First of all I want to apologize to all of you, because I previously wrote to you that no one can listen to the Sanremo songs until the first evening of the festival.
Unfortunately I didn’t remember that accredited journalists are allowed to listen in order to give their opinions, naturally they cannot report the music outside but they can write a phrase of the melody.
I didn’t remember this rule at all, in fact, perhaps I didn’t want to remember it, given the bad treatment our journalists have always had towards Il Volo.
This time too, some of them did not contradict themselves, giving Il Volo very low marks, but there were also favorable votes. For fairness I will list them both, although I know that many fan pages have only published positive comments, but this is not the case.
I’ll start with the best comments, then I leave it to you to interpret them.
At the beginning of the comment I put the name of the newspaper, sometimes even the author who published the review. There are also some put the vote which could be given up to a maximum of 10.
IMUSICFUN
Third participation in Sanremo for Il Volo which offers a fundamentally different song compared to the previous ones brought to the competition at the Ariston. The first part of the song moves on a piano that accompanies the voice of Gianluca who casually interprets a text in which the hand of the author Edwyn Roberts can be felt, the refrain, entrusted to Ignazio in the opening, is preceded by an underlining of Piero who makes the song truly precious. The string play after the second chorus gives way to a triumphal finale. A song characterized by a pace that highlights the vocal evolution of the trio. A piece that enhances the group idea, but also the vocal peculiarities and stylistic approach of Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio.
RATING 7.5
IL FATTO QUOTIDIANO
The piano introduces the return of Il Volo.
In full musical transformation Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio from tenors become singers to present themselves with sounds different from those heard up to now. Each with a different nuance, they sing about love.
Verdict: They’ll make a great impression!
The refrain ‘Fall from the sky like a masterpiece, before you there was nothing good’.
PANORAMA
Less lyrical and more pop than usual. A perfect piece for the style of the three who have already won the Festival once and who with this song have a good chance of finishing in the upper areas of the final ranking.
FUNWEEK
When the Il Volo song starts, you immediately understand that we are traveling on another level. Yet it seems that the three boys have opted for a less pompous, less lyrical style. That vein of pop gives Il Volo a lot: watch out for the podium.
TV BLOG
The trio returns to Sanremo 2024 with a piece consistent with their path, the voices well balanced and distributed for a potential ‘classic’ of their repertoire. Gianluca Ginoble opens up to the fusion of the three voices in the chorus, to express how much she is a masterpiece…
LA GAZZETTA DEL MEZZOGIORNO
We go out of our way, you may like the band or not, but the song is worthy of the podium. The three guys from Il Volo return with a song that reflects their amazing success: magnificent voices, a modern melodic start and a lyrical refrain but without overdoing it. They have polished off some virtuosity and worked more on the contemporary part, the result could even be a victory. Well done.
OGGI
They won in 2015 with Grande amore, but they won’t repeat it (and for this they should be praised). The three former tenors have grown up, are thirty years old, celebrating 15 years of their career, and return with majestic pop, but without exceeding the bel canto. They no longer all sing together, each one enhances his own vocality. Works.
RATING 8
LA WEBSTAR
Three unique voices, which give strength to an immediate but absolutely non-trivial text. Few words, but all said and sung very well. Less lyrical, but still effective and extremely clear. The title seems pretentious, but after listening to them you change your mind. Pure talent.
RATING: 7.5
“A sail on the open sea and suddenly you”
AVVENIRE
Less lyrical and more mature song that comes from the personal experiences of the three boys (already winners in 2015 with Grande Amore) who on the threshold of 30 years are looking for a leap forward. Here a love for a woman, for a parent, for someone who is no longer there sung with great skill. “And suddenly you . . .”
TGCOM24
To present yourself with a song with a title like that takes personality or unconsciousness. The three reduce the use of the voice to a minimum with a lyrical approach, but remain in the tradition. They play a sort of separate championship, but in that they have few rivals. It is difficult to imagine that they will remain outside the top five places.
SORRISI E CANZONI TV
Winners in 2015, the guys from Il Volo arrive at their third Sanremo with the very romantic “Capolavoro”, a crescendo orchestral ballad that focuses entirely on the talent of the three performers and, perhaps even more than in the past, on the difference between their vocals, who move between opera and pop. “Fall from the sky like a masterpiece, before you there was nothing good.”
LEGGO
Example of vocal crossover that meets in a pop which, although classical in nature, is contemporary.
Talk about hope “Fall from the sky like a masterpiece, before you there was nothing good.”
Here the trio leaves the circuit. The song is not Grande Amore. But it is with the orchestra that they will perform best.
RATING 7
IL SOLE 24ORE
For the Volo tenors, a return to the Ariston in the name of modesty. You pass through the Eighties ballad structure with the trademark set voice that emerges here and there, but how do you title a piece Masterpiece? In the Po Valley they would say: “Fly low”.
RATING 4.5
LA REPUBBLICA
A song that is more pop than lyrical, it satisfies most of their audience. They are the optimists of love and she falls “from the sky like a masterpiece”.
RATING 6.5
QUOTIDIANO NAZIONALE
It is a masterpiece that falls from the sky, the verse is pop, the special is more romantic than fictional even if the voices swell. Orchestral. What their audience wants in the world.
RATING 7
FANPAGE
In the mean time we have avoided the Grande Amore effect (almost for the entire song), and this time Il Volo tries a more pop and less lyrical path, as many have been asking them for years and they must be given credit for having attempted a new path, at least for them. It’s not clear, however, where they want to go for now with a song that passes without leaving any major shocks, but the atmosphere of the Festival will pay, as always, so in the end they will be right.
