We all want the guys to win, but can they?  What are the odds?  Has anyone come back for the second time and won again?

In the 68-year history of Sanremo, only ONE person, as a solo entry, has come back and won twice.  This was Peppino Di Capri, who won in both 1973 and 1976.  There have been several solo acts that have won, that were previously part of a duo, or trio…. they are:  1971 – Nada & Nicola Di Bari and in 1972 – Nicola Di Bari; 1987 – Gianni Morandi, Enrico Ruggeri, Umberto Tozzi and 1993 – Enrico Ruggeri (who also wrote his own song); 1989 – Anna Oxa and Fausta Leali and 1999 – Anna Oxa.  Anna had the greatest comeback with a 10-year spread.  So, 1999 was the last year where someone won, that had previously won before whether individually, or part of a group.  No other group has won twice.  If the guys win this, this will be a first in the history, for one group to win twice.  It has been 20 years since someone has come back and won twice!

Specifically speaking of the odds, let’s go back four years to 2015.  The Italian bookmakers predicted that Il Volo would win back in 2015.  However, the odds were about 3 to 1; with their buddy Lorenzo Fragola, coming in 2nd place.  Nek was WAY down on the scoreboard at number 16!  However, we all know that it was literally “neck and neck” with Nek and the guys at the end, with them winning by a very small margin – winning, none-the-less.  🙂  Remember, they were the favorites.  I could not find any data on the actual percentage that they had them winning by, as the data I found was just an end result and they stop the odds the day the competition ends.  It may be interesting to see how the odds may change up to the finals on Saturday.

Let’s fast-forward to today, this week!  I believe D-Squared, both told me that this guy known as Ultimo is destined to win this 69th Edition of Sanremo (just like Il Volo in 2015).  First off, he actually won the “newcomer” award last year in 2018 and he also wrote his own song.  Nothing against the guys, but I think if you write your own music, and it is good, you have a definite advantage over those who don’t.   He is also young and very popular.  His real  name is Niccolò Moriconi, but goes by Ultimo.  The bookies have him winning 24% of the vote, Irama at 16%, and Il Volo at 13%.  Pretty tough odds – almost twice the percentage points.  However, if you look at the odds from 2015 with the bookies having Nek at #16 and him moving to within close points to almost beat Il Volo – well, I guess anything could happen.  Hey, they have the Pope on their side?  🙂   This reminds me of a great line from one of my favorite movies – Trouble with Angels.  I don’t remember what the scene was, but I believe there was some kind of competition or some disagreement.  Rosalind Russell played the Mother Superior and her response was, “I have God, on my side!”   🙂 Of course, it’s always “Thy will be done…”  Maybe it’s Ultimo’s time?

At one point, the bookies did have Il Volo at 2nd place, however, something must have happened to change the odds – not sure what that could have been?

See below for the current full odds of the Italian bookmakers, compared with 2015:

There have been some beautiful pictures being sent from Sanremo from our guys and Il Volo Music.  One that is very touching, is one sent by Piero.  He finds the plaque in the sidewalk, with their infamous win from 2015.  What memories and emotions, just seeing it there, must bring back?  We ask ourselves… why are they doing this again?  They must know in their hearts that the chances of winning again are very slim.  Even if they come in second place, which is still a great honor; it is not winning.  It is a great risk for them.  Of course the fans will still love them, for we are not “fair weather fans!”  We know they are strong, but if they do not win, we will support them, along with their family and friends.  Just like we did for Eurovision.

No matter what, they have an awesome world-wide tour plan and hey, as far as I’m concerned, they have saved the “best for last” for the United States and the few dates in Canada, but we all know how that could change and if the other parts of the world go well, they could easily add more dates in the US and Canada.  Yes, they will be in Canada, but only Montreal and Toronto, both on the East side of the country.  A long way from the West or Central areas of the country.  But still just a plane ride away, at least it’s in the same country.   I know many of us Americans are thinking…. how can I get to Italy in September??  🙂  Ok, is it just me??  lol!  

Whatever happens guys, buono fortuna siempre!!

So, will the sun set on their dream of repeating their win at Sanremo, or will the dawn break another new beginning in the chapter of their lives to start their next 10 years together?  We will find out on Saturday, February 9, 2019!!

This weekend, along with the finals, the Detroit Il Volo gals will also be celebrating Gian’s birthday!  So, we will have a celebration, no matter what – of course, we hope for a dual reason!!  🙂  

Ciao!

Jana

p.s.  I was really sweating it there when my cable station had not yet put on there about Sanremo, however, it was finally there yesterday and I have my DVR all set up to tape it on the RAI1 station!  🙂

Thank you to the following websites for my sources:

https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/sanremo_2015

https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/sanremo

https://www.altrospettacolo.it/sanremo-2019-chi-vince/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanremo_Music_Festival