"I want to have fun and make a good impression." Matteo Trullu, 14, is trying to keep his emotions in check on the eve of the twenty-fourth edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, the under-16 version of the famous European competition. The official Italian representative, nominated by RAI after winning "The Voice Kids," is resting in his hotel in Malta, where he arrived from Decimomannu a week ago with his mother Michela , by his side on this adventure, and the ever-present electric guitar he's been playing since he was six.
For days, he's been in a whirlwind of rehearsals, interviews, and official appointments: the party with the delegations of the other 16 young contestants, the meeting with students from a Maltese school, the visit to the Italian Embassy in Valletta. Last night, his baptism of fire came with the Jury Show, the dress rehearsal with an audience but without cameras. Tonight, the rehearsal will finally kick off at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali, and the Siotto student, raised on bread and music, will be able to give his all, bringing his Sardinia with him. The broadcast will be live from 8:45 PM on Rai Gulp and RaiPlay: Italians too (unlike the "grown-up" Eurovision) can vote for Matteo on the official website JESC.tv throughout the day and immediately after the last competing singer's performance. These votes will make up 50 percent of the final result, with the other 50 percent determined by the sixteen national juries. Matteo is at peace, his heart locked away in the dream of leading Italy back to a victory he hasn't seen since 2014.
Matteo, from the Piccolo Coro di San Sperate to Junior Eurovision: would you ever have imagined you'd represent Italy in an international competition?
"The Voice Kids" was already incredible for me: I wanted to have a television experience, even just an audition, but I never imagined I'd win it. And now this."
He was still little when he asked for an electric guitar, his great love. Why this instrument?
"It fascinated me. My father's friends used to play it, and I wanted to give it a try. I remember asking for it as a gift, and that's where it all started. I've always studied with the same teacher, Francesco Congia, and even though I now have a coach in Milan, my musical training on the island made me who I am."
After winning “The Voice Kids” in February, how has your life changed?
I've grown a lot, both musically and personally, and I've begun to understand the rhythms of this world. From rock, I've expanded my repertoire and worked on my voice and stage presence. This summer I performed several concerts, including with EroCaddeo, Samurai Jay, Omar Pedrini, and Francesca Michielin. It used to be a hobby, but now I feel a responsibility to live up to expectations.
How did you find out you were going to Junior Eurovision?
"In June, they sent me the song and asked me to test it. The official news came a month later: we were at the beach, my mother got the call, and I rushed over to eavesdrop."
And how is he experiencing all this now?
"I want to make a good impression and have fun, because we've worked so hard. I have to stay focused and not get lost. And I'm making friends with the other contestants. We only speak English, it's a challenge, but I'm managing."
How did the tests go?
"The first one was a shock: it was all dark, I couldn't see anything, then suddenly the lights came on and I realized the immensity of the stage. The sounds and the whole show were impressive too."
His song is called "What is love?" Isn't he too young to answer that question?
"Perhaps, in fact, the point of the song is to illustrate how teenagers can experience first crushes but also passions, whether for music or sports. Even though I'd never experienced some of the situations described in the lyrics, I tried to imagine them and interpret them in my own way."
Between school, singing lessons, and guitar lessons, how do you manage to balance it all with everyday life?
"I don't know! My days are busy and I have to find time to do my homework, otherwise who's going to listen to my parents?"
When she receives so many compliments and attention, who can bring her back down to earth?
«I'm quite a realist by nature, but definitely my mother.»
At your age, you grow up so fast. Are you worried that the music world might speed up that process too much?
"Don't worry. I know it won't be all roses, but there are singers who started out as kids, and I try to take inspiration from them."
What helps you to unwind and release tension?
«CrossFit also allows me to train my breathing and it is useful on stage».
Do you imagine a future as a professional singer?
"Let's hope so. At least I'm doing my best, trying to build my own musical identity."