Virginio: The Comeback of the “Black Cherries”
Ah, the charming Virginio! Yes, the man who’s delighted us with his melodious charm since he burst onto our screens like a musical firework on a rainy Tuesday in 2010! Today, he graces the velvet couches of Silvia Toffanin on the show Very True to unveil his latest work, the intriguingly titled single, Black Cherries.
You know, if I had a euro for every time a fruit inspired a hit single, I’d probably be… well, still broke because it’s all about the love songs, isn’t it? But I digress!
Virginio, who is he?
Born Virginio Simonelli in the delightful Fondi, in the province of Latina on January 31, 1985, this gentleman has an origin story more melodramatic than most soap operas. It was his undying passion for music that propelled him into the tough world of television talent shows, namely Amici of Maria De Filippi.
After stepping into the spotlight in 2010, and with his exceptionally evocative tune ‘With Eyes Closed‘, he captured the hearts of viewers and, crucially, the judges. His face-off against the formidable Annalisa was the kind of duel you’d expect from a classic Spaghetti Western—only with more glitter.
Fast forward from that grand finale, and Virginio has done what any ambitious artist would do—collaborated with the crème de la crème of Italian music. He’s been hanging out with titans like Laura Pausini, Francesca Michielin, and even penned tracks for the legendary Giusy Ferreri. All while somehow managing to keep his hair exactly how it was on that fateful day he won Amici.
But wait, there’s more! Virginio has also flung his talents across the Atlantic, wowing audiences in Latin America with Spanish translations and collaborations. You might say he’s everywhere—like the scent of a good espresso in Italy or that one relative’s unwanted Christmas sweater that keeps coming back.
So, tune in today on Verissimo as Virginio takes us through his wins, losses, and, most importantly, what exactly he’s been up to since the days of Amici. Who knows? Maybe he’ll even spill the beans on what Black Cherries is really about.
Spoiler alert—it’s probably not about making smoothies!
Virginia will be making a special appearance today, Saturday 2 November, on the popular talk show Verissimo. Ever since his impressive victory on the talent show Amici in 2010, the talented singer-songwriter has maintained a fervent passion for music, dedicating himself to continuous artistic development. Today, he returns to the inviting atmosphere of Silvia Toffanin’s living room, ready to showcase his latest single, a captivating track entitled Black cherries.
Virginio, who is he?
Virginio, whose full name is Virginio Simonelli, was born in Fondi, a charming town in the province of Latina, on 31 January 1985. His profound love for music propelled him to join the competition as a singer-songwriter in Amici, a highly regarded talent show created by Maria De Filippi. In 2010, he not only participated but also captured the hearts of the audience with his original song ‘With eyes closed,’ ultimately reaching the finale alongside fellow contestant Annalisa and winning the competition.
Following his victory, Virginio embarked on a successful journey collaborating with prominent Italian artists, releasing numerous singles and the critically acclaimed album ‘Finamente.’ He had the honor of opening for five shows during Laura Pausini’s prestigious ‘Fatti sentire World Wide Tour 2018,’ further solidifying his place in the music industry. Additionally, he has penned songs for a host of successful artists including Paola & Chiara, Francesca Michielin, Giusy Ferreri, Laura Pausini, Gianni Morandi, and Fiorella Mannoia.
His musical talent has garnered significant appreciation in Latin America, thanks to the Spanish adaptations of his songs and fruitful collaborations with renowned figures in Latin music. Today, Virginio is a guest on Verissimo, where he will discuss his impressive achievements and the evolution of his career as a distinguished singer-songwriter.
**Interview with Virginio: The Man Behind “Black Cherries”**
**Interviewer**: Welcome, Virginio! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. You’ve been a significant figure in the music scene since winning *Amici* in 2010. What has inspired your latest single, *Black Cherries*?
**Virginio**: Thank you for having me! *Black Cherries* is very special to me. The inspiration came from both a personal experience and a playful metaphor. It reflects the complexities of relationships—sometimes sweet, sometimes bittersweet, just like the taste of cherries.
**Interviewer**: That sounds intriguing! Your music has often strayed into themes of love and emotion. Do you see this song following that trend, or are you exploring new territory?
**Virginio**: It definitely retains those elements, but I also wanted to step a bit outside my usual comfort zone. There’s a nostalgic feeling in the song, which ties back to memories and sensations that people often associate with certain fruits or moments in their lives.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of nostalgia, you’ve had a remarkable journey since *Amici*. How has your experience on the show shaped your career?
**Virginio**: *Amici* was a launching pad. It introduced me to a wider audience and taught me about resilience and the hard work behind the music industry. Those lessons have been invaluable as I navigated my journey, collaborating with great artists and exploring my craft further.
**Interviewer**: Your collaborations are remarkable. How do you choose the artists you work with?
**Virginio**: Collaboration requires a certain chemistry, both musically and personally. I look for artists who inspire me and share a similar vision, whether in songwriting or performance. It’s about creating something authentic together.
**Interviewer**: You’ve also ventured into the Latin American music scene. How has that experience differed from your work in Italy?
**Virginio**: It’s been eye-opening! The cultures are rich and diverse, and the music there is vibrant. I’ve learned to embrace different styles and sounds, and it has definitely influenced my approach to songwriting.
**Interviewer**: As you prepare for your appearance on *Verissimo*, what do you most look forward to sharing with your fans?
**Virginio**: I’m excited to connect with my fans and share my journey. Every song tells a story, and *Black Cherries* is no exception. I hope to give them a glimpse into my world and perhaps inspire them through my music.
**Interviewer**: We can’t wait to hear it! Any final thoughts for your listeners?
**Virginio**: Keep an open heart and mind. Music is a universal language, and I hope *Black Cherries* resonates with you all—just like the sweet moments in life that we cherish.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Virginio. It was wonderful chatting with you, and best of luck with *Black Cherries*!
**Virginio**: Thank you! I’m excited for everyone to hear it!