ONDE FUNKY (Paola Gallo)
Melodic reassuring love song, perfectly in line with the interpretations of Il Volo.
“This life with you is a masterpiece” is flypaper for applause. Listening to her you can already imagine the standing ovations from the traditional audience which this year has few, very few representatives.
RATING 6/7
ANSA
The three boys who are now men try to take off the vintage patina, but it’s a safe bet that the older generations will appreciate it more. From bel canto to bel pop, the Ariston will appreciate.
RATING 6.5
VANITY FAIR
“I felt lost / Like a flower in the desert / And suddenly you, you”. Unfortunately the piece does not reflect the title.
RATING 5
ALL MUSIC
Divisions of the parts of the song always the same and they, as always, equal to themselves. The song is powerful and draws easy applause in the room, playing with the orchestra, something that is also typical of them. It’s not a bad song, but where we were with “Grande Amore” we’re still there. Good for them because they could make the podium.
RATING 6
DAVIDE MAGGIO (attenzione a come sono scritti i nomi in questa recensione)
Ignazio Barone, Piero Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble are that stuff: lyricism, love, melodrama and some banality. The chorus is there but it’s not as powerful as at the time of Grande Amore.
RATING 6
CORRIERE DELLA SERA (LAFFRANCHI ANDREA, this journalist harshly attacked Il Volo in the press room in 2019)
The three try to modernize themselves, the direction is that of pop but they remain harnessed by the rhetoric of opera and bel canto. The text gets lost in the banality of clichés, from “sailing on the open sea” to “flowers in the desert”.
RATING 4.5
TODAY
Il Volo failed.
Il Volo in the Valerio Scanu version (Italian singer). Almost no trace of the three tenors, who put themselves to the test with a melodic pop song with a flavor of the early 2000s. Courageous but distorted.
Masterpiece, only in the title.
RATING 5
MESSAGGERO
“Suddenly you fall from the sky like a masterpiece, before you there was nothing good”: he likes to win easily. Shall we bet that it will be the most popular at weddings this year? It adds nothing to the trio’s style, but it will take them to the top.
RATING 5
BILLBOARD
It is right that in Sanremo there is also the lyrical quota so loved abroad by those who go crazy for everything that concerns Italy (and also very loved in our country) but in the midst of all the up-tempo (fast pace) pieces of this this year they make the same impression as an older uncle at the high school party.
IL MATTINO (Federico Vacalepre, this journalist was the architect of the Anti-Volo Brigade in 2019.)
The “Masterpiece” of the title is not the song, whoever praises himself blames himself and the trio knows this well, but the sung love story.
Less romantic than usual, in search of a different repertoire, to launch the first album of unreleased songs with three voices aiming for a standing ovation at the Ariston.
RATING 5.5
ELLE
They sing the great praise of love but, more than a masterpiece, the song recalls the musicality of Disney films.
ROCK.IT
A little better than one might have feared. But the misfortune remains.
RATING 5.5
I think you might have an idea of what our journalists think after reading these reviews.
Some are really bad, sometimes it seems that having beautiful voices is almost a mistake, and not a merit.
The ratings are certainly very low and journalists are certainly not immune from reviewing with their personal tastes.
Have you also read the names of the authors of the song:
Edwyn Roberts, Stefano Marletta and Michael Tenisci are all successful young singer-songwriters.
Here they are in this photo, from left:
Michael Tenisci
Edwyn Roberts
Piero Barone
Stefano Marletta
Ernesto Ginoble
And now I offer you this article from TP24. Reading this article my arms literally fell.
I warn you that the article talks about Ignazio because it is a newspaper from the Trapani area (Sicily, near Marsala)
Click Here to view the TP24 article
Sanremo 2024, critics divided for Ignazio Boschetto and IL VOLO: “They can’t win”
“They cannot and must not win.” Some comments from journalists and music critics are merciless for Ignazio Boschetto from Marsala and the trio Il Volo, who will participate in the next edition of Sanremo 2024.
Yesterday the specialized press had the opportunity to preview the songs (almost all of them are very catchy and danceable, is the general comment) giving report cards to the artists.
And, once again, Il Volo was not appreciated. “Il Volo cannot and must not win this time” writes the Huffington Post.
Il Volo is taking part in Sanremo 2024. For them, this is their third participation in the competition at the Festival after first place in 2015 with Grande amore and third in 2019 with Musica Che Resta. This year Ignazio Boschetto, Piero Barone and Gianluca Ginoble bring “Capolavoro” to the Ariston stage.
The song was written by Edwyn Roberts, Stefano Marletta and Michael Tenisci.
“Corriere della Sera” gives a score of 4.5: “The three try to modernize themselves, the direction is that of pop but they remain harnessed by the rhetoric of opera and bel canto. The text gets lost in the banality of clichés, from the “sailing on the open sea” to “flowers in the desert”.
However, there are those who recognize that this is a style they like in Sanremo, and therefore it is likely that they will finish in the top three.
For Rock.it the song is “a little better than what one might have feared. But the disaster remains”.
For Oggi “they return with a majestic pop, but without exceeding the bel canto. They no longer sing all together, each one enhances his own vocality. It works”.
I remind you that the journalists of the Sanremo Press Room have to vote on the songs during an evening and their vote can be really heavy for the ranking.
I also remind you that in 2019 Il Volo suffered this vote which was absolutely exploited by the journalists so as not to let Il Volo win (which still came third even after their negative vote).
