At this year’s Sanremo Festival, Olly emerged as the official winner with his song “Balorda Nostalgia” . According to the festival’s rules, the winner has the right to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest but can choose to decline. That’s exactly what happened—Olly decided not to take up the opportunity, paving the way for the runner-up, Lucio Corsi, to step in with “Volevo Essere Un Duro”. Excited by the chance to bring his music to an international audience, Corsi gladly accepted the honour of representing Italy at Eurovision.

Interestingly, Corsi was first discovered by fellow artist Brunori Sas, who also competed in this year’s Sanremo Festival and secured third place, just behind him.

Born in 1993 in Grosseto, Tuscany, Lucio Corsi is a multifaceted singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his unique fusion of glam rock, folk-pop, and surreal lyricism. Growing up in the picturesque Maremma region, his rural surroundings deeply shaped his poetic and dreamlike song writing.

His passion for music ignited at a young age, influenced by classics like The Blues Brothers. By 2011, he was writing his own songs and performing in local venues around Vetulonia. A year later, he moved to Milan to pursue a solo career, marking the beginning of his artistic journey.

Corsi has released three studio albums: “Bestiario Musicale”, “Cosa Faremo da Grandi?”, and “La Gente che Sogna”. His signature glam rock aesthetic is a clear homage to his idols, including David Bowie, Lou Reed, Renato Zero, and even filmmaker Tim Burton.

His music is a seamless blend of indie pop, glam rock, and art rock, characterized by whimsical storytelling that blurs the line between reality and fantasy—an unmistakable reflection of his Tuscan roots and artistic vision.

Song:  Volevo Essere Un Duro
Writer(s): Lucio Corsi & Tommaso Ottomano
Composer(s): Lucio Corsi & Tommaso Ottomano
Broadcaster: RAI

The song “Volevo Essere Un Duro”, which translates to “I Wanted To Be A Tough Guy” in English, is a poignant ballad that delves into the struggles of children growing up in challenging circumstances. It beautifully captures the vulnerability of those who, despite their hardships, are unable to build a protective shell around their souls, leaving them exposed to pain and disappointment.

Vivere la vita è un gioco da ragazzi
Lo, Lo volevo essere un duro
Però non sono nessuno
Non sono altro che Lucio
Non sono altro che Lucio

With its calm and elegant melody, this song will bring a touch of sophisticated Italian music to the Grand Final in Basel, aiming to resonate with both the European juries and audiences watching from home. Given that many Sanremo songs go on to become summer hits in Italy, it is highly likely that Volevo Essere Un Duro will follow suit, leaving a lasting impact beyond the Eurovision stage.