A first semifinal with a fast and pressing pace with the seventeen competing countries and music at the center of everything , with impressive and impactful choreographies perfect for the theme "The Sound of Beauty".
The curtain has risen, at the Pala Olimpico in Turin , on the 66th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest , brought back to Italy after the Maneskin victory last year and broadcast live on Rai1, with a fleeting tribute to Pavarotti, the lights , the flames, the dancers. Laura Pausini, Mika, Alessandro Cattelan in the role of excellent hosts, with the exuberant commentary of Gabriele Corsi, Cristiano Malgioglio and Carolina Di Domenico . And among the postcards of Italy, which presented the singers competing in the most viewed non-sporting show in the world, also the wonder of Barumini .
"This international showcase - commented Tonino Chironi, general manager of the Barumini Foundation - showcases not only Barumini, but also Dorgali, once again offering Sardinia the opportunity to promote its beauties in a highly prestigious context".
THE EVENING - In the end, 10 win the final on Saturday (not in order of ranking): Switzerland, Armenia, Iceland, Lithuania, Portugal, Norway, Greece, Ukraine, Moldova, Holland . After the greetings of the three conductors ("Hello Italy, hello Turin. We need art more than ever. Music has the power to unite people"), much awaited was the Ukrainian group of Kalush , among the favorites to the final victory. In one of the lines of their song, “Stefania”, they sing “We will find our way home even if all the roads are destroyed.” And the emotional impact between dozens of yellow-blue flags flying is remarkable.
Between those who want to amaze (Norway with the Subwoolfer, the face hidden by yellow masks, Moldova with the wild Zdob şi Zdub & Advahov Brothers) and those who focus on the exhibition like the elegant S10 representing Holland and the three Systur's Icelandic sisters, the show goes fast. Emotions Diodato who two years ago performed with his "Make Noise" in a deserted Arena and today he takes back what was taken from him by the pandemic. Dardust , on the other hand, transforms the Pala Isozaki into a nightclub, with the homage to Italian dance that has traveled the world together with Benny Benassi and Sophie and the Giants . There was also a tribute to Raffaella Carrà with a hint of her "Fiesta". Thursday the second semifinal, with the other ten artists who will conquer the evening on Saturday. Also in the race Achille Lauro for San Marino and Emma Muscat for Malta .
Brief appearance of Mahmood and Blanco , who fly by right in the final with the other Big Five, namely Spain, France, Germany and the United Kingdom .
THE CASE OF HARASSMENT - The opening of the event was tainted by an "accident" whose outlines are not yet clear. Some young volunteers reported harassment during the inaugural party on Sunday at the Reggia di Venaria by the artists of some delegations. Accusations denied by the Municipality of Venaria.
"If I ever realized that something was wrong, I would have intervened first", explained the municipal official Alessandra Aires, coordinator of the Delegation Hosts, the 120 young people who accompany the delegations. Apparently, no complaints have been filed with the police.
(Unioneonline / D)