To help you remember better, watch this video, which has English subtitles. 😩
🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
For my part, I think exactly like my friend Mara who yesterday, after reading the report cards of the songs, published this comment:
“The journalists listened to the 30 songs competing at the next Sanremo festival, and reading several of these reviews I remain firmly convinced of one thing: the press room should not vote!
Among several reviews there is not one that is coherent, because on the same artist and related song there are those who exalt it and those who undermine it… the majority are not technical judgments but personal opinions evidently based on one’s own tastes musical (or perhaps based on the artist who is the most popular at the moment or the team that has “pushed” the most… who knows)…
I could easily have written those reviews even if I who am not in the profession because they don’t have anything objective or technical… which is why, I repeat, the press room should limit itself to making reviews or giving report cards at most but not voting… they are not capable of being objective and not biased, but unfortunately they are also given too much importance in this area…
I hope at least that this year they avoid unworthy sideshows, that they have the decency not to shamelessly express their preferences… because then if someone comes out who doesn’t mince his words and defines them for what they are, they get offended, poor things… !”
P.S: The orchestra, which is made up of people who understand a little about music (certainly something more than the newsagent vendors), doesn’t really applaud anyone after the rehearsals… the pen sellers must understand it. 😉
My dear friend grandmother Maura, on the other hand, gives great advice to Italian fans: VOTE, VOTE, VOTE as much as possible (max 5 votes per person).
However, they must be the most voted by the PEOPLE.
This will however be a moral slap for the juries, and a title of pride for them, who will thus “measure” our Great Love.
For those who want to know in depth the jury system that will be able to vote for Sanremo, I attach this very exhaustive article.
Unfortunately, as you will read, the first evening will be worth the vote of the Press Room (therefore Il Volo will certainly be penalized)
On the second and third evening they can vote from home and it is worth 50%, the other 50% comes from the radio vote (another penalty for Il Volo).
On the fourth and fifth evening all three juries vote, Press Office, Home and Radio with 33.5% each. I see the very tough competition for our beloved boys.
Click on the article below to read the Sanremo rules:
And here’s my opinion, Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio, certainly don’t start with an advantage, but I have a lot of trust in their fan base.
Italian journalists and radio stations must understand that there is not only rap or trap or urban, we are really tired of these repetitive songs, spoken more than sung because so many people have no voice and really don’t know how to sing. But why do we have to listen to these bad songs whose words we don’t understand or listen to vulgar and rude words?
Why is it fashionable?
But we are the ones who can decree fashion, let’s stop following what is shown to us as good if it isn’t.
We must accustom our children and grandchildren to objectivity, you can listen to a song because it has a nice rhythm, also because it is new, sometimes even a catchphrase, but then there is also room for those who know how to sing, for beautiful melodies. Not all of us have the same tastes, but every taste must be respected.
Il Volo doesn’t expect to win Sanremo, otherwise they wouldn’t have scheduled the concert in Verona on the same day as Eurovision, not even the bookmakers say they are winners, but for us, for the courage they show in showing up again at Sanremo, they have already won!!!
Daniela 🤗
P:S: = If you’re feeling down, I want to lift your spirits with this little video clip that just arrived in which Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero talk about the new song : “Capolavoro” .
I admire their way of being calm and playful in this situation. ☺️
Enjoy it. 😉
PIERO= We will return to the Sanremo Festival to celebrate this great milestone with music, 15 years of career, 15 incredible years of friendship, of pure esteem and of this common passion for music.
IGNAZIO= Pure esteem you say, though!
GIANLUCA= (To Piero) Don’t exaggerate, he always exaggerates, I don’t know why he does this.
PIERO= I also wanted to be a little serious.
GIANLUCA= How romantic is this boy here. (Piero)
Let’s say it’s emotional pop, at times…how can I say…
PIERO= Not very emotional…not very emotional…
GIANLUCA= Yes, very emotional, where our voices in harmony, reach that epic quality but with some contemporary features that we needed.
IGNAZIO= We worked alongside some authors with whom we shared our ideas, and this song, ironically, was born two years ago. It’s been two years of work looking for the right message, because we wanted to come back “in a big way” making it clear that even within our group there has been an evolution, there has been personal and also artistic growth.
GIANLUCA= How important it is in our career to work on ourselves, and how important connections are, how important feelings are, and people arrive who out of the blue, as if falling from the sky, can really enrich your life and make it better.
PIERO= And maybe you didn’t realize until the day before that you had experienced a great void.
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
After reading the comments of the newspaper reps, Daniela, I can see what you mean by negativity on the part of a number of them.
David Maggio – couldn’t even get their names right!!!
Onde Funky – what does he mean in the 2nd para. about the audience??
Vanity Fair – rating not fair, but reporter full of vanity!!
Il Sole 24ors – critique stinks! (no other words for it!)
Today – sounds like Sour Grapes (and not Italian wine!!)
Corriere della sera – still attacking and, if anything, has sharpened knives!
But, I do have a comment about Avvenire report – almost had tears in my eyes from reading their description. Hugs, Dol.
Yes Dolores, unfortunately there are many painful comments for us, it will not be easy for them to present themselves smiling, but they will do it, in addition to being good singers, they are great and polite professionals.
Just hoping for the very best and the very most-may they all three be holding that golden tiger at the very end!
We all hope so Mark, it would be a huge victory, but there are too many obstacles.
P.S. it is a lion that goes on a palm tree 🙂
Come on, Mark — Get your felines properly named!!! Just pulling your leg, Mark. We all know what you mean, but would coming home with the “cat” really mean anything after all the negativity? If the voters would just let the best group win, we know who would get the “lion on a palm tree”. (sounds like a partridge in a pear tree). Hugs to you down under, from a frozen Canadian. Dol.
