As most of this lot are just NAMES at this point, here are some write-ups.
1. Alessandra Amoroso – Fino a qui
One of the biggest names in Italian music industry alongside the likes of Laura Pausini and Elisa. The Italian twitter gays were particularly unhinged when it was announced Alessandra taking part. This is her debut in the competition and is quite the coup for RAI i.e. we're in “FUCKING hell this is MASSIVE!” territory. They've been begging her to enter Sanremo for years. She always knocked them back but has finally relented. ‘Fino a qui’ is co-written by Federica Abbate (a regular collaborator with Elodie and also behind Franny’s ‘Nessun grado di separazione’). Expect her to perform with a self-inflated sense that she might just be above all this…
2. Alfa – Vai!
One of Italy's most popular twink rappers (be warned - Sanremo is going heavy on the rap this year). The press reviews described this as rap with a folk/country twist. Just send him to the Monge factory NOW and save us the trouble.
3. Angelina Mango – La noia
Angie is the 2022 runner up on Amici di Maria De Filippi (their Fame Academy). The song was co-written by Madame and one of this year's big favourites. Lovers of cheap tat pop should keep an eye on Angelina. If anyone is ever going to deliver an unnecessary dance break on the Sanremo stage, it will be her.
4.Annalisa – Sinceramente
A six-time entrant, Annalisa returns to Sanremo following two of the biggest hits of her career. The song is dance-pop in the same vein as ‘
Bellissima’ and ‘
Mon Amour’. Currently the favourite to win and the stars may finally be aligning for her. RAI are quietly pushing for the first female winner since 2014 and without wanting to allege yet more MEDITERRANEAN CONSPIRACY and CORRUPTION, Annalisa’s husband just happens to be a Senior Exec at Costa Cruises, one of Sanremo’s biggest sponsors. So you know…
5.
BigMama – La rabbia non ti basta
One of this year's newer names, rapper BigMama had her big break at last year’s Sanremo when she was asked to sing Elodie during the famous cover versions night. Her music centres on celebrating body positivity and standing up to the haters.
6. Bnkr44 – Governo punk
This pop-punk bunch of sickly twinks are pretty much unknown. They qualified as one of the top three acts at Sanremo Giovani (new artists competition) despite some foul vocals. Expect the same here and a contender for last place.
7. Clara – Diamanti grezzi
The winner of Sanremo Giovani 2023. Clara is the first female winner since 2009, and only the second ever. Not exactly a new artist – she had one of the biggest streaming hits last year with
Origami all’alba, which featured heavily on Mare Fuori, one of RAI’s most watched teen tv shows (which she also just happened to star in). Might RAI have a vested interest somewhere?

The song is described as a half-ballad/half-dance track.
8. Dargen D’Amico – Onda alta
ANOTHER rapper. One of the few songs that discusses political and social issues. This makes reference to migrants and refugees coming across the Mediterranean in small boats. Likely to enrage fans of Giorgia Meloni and her far-right mob.
9. Diodato – Ti muovi
Apparently the runaway winner of Eurovision 2020 had it taken place. I used to think Diodato was a sickly twink until I discovered HE IS 42! It’s Diodato. It’s a ballad. Supposedly not as instant as ‘Fai Rumore’. If you didn’t like that, you won’t like THIS. One of the reviews cited RADIOHEAD as a reference point.
10. Emma – Apnea
She’s back, a decade after delivering one of the most ill-judged

dog eggs on the Eurovision stage. Best known for fog horning her way through the pop/rock genre, the reviews described this as up-tempo electronic/dance with a nod to the 80’s. Perfect for Eurovision apparently i.e. coded ‘for the gays’.