even without any big show-stopping notes, Irama shows off the full dynamic and expressive range of his vocal. The layered digital vocal effects at the chorus could use some balancing, but it’s still a totally ear-catching moment that pulls audiences in and demands their attention. Italy are long overdue a Eurovision win… and there is plenty of top-five material in this year’s Sanremo lineup.

2. Arisa – “Potevi fare di più”
3. Francesca Michielin & Fedez – “Chiamami per nome”
4. Annalisa – “Dieci”
5. Willie Peyote – “Mai dire mai (La locura)”

Tom

1. Irama – “La genesi del tuo colore”

I was totally torn between my top three but my decision comes down to who would make a bigger impact in Rotterdam and that definitely is Irama – This song is made for Eurovision. “La genesi del tuo colore” is full of surprises! From the start, opening with the delicate Spanish guitar, with a beautiful orchestral backdrop reminiscent of Elbow’s “One Day Like This”. Then pow! The catchy chorus hits with the voice effect. It turns into a pop banger with such an anthemic melody behind it. Italy’s staging at Eurovision usually falls short. Luckily, because Irama has already made such bold choices with his staging, he can just (more or less) cut and paste his Sanremo performance. Excellent work!

2. Noemi – “Glicine”
3. Madame – “Voce”
4. Francesca Michielin & Fedez – “Chiamami per nome”
5. Fasma – “Parlami”

What do you think? What are your favourites from Sanremo 2021? Who should represent Italy at Eurovision 2021? Sound off in the comments section below!

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