In my opinion,
Sorry, I wrote in my opinion, the news people have no business commenting or voting on Sanremo except to say that it’s happening, who is participating & who won! They need to stay out of the voting because they are not musicians and don’t know diddly about music!!!They are showing their true colors by commenting negatively about anyone & don’t deserve to have anyone read their papers let alone trust their judgment about anything! Unlike IlVolo & I’m sure other participants, the press is tarnishing their own integrity. IlVolo always comes out on top because they are “the real deal “.
I completely agree with you Athena. But for now the rules are this.
What a heartless bunch of dolts!! These three wonders are their country men who for 15 yrs have sung around the world exhalting Italy! Even the ones that had positive things to say, even praise give them low marks! Why do the rules give a bunch of disgruntled journalists so much power, do any of them have any real music training?
This is really upsetting….really wish the rest of the world was allowed to vote it would be a landslide for ILVOLO!
ITALY GET YOUR VOTES IN FOR ILVOLO!
Thank you for including us in seeing these articles but they make so angry!😡 how can anyone disagree with talent, they make such beautiful music to touch our souls….I’ll be praying for their success and keeping positive thoughts for our guys. GOOD LUCK AT SANREMO and as always hold your heads high!💖💖💖
Thank you Daniella, I’m not angry with you sorry, Carol🤯🇺🇸🙏🏻☮️🩷
Carol, I have always warned you about the criticisms of Italian journalists at Il Volo. I knew this post would make you angry, I was angry myself when I wrote it.
I don’t know where to start. I agree the press should have no say in the voting. Why are there not people in the profession ( like on Dancing with the Stars and American Idol ) who vote. It makes no sense. Plus the press shouldn’t be allowed to hear the song beforehand so they can write all these negative things. I’m sure that sways some of the fan who are not that familiar with Il Volo.. It’s very biased. No where are there three more talented, respectful, kind young men( I can’t believe I have to call them men and not boys anymore) than Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca. I can’t imagine how these remarks must hurt the boys, not to mention their parents. I can’t imagine how I would feel if someone wrote this about my sons. But the real love for the boys is shown at their sold out concerts. I admire them for going to Sanremo again and will be praying for them. Thank you Daniela for all the information. I’m sorry for the long post-it I was really upset after seeing the reviews. I know the guys will rise above them and do what they always do. Give us a beautiful performance!
I will also be praying for them, Cathy, not just to win but to be strong and weather this storm of negativity.
Cathy, these people should have other criteria of judgment, and not their personal opinion, furthermore no one can and should be rude to people who are always polite, these journalists are unworthy.
Surely the affection of the public and the full concerts will be the best responses of Il Volo.
Everyone has their opinion about what they like and dislike so I will state mine. I find it bizarre, at best, that musical artistry is judged by “journalists”. Here, the term “journalist” is laughable. The critiques are poorly written and it appears the writers lack basic skills in musical intellect. And, although there is audience participation in voting, the waters have already been dirtied by the disgraceful behavior of so called professionals.
After reading and witnessing the viscous attacks on Il Volo in 2019, the Sanremo competition’s reputation has been seriously damaged. Damaged for two reasons. First, when Sanremo is mentioned it is impossible to separate it from the despicable behavior of supposed professionals throwing toddler tantrums because they have unidimensional taste in genres. Second, any self respecting artist can never truly enjoy a win knowing the “journalist’s” bigotry. They will never know if they are truly great or just received the palm tree to keep I’ll Volo from winning. Just my opinion.
You said it in a nutshell, Lealie! Is the lion worth the trouble??? Dol.
In fact Lealie Kinn, we don’t call them journalists, but newspaper sellers (in Italian: non giornalisti ma giornalai ) or “pennivendoli”, that is, those who sell their pen to the highest bidder.
I agree with you that the singers who win, voted by the Press Room, will always have the doubt that they didn’t really win on their own merit, but perhaps they don’t care.
However, there was certainly someone who orchestrated this attitude from the beginning, because it is impossible to think that these journalists had any grievances towards defenseless children.
Nie potrafię zrozumieć tych dziennikarzy. Powinni być dumni,że Włochy mają takich młodych,wspaniałych, utalentowanych artystów, którzy rozsławili włoską muzykę na całym świecie dając ludziom szczęscie. Za co oni ich tak nie lubią? Ich trzeba kochać i podziwiać a nie dyskryminować.
Maria, nikt nie może zrozumieć skąd ta niechęć do Il Volo, który swoją drogą zawsze zachowywał się grzecznie wobec dziennikarzy.
To niezrozumiałe, ale niestety taka jest rzeczywistość.
Maria, no one can understand why there is all this aversion towards Il Volo who by the way have always behaved politely towards journalists.
It’s incomprehensible, but it’s a reality, unfortunately.
Soy una rendida admiradora del mejor grupo del mundo,de los mejores y nas famosos representantes de la hermosa y eterna Italia para el mundo. Soy Colombiana ,y en este lado del mundo desde Norteamérica,pasando por Centroamérica y recorriendo Suramerica, de cabo a rabo de nuestro continente se les adora,casi que son culto. Realmente es muy decepcionante ,leer esos comentarios de la prensa. Da la sensacion de que los castigan por su Superioridad Artistica,Formativa y Escenica. Pero es entendible, No tienen forma de apreciar la calidad , el nivel superlativo de todos y cada uno de los integrantes de IL VOLO, pues no existe en ese nivel provincial al interior , lo que es una performance internacional ,un carismatica presentación un evento único genuino ,una suma de ranto talento. Il Volo es mucho mucho mas que un concurso,más que unos cantantes locales, no saben esos periodistas lo que proyectan al mundo con esos comentarios ridículos y sin sentido y que rayan con la ignorancia El mal que le hacen a su pais,pues la critica musical EXTRANJERA tiene en un concepto muy alto, de esa esencia musical original y absolutamente talentosa que es ILVOLO .
