After having been absent from the ESC for 13 year, Italy has finally decided to make a much wanted comeback. This time it is as part of "The Big 5", a group that already exists of Spain. France, Germany and the United Kingdom - and now Italy. Since they spend so much money on arranging this fabulous event, this group feel that they deserve a direct ticket to the big finale and just skips the whole qualifying process. In other words - they buy themselves out of it. Well whatever, "Fair Play" is FIFA's slogan and nobody ever tried to apply that to the ESC.Singer Raphael Gualazzi is already well known in Italy, and has released to albums so far. The Italians are expecting this jazzy little number to do quite well in the competition, and I believe it will be well received by the older ESC audience. However, just like France, I'm not sure that the younger crowd will be to dazzled by it. It's an ok song, but it feels a little to "hotel piano bar" for my taste. There isn't really any wow factor here, and that's essential if you're going to win Europe over in just 3 minutes.
I'm glad that Italy is finally back in business though, and they make a great contribution to the ESC. Perhaps will we see the return of the once great ESC nation Luxembourg next year? Regardless, I don't think Italy should get their hopes up before Düsseldorf. It's one of the better songs this year, but jazz has never been quite right for the ESC. Remember "Frauen Regier'n Di Welt" from 2007? A great jazz number - but finished only as number 16 to every ones surprise. I think Italy can expect a similar result. Let's just hope they won't get to offended and drop out
of the competition again.
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