ESC 2011: Reactions in RAI, media and politics. Italy to return in 2012?

Almost two weeks have passed from the final night of the Eurovision song contest 2011 that marked the welcome return of Italy and it's surprising success when Raphael Gualazzi's Madness of love came second only 32 points behind Azerbaijan.

Anyways, Caterina Caselli, Gualazzi's record label Sugar's boss and a leading figure and talent scout in the Italian market said: "I thank RAI for this opportunity and hope they will go on with this strategy as it can be a lot of help for the whole industry. For a new artist and an independent label like us, this is a real musical Olympics on a high technical level. I truly hope RAI will go on as this gives us all a chance to compite in an international market and make us known. Besides Italy the show was seen by some 120 million people; only in Germany Raphael was sen by 8 million people at once, many more millions in France, UK and Holland, other diccifult markets for us. This kind of musical and cultural exchange, meeting other artists and diverse styles can only do good to an artist!"

Raffaella Carrá, who hosted the show for the Italians commented afterwards: "This is a show you cannot miss, it's Europe singing together. It's not only a competition, amongst the artists of different countries there is a huge friendship and respect. I don't know how Italians took it. I have been very happy to have been involved and I don't know if next year I will be doing it again but it's a show that I love!" Many Italian papers noted the cheers Italy and Raffaella got in the Arena when it was time to announce the Italian votes.

Massimo Liofredi, director of Rai2, expressed his satisfaction of Italy's return with enthuasism. "This is in line with the renewals we have been working on the past two years. Information, music and films on our channel. When I was offered to take on Eurovision I couldn't ignore the 70 million viewers. I'm very proud of La Carrà and Gualazzi!" He goes on thanking Marco Simeon, the director of international relations in RAI, Caterina Caselli. On the other hand he was quoted of saying "Italy's return is very difficult in a near future" when the poor viewing figures were published...

Raphael Gualazzi, the shy artists said right after the results on Saturday night: "I'm very happy for the result. It's a great honor to know my music is taking part in the recreating of popularity of jazz music to the level it once was!"

Another RAI boss, Nino Rizzo Nervo said: "RAI has to reconnect with the European networks, therefor the return to the Eurovision after 13 years has been very important" underlining the Italian success in an international ceompetition seen by 80 million people cannot be ignored.

Also the Italian vice presidents of the Europarlimant Angelilli and Pittella praised the Italian participation and success. And last but not least Italian minister of culture Giancarlo Galan: "I congratulate RAI for its effort in the Eurovision song contest. Italy returned after 13 years to this contest founded in 1956 gaining a second place and taking its place as a public service provider promoting European culture, aimed especially for the younger generations. I hope in the future they will give space for this important international event again."

So, it looks like it has worked. The politicians have realized the importance of being there, being shown there. La Caselli can show how good Eurovision can be in sales and concerts abroad and Gualazzi's success abroad is doing just that. Besides, for example in Finland every Italian artists who ever did Eurovision have enjoyed a certain popularity and success afterwqrds if only marketed a little.

After all the articles I have read, comments here and there, blogs and various media I'm pretty confident Italy will stay on and we will see Italy also in Baku 2012. Italians didn't maybe warm up totally yet to it, but then they didn't know what to expect. Gualazzi's success has raised the interest and I'm sure next year it will all go much better. Besides, Liofredi said before the final "should we win, of course we organize the next contest!" Speriamo accada presto!

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