Me atrevo a pensar, también que ellos no deberían intentar transiciones de estilo ,pues su origen su exito su esencia su talento sus voces no son del común no son un promedio ,son altamente superiores y no deben nivelarse por lo bajo, esa insistencia en el cambio de estilo en el crecimiento personal ,etc etc, personalmente no me convence, pues el mundo los ama por lo que son ,seres totalmente fuera de serie, ,distintos ,originales ,únicos, Clásicos en el sentido real de Clásico que es simple y llanamente perdurar en el tiempo, resistir ataques ,superar obstáculos y siempre siempre permanecer ,permanecer y permanecer dando ejemplo
Cada momento viéndolos ,sintiéndolos ,entendiéndolos ,se disfruta y ellos con su particular esencia y su forma artististica de mirar la vida, con su tierna manera de ser complices ,con la ” jocosa seriedad”de mostrar su particular carisma, con un humor sarcástico y sutil pero preciso , propio de seres inteligentes ,nos van envolviendo en ese su Mundo Fantástico plagado de voces ,armonias ,sonrisas ,amor ,del cual son ellos los anfitriones, dándole colores y matices diferentes. !! !!!!
!!!Admiración Total ,
Cariño desbordado ,
Respeto absoluto , desde Colombia!!!
Tus palabras Luz siempre están bien escritas y reflexivas.
Il Volo ha confirmado que no se distorsionará, Il Volo sigue siendo Il Volo, pero intentarán acercarse un poco más a los gustos de los jóvenes que de otro modo ni siquiera les escuchan, es un acercamiento, no un cambio. Si lo logran, muchos jóvenes entenderán la diferencia entre el canto de Il Volo y el de otros cantantes, pero si los jóvenes no pueden tener una comparación, nunca entenderán la diferencia.
Your words Luz are always well written and thoughtful.
Il Volo has confirmed that it will not be distorted, Il Volo remains Il Volo, but they will try to get a little closer to the tastes of young people who otherwise don’t even listen to them, it’s an approach, not a change. If they succeed, many young people will understand the difference between Il Volo’s singing and other singers, but if young people are unable to have a comparison they will never understand the difference.
Thank you so much for giving us the positive and the negatives of our beloved il volo
I totally agree with you that journalist should not have a vote in to say of any talent not just il volo they should report what’s going on who’s going to be competing that kind of thing not to judge
I’ve been following all guys since 2009 watch them grow up to become even more talented and also young handsome men who are kind and give from their heart and soul
We should not be surprised by these so-called journalists just remember the nightmare of Eurovision the fellow should have won that because they got popular vote if I remember correctly but they didn’t but there is not bad for a first time out and they’ve excelled ever since
It also broke my heart and still does that their own country didn’t recognize and or accepted them San Remo is what put them on the map in Italy because they were already on the map in the rest of the world
I applaud them for having the coverage and the trust in themselves as artists till again appear at San Remo regardless of the negativity
They were pride to the Italian culture I wish them all the best of luck and success in all of the new adventures be well and be safe
Yes Frances, they would have won Eurovision too if the popular jury had had more weight. Think that the rules were changed the year after their participation in Eurovision, because it was a small scandal, those who voted from home counted for very little, since then it has a greater value.
Even Sanremo 2019, Il Volo perhaps would still have been first, if the coalition of journalists had not been listened to and the jury of 8 people (which is no longer there) had not voted them in last place after the performance of Musica Che Resta with Alessandro Quarta (the violinist). Despite everything they still arrived on the podium, third, but an excellent result, despite everything.
Thank you Daniela and Pat for translating and posting these reviews, even if some of them make me sad. I also don’t understand these “pennivendoli”. What they do is rude, harmful and unprofessional. But I’m sure our gentlemen will handle it and do it with class as usual. I wish them the best but I think the win is not the most important thing. For us they always are the winners and to be a little selfish I hope the concert in Verona will not have be postponed. In my opinion, Eurovision does not deserve Il Volo, they are too good for this biased competition. Thank you again and I’m waiting for Sanremo and a new CD.
Jolanta, I’m sure they’ll make a great impression, because no one has voices like theirs.
Surely, as Maura says, if they are highly voted by the public, it will be their revenge. Of course Jolanta, the visibility that Eurovision gives you is crazy, so it’s a shame that they won’t be there……………but you know, hope is the last to die.
You’re most welcome, Jolanta! I agree with every single thing you have said. I just am shaking my head at this whole thing.
Excellent reporting Daniela! It was so good I posted it on Instagram! Thank you!
Grazie Susan, sei unica, è un piacere per me che tu l’abbia pubblicata su instagram!
Oh my what can I say….. – probably that I would have been happier not knowing…. Yet I would be a chicken trying to avoid reality, so thank you indeed Daniela and Pat for sharing these press comments and votes with us – positive as well as negative ones – hence preparing us for what may be coming next. And yes, you have numerous times warned me about the Italian music press and their negativity towards our guys – but I have always pushed it a bit away thinking that it was way back and witnessing how well the latest years’ TV exposures by not the least Canale 5 have been so well received by the viewers, I thought the negativity had to be in past tense these days. Apparently not. It saddens me truly.
