Rejection and Resilience: The Rollercoaster of Sanremo Hopefuls
Every year, the announcement of the Sanremo Big names ignites a mix of elation and disappointment. While 30 artists celebrate their chance to grace the prestigious Ariston stage, many others are left to grapple with the sting of rejection. This year’s selection process was no exception, with a wave of reactions ranging from stoic silence to playful irony.
Veterans like Amedeo Minghi, who had submitted multiple songs, chose a measured approach, engaging his fans in a poll on social media to gauge their opinions on the chosen lineup.
Jalisse, the iconic duo who triumphed in 1997 with their memorable “Fiume di parole,” opted for humor. In a social media post, they toasted their 28th consecutive exclusion with a touch of dark wit, calling it an “incredible record” and highlighting their unwavering positive spirit.
Al Bano also attempted a comeback this year, submitting two songs for consideration. Yet, the Apulian singer-songwriter has remained mum on social media, letting his music speak for itself.
Disappointment also echoed among fans of Enrico Nigiotti, who had hoped for a triumphant return of the Livorno singer-songwriter to the Festival stage. The name of Ermal Meta, another past favorite of Sanremo, also circulated among fans, yearning for a reprise of his previous success.
Female artist Chiara Galiazzo, excluded from the shortlist, took to Instagram Stories to express her sentiment with a wry humor. “So guys,” she wrote, “I was wanked this year too, but I decided this time that I’m going to release this song anyway because it’s so cool.” Having previously presented the same song for the last edition without success, Galiazzo remained determined to share her musical creation with the world.
Rapper Sfera Ebbasta, known for his direct style, offered a less subtle reaction. Sharing a photo with a rude gesture, he captioned the post with a blunt message: “I had all the requirements for Sanremo. ”
Shade, known for his playful and ironic nature, used his Instagram Stories to express his disappointment with humor. “It had to be like this,” he wrote, pretending to call his girlfriend. “Love, I’m finally free for Valentine’s Day, no I don’t have to sing anywhere… perhaps in a duet with Jalisse next year?” he joked, referencing his fellow excluded artist with lighthearted irony.
Despite the inevitable sting of rejection, the spirit of competition remains alive. Music director Carlo Conti acknowledged the difficulty of the selection process, revealing there were at least 10 other worthy candidates who just missed the cut. He hinted that the door might remain open for future festivals, offering a glimmer of hope to the hopefuls who will be vying for a spot on the Ariston stage next year.
What are the psychological impacts of repeated rejection for artists who repeatedly apply to the Sanremo Music Festival?
## Rejection and Resilience: The Rollercoaster of Sanremo Hopefuls
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Tonight, we delve into the emotional rollercoaster that is the Sanremo Music Festival selection process. Joining us is Luca Rossi, renowned music journalist and Sanremo expert, to discuss the varied reactions from artists following the announcement of this year’s entrants. Luca, thank you for being here.
**Luca Rossi:** It’s a pleasure to be here. The Sanremo selection process is always a fascinating mix of joy and heartbreak, and this year was no different.
**Host:** Absolutely. We saw everything from stoic silence to playful humour. What struck you most about the reactions this year?
**Luca Rossi:** I think what’s interesting is the diversity of responses. Artists like Amedeo Minghi, who’s a seasoned veteran, took a very diplomatic approach, engaging his fanbase and seeking their perspective on the chosen lineup. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanremo_Music_Festival)]. This suggests a mature handling of disappointment, acknowledging the subjective nature of the selection process.
**Host:** And then, of course, there’s Jalisse, who chose to meet their exclusion with humour.
**Luca Rossi:** Precisely! Their post about their 28th consecutive exclusion being an “incredible record” was both witty and endearing. It speaks volumes about their resilience and ability to find positivity even in the face of repeated rejection.
**Host:** Interestingly, Al Bano, another incredibly established artist, chose to remain silent. What do you make of that?
**Luca Rossi:** Silence can be just as telling as any other reaction. It could indicate a sense of disappointment, but also a desire to process the news privately. Or perhaps, he’s focusing his energy on other projects.
**Host:** It’s a reminder that every artist copes with rejection in their own way.
**Luca Rossi:** Exactly. The Sanremo Music Festival is incredibly competitive, and the selection process is always going to leave some talented artists disheartened. But it’s also a testament to the passion and dedication of these
artists that they continue to submit their music and chase their dreams.
**Host:**
Well said, Luca. Thank you for shedding light on the complex emotions surrounding the Sanremo selection process. We wish all the artists, both those selected and those who weren’t, the very best in their musical journeys.