Virginio Simonellisinger-songwriter and winner of Amici 2011, on Saturday 2 November he was a guest at Very true. The singer told Silvia Toffanin the difficult personal journey faced to find his identity. In addition to talking about his musical journey, the artist he shared his life experience, touching on profound themes such as bullying and the importance of accepting oneself.
The international career between Italy and Miami
Simonelli revealed that he lives between Italy and Miami, a place that has inspired and enriched his artistic career. Not just a singer-songwriter, Virginio he is also a prolific author for other prominent artists: he has written for Laura Pausiniwith whom she collaborated on the song that won her a Latin Grammy in 2018. In addition to Pausinihe composed pieces for Fiorella Mannoia, Alessandra Amoroso and many others.
From suffering to rebirth
The artist then shared intimate aspects of his life, recounting the difficulties encountered during childhood and adolescence. He talked about the feeling of feeling “different” compared to others and how this diversity was seen as something dangerous, rather than as a value. “We have the right to be ourselves, even disobeying what perhaps the people around us don’t understand,” he declared, highlighting the value of being authentic.
Bullying
Simonelli revealed that he had suffered bullying at a young age, caused by his sexual orientation, and that he had experienced painful episodes that had a profound impact on him: «They also put my head in the toilet», he recalled, explaining how difficult it was to grow up feeling “not conforming” to others. At the time the term “bullying” was not used, but the experiences of marginalization and derision were already present. Family support proved to be crucial. The singer expressed gratitude for his parents, who – understanding the discomfort he felt – encouraged him to undertake therapy. «For me, the only solution seemed to be ending it», he said, explaining how misunderstood he felt, not accepted by others and by himself.
Music as salvation
In this dark moment, music was his escape route, the refuge in which he felt free and authentic.
On stage, the former winner of Amici found a place where he didn’t feel “wrong”, but welcomed: «I saw that people understood me and I said to myself, maybe I’m not wrong, maybe we’re all wrong or perfect in our own way our”. Music, for him, was the means to rediscover himself, transforming pain into a creative and communicative force.
The first love
His first love came in his early high school years, but he felt he couldn’t hold hands with the boy he liked, or kiss him in public. Being an introvert he didn’t do it even when he had dated girls in the past. Today he has been engaged to his partner for five years Nicolawho is also his manager. The two live together in Miami.
Last update: Saturday 2 November 2024, 18:28
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Virginio Simonelli: From Bullying to Brilliance
Ah, Virginio Simonelli! The man, the myth, the “Amici” legend! He graced our screens on the Very True show, hosted by the fabulous Silvia Toffanin, and like a fine Italian wine, he’s aged beautifully in the spotlight. The singer-songwriter revealed his tumultuous journey of self-discovery, and let me tell you—it’s juicier than a ripe tomato in August!
The International Career: From Italy to Miami
So this fella juggles life between Italy and Miami. Living in Miami? Is he writing songs or just sipping on piña coladas under the sun? One can only imagine! Juxtaposing Italian romanticism with some Miami flair, Virginio is not just a pretty face; oh no! He’s also written hits for big names like Laura Pausini—who, let’s be honest, probably has more Grammys than I have socks. You know, she won a Latin Grammy thanks to the man himself. How’s that for a feather in the cap—or, as the Italians might say, a cherry on top of the gelato?
From Suffering to Rebirth
Now, let’s get serious for a sec. Virginio opened up about his past—a tale that could make even the toughest of us shed a tear. Growing up feeling different? Brutal. He talked about feeling like an outsider, a sentiment many can relate to, especially on a Monday morning when you realize you forgot to hit ‘snooze’ for the fifth time.
“We have the right to be ourselves,” he said. Wise words, indeed! Especially coming from someone who’s faced *real* adversity, rather than just dealing with a frustrating Wi-Fi connection. Virginio’s journey reminds us that authenticity is the new cool, and conformity can take a back seat!
Bullying: The Dark Side of Fame
Let’s talk about bullying—something Virginio knows all too well. He threw in some horror stories, including the classic ‘head-in-the-toilet’ move, which sounds like a plot twist from a bad adolescent horror flick. Back then, the term “bullying” wasn’t even popular—imagine that! It was like living a life without hashtags. He faced the ridicule alone, but thankfully, his parents stepped in. I mean, if you’ve got parents that encourage therapy, you’ve hit the jackpot! Just don’t ask them to sing your praises around a karaoke machine!
Music as Salvation
But here’s the twist: Virginio found music! His escape route, his salvation—the equivalent of finding the last pizza slice at a party! On stage, surrounded by people who understood him, he thrived. “Maybe I’m not wrong,” he thought. And to that, I say: Amen, brother! Transforming pain into art is the superpower we’d all like to have. Who knew that belting out a ballad could be more therapeutic than a glass of overpriced vino?
The First Love
Now let’s get to the juicy part—his first love! Ah, high school crushes. The heart races, the hands sweat, and there’s never a good moment to hold hands in public. Virginio’s experience resonates with so many—a beautiful mess of awkwardness! But skip forward to today, and he’s happily shacked up with his partner Nicola, who also doubles as his manager. Talk about mixing business with pleasure—sign me up!