I have re-read these comments a couple of times now and, unfortunately, I shall have to revert to my very first reaction when learning that they would participate in the Sanremo Festival once again – namely: Oh no please don’t! In my opinion there is so absolutely no reason for them to put themselves through this hell and spend time in this sick environment – they have proven themselves years ago! They are classes above all the other contestants in all aspects. They are international super stars appreciated throughout the world. They fill the Arena di Verona in a split second, they filled the Milan theatre 6 nights in a row, Radio City Music Hall in New York, the US, embraces them with love, Japan honors them letting them be the first western artists to perform in one of their sacred temples, they are received as rock stars needing body guards when visiting South America – and in Mexico extra concerts are sold out in few hours only. What more prove of that they are fantastic and loved is needed? And in Italy – what other artists are featured with several hours TV Shows time after time (Canale 5) reaching the highest viewing figures? So in all honesty, why on Earth the necessity of participating in Sanremo again? Yes, I do fully understand the high media exposure such a participation brings about and that it is a way to reach out to a younger and broader audience – but is it necessary? I think not…
I know the guys wish to evolve personally and musically and that their upcoming Album will give us a “new” 2.0 version of themselves. And that they want to reach new audiences with same. Fine. But somehow I believe that they could have raised as much media exposure in respect to said release using the part of the media that is fond of them and maybe just taken it all a bit more slowly. And even if less Italian media attention – so what? The rest of the world awaits it with great enthusiasm!
IL VOLO represents a musical niche – the cross over of lyrical and pop/rock music – which means, that there will be a limited audience, if they stay true to same. Not everyone appreciates the lyrical song techniques/sound of voices – fair enough – hence this kind of music will never be mainstream. But it will be valued thoroughly by those who understands music and fantastic voices. As I understand it, it seems that the guys are turning towards a more pop-like sound and style in order to accommodate a younger and broader audience. It may be necessary if they go for the trophy of Sanremo and the Eurovision Song Contest – but it may also be a big backlash leaving them “between two chairs” as they might not be fully accepted as mainstream and at the same time could loose the acclaim of being highly serious and competent, classy singers… I don’t know, but these are the reflections I have. Finally, I truly wish for them to be saved from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, which is anything else but fair. I don’t want them hurt again.
Well, they are now part of the 2024 Sanremo Festival and these sad press releases and hateful comments cannot be avoided, hence I do only hope that they are well prepared for same and will be able to cope with it in the same pro and dignified manner as they do normally handle such situations. And – of course – I wish them all the best of luck ( break a leg as we say in my country). It would be so great if they once again could prove that press wrong!
Warm greetings – Kirsten🇩🇰
What a great expression of meaningful thoughts and feelings Kirsten! So well written and filled with caring words and emotion! I don’t pretend to understand the Italian culture as much as I would like, however there is something to be said for winning over those who are not « on board » with the rest of the world! It’s like wanting the the least positive person to love you, even though you don’t like him/her! I believe somewhere or someone has led the group to believe everyone must be in love with them in order for them to be successful! The truth is the men are so much wiser than any journalist or musical writer, they have fans all over the world and turn their focus to helping world peace and doing what they love and love what they are doing ❤️❤️❤️
Sheila, I reply to you and Kirsten that Il Volo is not afraid to get involved and does not want to give the impression of being “in a comfortable niche”.
As I have already said, they know how to adapt to various needs, they are multifaceted and will always bring every facet to their concerts. They have shown that they are not just “O Sole Mio”, and they don’t just sing in pizzerias (as many journalists have stated). They are much more. They have never been afraid to bring absolutely classic, even lyrical pieces during their concerts and they always will, because they are Il Volo and we love them for this too.
You know Kirsten, in 2015, after winning Sanremo, many journalists accused them of being pretentious, not at all humble, pretentious kids, which immediately made them unpleasant to many people. Their singing teacher, when asked about this, said about these words:
“Those kids were well prepared for evil, because otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to overcome it at such a young age, and in any case their rumors are a reality.”
Perhaps thanks to this preparation and their awareness of the value of their voices, they know how to remain polite in the face of such malice. As Piero says at the beginning of the “bullying” video:
“They accept criticism, but not insults.”
I must say that reading people’s comments under their interviews and videos, I find fewer and fewer people commenting negatively, in fact now almost none, while some time ago there were only insults aimed at them, so people are starting to say their true opinion and to stamp out the “keyboard lions”, that is, people who write negatively just for the fun of it.
Of course a newspaper with the headline:
“Il Volo must not, and cannot win this time”……it is truly unworthy!!
Such eloquent writing, Kirsten! You do have a wonderful way with words and express the feelings of your fellow Il Volovers so well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I always look forward to your posts. Hugs, Dol.
Thank you so much for your very kind words Dol. I am so pleased to learn that you enjoy reading my comments. I appreciate that very much. A big hug to you too – and
greetins from snowly and cold Denmark. Kirsten.
You’re welcome, Kirsten. When Daniela gave the post to me to work on I could not believe what I was reading and told her that everyone was going to go nuts when they read these negative comments. Like you said, our guys have nothing to prove to anyone! I think I read or heard in an interview that they are participating to celebrate their career….15 years…..that is all. They will rise above this negativity.
