Eurovision 2025 Ultimate: Italy Cheers for Lucio Corsi and Gabry Ponte
Basel, Could 18, 2025 – The grand finale of the 69th Eurovision Tune Contest aired final evening, Saturday, Could 17, from St. Jakobshalle Enviornment in Basel, Switzerland, with Italy rallying behind Lucio Corsi, representing Italy with “Volevo essere un duro,” and Gabry Ponte, competing for San Marino with “Tutta l’Italia.” The occasion, hosted by Hazel Brugger, Sandra Studer, and Italian-Swiss presenter Michelle Hunziker, noticed 26 nations vie for the crystal microphone, with Sweden’s KAJ and their tune “Bara Bada Bastu” rising because the winner, persevering with the nation’s robust Eurovision legacy with their eighth victory.
Lucio Corsi, the Tuscan singer-songwriter and Sanremo 2025 runner-up, carried out 14th within the lineup, delivering a poetic and retro-inspired efficiency that earned a ten/10 from Il Messaggero for its authenticity and “alien-like” attraction. Accompanied by guitarist Tommaso Ottomano, Corsi’s “Volevo essere un duro,” licensed gold and winner of Sanremo’s Mia Martini Critics’ Award, stood out for its cantautorato type, with subtitles aiding European audiences. Regardless of being an outsider (ranked eleventh by bookmakers), Corsi’s efficiency was lauded for showcasing Italy’s songwriting custom, although vocal coach Giancarlo Genise famous he appeared “subdued” as a result of high-pressure setting.
Gabry Ponte, the Turin-born DJ and former Eiffel 65 member, took the stage twenty fifth for San Marino with “Tutta l’Italia,” the Sanremo 2025 jingle that gained the San Marino Tune Contest. His high-energy set, that includes fisarmonicas, mandolins, and flames, secured a top-10 end, exceeding expectations for the microstate, which hadn’t reached the ultimate since 2021. Ponte expressed delight in representing Italian dance music, telling Il Fatto Quotidiano, “My piece is lighter, makes you wish to dance, whereas Corsi’s represents Italy’s cantautorato custom.” Italy’s televoters, unable to vote for Corsi resulting from Huge 5 guidelines, closely supported Ponte, contributing to his robust displaying.
The ultimate featured 20 qualifiers from the semifinals, plus the Huge 5 (Italy, France, Germany, Spain, UK) and host Switzerland. Notable performances included Estonia’s Tommy Money with the satirical “Espresso Macchiato,” poking enjoyable at Italian tradition, and Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike, led by Italian-based artists Kole Laca and Beatriçe Gjergji. Sweden’s KAJ, favored by bookmakers, clinched the win with their accordion-driven sauna-themed anthem, adopted carefully by Austria’s JJ (“Wasted Love”) and France’s Louane (“Maman”). Italy positioned respectably, with Corsi ending within the prime 15, whereas Ponte’s dance observe resonated with youthful audiences, touchdown San Marino within the prime 10.
Ultimate Lineup (Order of Efficiency):
- Norway: Kyle Alessandro – “Lighter”
- Ukraine: Ziferblat – “Hen of Pray”
- UK: Keep in mind Monday – “What the Hell Simply Occurred?”
- Austria: JJ – “Wasted Love”
- Iceland: VÆB – “RÓA”
- Latvia: Tautumeitas – “Bur Man Laimi”
- Netherlands: Claude – “C’est la vie”
- Finland: Erika Vikman – “ICH KOMME”
- Lithuania: Identify TBD – Tune TBD
- Israel: Yuval Raphael – Tune TBD
- Armenia: PARG – “Survivor”
- Luxembourg: Identify TBD – Tune TBD
- Denmark: Sissal – “Hallucination”
- Italy: Lucio Corsi – “Volevo essere un duro”
- Poland: Justyna Steczkowska – “GAJA”
- Germany: Abor & Tynna – “Baller”
- Greece: Klavdia – “Asteromáta”
- Switzerland: Zoë Më – “Voyage”
- Malta: Miriana Conte – “SERVING”
- Portugal: NAPA – “Deslocado”
- Spain: Melody – “Esa Diva”
- France: Louane – “Maman”
- Sweden: KAJ – “Bara Bada Bastu” (Winner)
- Estonia: Tommy Money – “Espresso Macchiato”
- San Marino: Gabry Ponte – “Tutta l’Italia”
- Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
The night, broadcast on Rai 1 with commentary by Gabriele Corsi and BigMama, featured Topo Gigio as Italy’s spokesperson, asserting jury votes in a historic first. An homage to Céline Dion, the 1988 winner, and a efficiency by 2024 champion Nemo added emotional depth. Regardless of protests outdoors the venue over Israel’s participation, the occasion proceeded with heightened safety. Italy’s twin presence, mixing Corsi’s artistry with Ponte’s dancefloor power, underscored the nation’s musical range, leaving followers longing for a future podium end.