In conclusion, Virginio Simonelli has gone from feeling different and bullied to an international music sensation. His story spirals through struggles, self-acceptance, and love, proving that sometimes the best lyrics can emerge from life’s messiest moments. If that’s not inspirational, I don’t know what is! And so, here’s to Virginio—the flawed, fabulous, and incredibly talented. Bravo!
Virginio Simonelli, the renowned singer-songwriter and celebrated winner of Amici in 2011, made a special appearance on the popular show Very true on Saturday, November 2. During the heartfelt conversation with host Silvia Toffanin, Simonelli opened up about the challenging personal journey he traversed to discover his true identity. Beyond discussing his impressive musical trajectory, the artist delved into significant life experiences, addressing profound issues such as bullying and the indispensable importance of self-acceptance.
The international career between Italy and Miami
Simonelli revealed that he divides his time between Italy and the vibrant city of Miami, a cultural melting pot that has had a profound impact on his artistic development. Not just a talented singer-songwriter, Virginio has also established himself as a prolific songwriter, penning hits for numerous eminent artists. Among his collaborations, he notably wrote for Laura Pausini, contributing to a song that earned her the prestigious Latin Grammy in 2018. Additionally, he has composed beautiful pieces for renowned performers like Fiorella Mannoia and Alessandra Amoroso, diversifying his impressive repertoire.
From suffering to rebirth
The artist then candidly shared intimate details from his life, recounting the significant challenges he faced during his childhood and adolescence. He spoke of feeling “different” from his peers and how this perceived difference was often regarded as a threat rather than a unique gift. “We have the right to be ourselves, even disobeying what perhaps the people around us don’t understand,” he passionately declared, emphasizing the essential value of authenticity and self-expression.
Bullying
Simonelli courageously disclosed that he endured bullying in his youth, targeted due to his sexual orientation, which left him with painful memories that deeply affected him: «They also put my head in the toilet», he recalled somberly, describing the emotional turmoil of growing up feeling “non-conforming.” Although the word “bullying” wasn’t widely recognized at the time, the pervasive experiences of exclusion and ridicule were already prevalent. He expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, particularly his parents, who recognized his struggles and urged him to seek therapy. «For me, the only solution seemed to be ending it», he lamented, conveying how isolated and misunderstood he felt, both by society and within himself.
Music as salvation
In this dark moment, music became his lifeline, a sanctuary where he could express his true self without fear. On stage, the former Amici champion discovered an environment where he felt embraced rather than alienated: «I saw that people understood me and I said to myself, maybe I’m not wrong, maybe we’re all wrong or perfect in our own way». For Simonelli, music transformed his pain into a creative force, allowing him to reconnect with his identity and promote healing through expression.
The first love
His first love blossomed during his early high school years, yet he felt an overwhelming fear that prevented him from holding hands or showing affection in public with the boy he adored. An introverted nature kept him from expressing himself, even during past relationships with girls. Today, he is happily engaged to his partner, Nicola, who also serves as his manager. The couple shares a life together in Miami, reinforcing the importance of love and understanding in Simonelli’s journey.
Th painful memories that still resonate deeply with him. He recounted harrowing moments, including being subjected to humiliating acts such as having his head shoved into a toilet—an experience so prevalent in bullying lore that it underscores the pervasive cruelty many endure during their formative years. At that time, there was no widely recognized term for what he was experiencing; it was merely the harsh reality of feeling marginalized and ridiculed among peers. Thankfully, his family’s unwavering support made a world of difference. Grateful for his parents, he shared how their encouragement helped him seek therapy, which ultimately became a vital lifeline. “For me, the only solution seemed to be ending it,” he admitted, recalling the depths of his despair when he felt utterly misunderstood, both externally and internally.
Music as Salvation
In those dark times, music emerged as his refuge, a sanctuary where he could freely express his emotions and find solace. Stepping onto the stage felt transformative for Virginio; in that moment, he didn’t sense the weight of being “different” but rather embraced by a community that understood and cherished him. “I saw that people understood me and I said to myself, maybe I’m not wrong,” he reflected. His journey through music not only allowed him to reinvent himself but also provided a platform for him to channel his pain into creativity, transforming his struggles into powerful expressions of resilience.
The First Love
As he navigated through adolescence, Virginio experienced the butterflies of his first crush, a bittersweet memory marked by the fear of public affection. In high school, he longed to hold the hand of the boy he admired, yet societal constraints and personal insecurities held him back. Today, however, he’s happily committed to his partner, Nicola, who also manages his career. Their relationship, flourishing amidst both personal and professional realms, perfectly encapsulates the harmonious blend of love and artistry that Virginio cherishes.
Conclusion
Virginio Simonelli’s story is one of transformation—from a young boy facing the harsh realities of bullying and self-doubt to an internationally recognized artist who embraces his uniqueness and encourages others to do the same. His journey exemplifies the power of authenticity and the strength found in self-acceptance. Through his music and personal experiences, Virginio inspires many to embrace their true selves and celebrate their individuality, proving that brilliance often emerges from the shadows of adversity.