You always put into words exactly what I am thinking. Thank YOU for that! 😊💕
Pat – I am psychic and a mind-reader ;-). He he. No, of course not – but great minds think alike, you know ;-). Thank you indeed for your kind words. I am only happy to learn that you – and others here – are having same kind of reflections not leaving me alone in this respect. And I can only repeat that I am so saddened by the above press comments and even shocked by the video about the controverses back in 2019. It only confirms me in my conviction that Il Volo shouldn’t waste time, energy and emotions on this festival. They are way above this circus and not in need of having to prove anything to anyone.
There must be many other ways to celebrate their 15 years’ anniversary – and I believe that they will be able to reach out to a younger audience sinply by having the right type hit-song launched. In similarity with i.e. Michael Bublë, who seems to write such an easy-going sing-along tume each year that the radios are more than happy to play – and then at his concerts he happily sings his favorite old school evergreens, jazz-standards and what-ever more lyrical and traditional tunes he enjoys himself even more. I am pretty sure that Il Volo could use exactly the same trick!
Anyhow, have a wonderful Sunday! Love – Kirsten
Kirsten – You described it well……..CIRCUS! 😂
Happy Sunday to you too! 💕
So many interesting, intelligent comments to this post from us IlVolovers, and Daniela, I thought your last section starting “And here’s my opinion” was brilliant. I confess I was worried as soon as I heard the title “Masterpiece”, as it seemed likely there would be some sarcastic comments. And those negative comments do hurt us, as well as the guys. But I’m grateful that there were so many positive ones as well, and will try to focus on those. Yes, the voting system should be changed. In our popular TV show “The Voice”, the 4 judges/coaches, who are top stars in the music business, make their choices over a period of time, then the finalists and later the winner are chosen by the public.
We appreciate so much your keeping us informed, Daniela, even though it hurts–if the guys can take it, we can too!
Thanks Judi.
Here too there is the program THE VOICE and also XFACTOR which are based on 4 judges, but even in these two programs there are judges who are not exactly “the best” in their field. However Sanremo is a very different type of competition, only 3 singers are “new” and have won the young selection, the others are all established singers.
Daniella and Pat I truly hope the boys read these comments and understand they are well supported by all of us…..many old enough to be their grandparents even great grandparents! We love them and support them to the very end no matter what direction they chose to take with their talents….mega talent!
Daniella your replies have all been spot on and much appreciated as are all your articles. I apologize for seemingly shouting at the news before but I will defend those I love until my end.
I can understand the reasoning behind the changes they are trying to show us, many of us will not be here in 10-20 years and they want to keep going they need to appeal to the young people to have longevity!
Wishing you two and all the ilvoloers a beautiful weekend!🙏🏻☮️🩷🇺🇸
Carol we also always hope that they will read the comments and discover that they are so loved. It’s easy for us, we know them really well, some journalists still confuse their names!!
But that is inexcusable if they are allowed to judge they should well versed in music of ALL KINDS! I hope you don’t get aggravated by all this, you are too kind to all of us, this a small criticism of a small but apparently very influential part of the Italian culture! I still love Italy and it’s culture, it’s always been my favorite place to be! Peace Daniella.🩷🙏🏻☮️🇺🇸
Carol, we all hope the guys read at least some of our posts. They all know how much we love and respect them for the upstanding young men that they are. The have in the past and will continue to rise above the negativity. They do not need to prove anything to anyone. They are just doing this for fun and to celebrate their career! 😊
Also wishing you a wonderful weekend! 🧡
As I read and re-read these comments my tv is on with the Australian Open tennis! I start thinking what events are won by journalists? Tennis, no they have a referee and the fans can roar or applause as they wish, however the referee and the players control the match! Figure skating the judges are highly trained skating specialists and the judges do the judging,fans can do what they want but not vote! I could go on and on however I think I have made my point! Sure I am very particular who and what I like, but I will be damned if journalists can have their way and I as a loyal fan can’t even vote!
Something is very wrong with this picture! The people who have designed this fiasco own the responsibility to right the wrong or end this event. They have sold their soul and must live with their decisions!
May peace and joy continue to be the lifeblood of Il Volo for ever,ore ❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦
Sheila, I think that all singers should boycott the Sanremo fiasco next year if these journalists are not thrown out! I agree with you 100%. Journalists, and people in general, have opinions but that does not mean they are experts about what they are speaking. Let the journalists vote like the rest of the people and do not give any extra weight to people who clearly do not know what they are doing. I don’t know why this is still permitted to happen. Something needs to change!
I completely agree with you Sheila, but unfortunately the current rules of Sanremo, for now, provide this. This year they have already had a change, the radios have never voted before, let’s hope that the next variant is to exclude journalists.
Exquisitely stated and you’ve nailed all the problems that currently exist.
Thank you Daniela, it is good to know what is going on over there. It is ridiculous to have journalists vote. Their success depends on making a name for themselves, good or bad. I’m glad the guys will have this big stage to introduce a song from their new album. Can’t wait to hear the music and hopefully see them in concert soon.
Karen, I too can’t wait to hear the song and form my own opinion. I certainly don’t take these journalists’ opinions into account, but unfortunately, some people take them at ” face value.”
Daniela, you may not read this as this post is probably closed now, but I’m wondering which night you are going to see the guys in Verona this year. (Or Pat–maybe you can tell me….)
Judi, posts here are never “closed”. I always get an email when someone makes a comment because I am the publisher of the post. You can imagine that my Inbox gets pretty full! 😂 Daniela will be at the May 11 concert in Verona.
Lucky you! And you have a choice BUT. I am so envious for you! Maybe one day I can see them live too!!!
You mean the 11th May concert in Malmö!
Pat, I kind of wondered how it works–you are a busy gal!
Thanks so much for the information, as I’d love to meet Daniela. I’d love to meet you too–hope you’ll be able to see one of the guys’ concerts soon.
