It’s that time of year where we are desperate for our next Eurovision fix. And what better way to cope with those winter blues, than to ponder which artists would be fantastic picks for their countries at Eurovision? Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing our top wishlist pick for some of the countries at the Eurovision Song Contest.
The greatest thing about our wishlist is, there’s no rules. No “they would never do Eurovision!”. No “but that wouldn’t be possible because…”. Not even a “but that country hasn’t participated in x amount of years”.
Welcome to Wiwi Wishlist; where we fantasize about the perfect contest’s line-up.
Wiwi Wishlist: Les Votives for Italy
Les Votives are a rock band that formed in Milan back in 2023. Their music blends various styles of rock, bringing a touch of past glam while mixing it with a modern, fresh sound. The trio is made up of Riccardo Lardinelli (vocals and guitar), Angelo Maria Randazzo (drums), and Tommaso Venturi (bass).
They became a true sensation in Italy thanks to their participation in X Factor Italia in 2024, where they were part of Achille Lauro’s team. Since then, they’ve stood out as one of the most promising acts in the Italian rock scene.
Everything about them makes them a sensation — from their unique, retro-inspired looks to their English tracks that remind of the Brit pop sound. Les Votives stand out from other rock bands, with a style that feels like a time machine, taking listeners on a journey through the evolution of rock, from the 60s all the way to the early 2000s.
The band has already conquered Italy, with numerous sold-out shows across the country — now it’s time for them to conquer the world. In an interview with Rolling Stone, they shared:
“Måneskin’s work has opened a portal for Italy to the outside world. Before, it felt a bit like quarantine. There was a lot of closure outside towards Italian rock. It didn’t happen immediately, but afterward, the results were visible. One of our main goals is the international market.”
Discography must-listens: “Monster” (2024), “Feel Alright” (2025), “Priscilla” (2025)
Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025
This year, Italy was represented by Lucio Corsi with “Voleva Essere Un Duro.” The country finished in fifth place on the night of the final, impressing audiences with a glam rock ballad that featured the first live harmonica performance in the history of the contest, along with poetic lyrics translated into English and shown as subtitles during Italy’s performance to make them accessible to everyone. While at first there were debates about whether Italy’s song is “Eurovision material” (a concept that has become increasingly outdated as entries became more authentic and diverse in recent years), Lucio demonstrated the strength of a gentle voice, proving once again that there’s no single formula for success at Eurovision.
Ever since Måneskin won the contest in 2021, Italian rock has been gaining more and more appreciation. Måneskin became known worldwide, opening the door for other Italian rock artists as well. Their victory brought massive recognition to the Italian music scene. Last year’s representative, Lucio Corsi, showcased a different rock style, mostly glam rock mixed with indie and singer-songwriter influences, and has since expanded his horizons, becoming very popular across numerous European countries and preparing for a tour next February.
In terms of music genre, Les Votives bring a completely different style compared to anyone who has competed for Italy before. And yes, Italy has never been represented by a song in English, but in the interview with Rolling Stone previously mentioned, Les Votives stated that:
“If we have a beautiful song in Italian, we will do it. Otherwise, we will continue with English. Our goal is the world, but we are open to everything.”
With their rising success in Italy and a strong fan community, the band might be tempted to try Festival di Sanremo, and they have all the chances to be accepted.
So Les Votives are our dream pick for Italy, but who would yours be? Who would you love to see take to the stage in Vienna in May 2026? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