Thordis, the concerts are in Verona. If you scroll up on this post and look at the right side bar you will see IL VOLO PERFORMANCES & IMPORTANT DATES with everything listed there. Also Il Volo music website has a list of all of their concert dates so far. https://www.ilvolomusic.com/tour/
Hmm…..4 months not listed June-September?? Sure hope they give us some lead time to book airfare, PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Pat, you’re misunderstanding what I’m saying. The 11th May concert in Malmö is the Eurovision final and I expect Il Volo to be there, not in Verona. I know the Verona dates are in May, but there have been other singers with May concerts who had to cancel them because they were picked to go to Eurovision. How do you think everyone knew Sam Ryder was the UK’s representative before he was announced? Because his entire concert schedule for that April and May suddenly got wiped. When they announced the Verona concerts, they would not have known that they were to be picked as contestants at San Remo.
If we are of the opinion they cannot win San Remo, that makes us no better than the press.
Okay all this Eurovision etc is nothing more than petty politics! my concern is why doesn’t Il Volo have any shows in
June,July, August and September? My guess is they are heading to North America! Also what’s all this crap about Gianluca putting emojis on some female singers picture? My guess it is nothing more than a sham! Rise above it all boys – you are better than those creeps!!
I agree about Eurovision being political. It’s meant to be a song contest but it’s become a fashion show, stage set design competition, pride event, vote for the singer with the best sob story (my poor heart bleeds – NOT!) That why we want Il Volo there. An entry guaranted to be based on the song and an ability to sing.
There is nowt in their schedules June to September because Piero will be spending four months at Roz’s house* 🤭 and (with apologies to Dol) Gianluca will be at mine. Someone has to sew them buttons back on his shirt. I’m sure they will be back in North America before all you young chicks go home to roost. But wouldn’t it be nice for them to head to the UK or France (countries that they constantly keep ignoring). I think the last time they were in England was 2017. Someone correct me if I wrong. My mum in her 70s has to go to mainland Europe to see them in concert because there’s no way they are ever going to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
Or even pronouncing it.
Gianluca puts emojis on many posts that he comments on. Man comments on woman’s post and the conspiracy theorists read too much into it. Anyway he likes to flirt with the ladies.
*This is a joke.**
**Probably. 😉
Sheila I get to see them at least at one concert every year and if there are signings, at those events too. I hope that in addition to the concerts there will be a signing of the new CD and they usually come to Milan, I’m lucky.
I hope you can see them live one day, it’s a beautiful experience.
Thordis, I assure you that I would not protest at all if they were to move the Milan concert forward, in favor of Malmo, I would be very happy!! 🙂
I’m sorry I misunderstood, Thordis. From what I have been told the guys think they probably won’t win Sanremo so they didn’t make room in their schedule for Eurovision. But who knows? Anything could happen! 😊
Judi I will be in Verona on May 11th, as Pat already replied!
Thordis, I had not yet read your comment on the Malmo clarification, but I immediately understood your reference. I would be very happy for them to go to Eurovision, because it gives truly remarkable visibility.
They don’t have concerts in those months, Sheila, because they are planning the concerts and if Sanremo goes well they will have more requests and therefore they wait to give the dates for this reason.
In 2015 they were supposed to do a concert in Verona (it was their first concert in the Arena), but since they won Sanremo, the concert was moved to September and after the Eurovison which was in May they did several concerts because the tickets were selling like hotcakes. I myself booked my first ticket for one of their concerts, thanks to the visibility of Sanremo.
This is a note to Thordis from Dol.
If your Mom is in her 70’s, that would make you a very young 50 or late 49er! You certainly come across as someone much older with the comments you’ve been making!! It’s okay for Gianluca to spend some time with you because you’re more his age than I am. Who knows what will happen with his latest going by the wayside. Good luck to you!! Hugs, Dol.
Note to
Thordis from Sheila. – is Eleanora “old news”? I don’t speak Italian and some of you tube translations done make sense!
Don’t care about age, I am old but doesn’t make me dead!
I wish Italians would speak slower – I get the odd word but not the meaning! Personally I love all three but Gianluca is in my ❤️ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sheila, others have claimed elsewhere on the web that Gianluca and Eleonora have split. It’s all rumours, nothing official. I’m not into following Il Volo’s romantic exploits. You probably know more than me.
I only care about Gianluca’s personal happiness! I believe he is an emotional person and don’t like to see him hurt! I’m certain he has many women pursuing him however they must be well educated and love to read! Best wishes to Gianluca and the men of Il Volo
Nope. Nowhere close. Still nubile.
The still nubile comment is for Dol (in case of confusion).
Daniela and Pat I can’t thank you enough for all the work and time that went into this article. There isn’t anything I can say that hasn’t already been said except that Ignazio, Piero, and Gianluca have had a strong attachment to Sanremo since 2009. So being able to go back there to perform on the stage where they began in celebration of their 15th anniversary is important to them. They have nothing to prove especially to the members of the media who lack professionalism and sensitivity to, knowledge of, and talent for music. It is absurd that these so-called journalists consider themselves qualified to critique any song or singer, especially a world-renowned and respected band such as lL Volo.
I, like so many of their fans, wish I had the
opportunity to vote for our guys. You can bet I will
be supporting them by praying for their success at Sanremo and cheering them on.
You’re most welcome, Mary Jane! 😊
Come to the United States. We will welcome you with open arms!!!! The journalists should all be shot. They know nothing about music. Try insulting them and see what happens. They are so disrespectful.