In the spotlight: Kalush Orchestra

Road to Vienna: Italy As we eagerly anticipate the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Today, we focus on Italy. Sal Da Vinci: From Child Performer to Italian Icon Sal Da Vinci, born Salvatore Michael Sorrentino, is a seasoned performer set to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with “Per sempre sì”. Born in New York City in 1969 and raised in Naples, he began his career at just seven years old, quickly gaining experience in theatre and film. Rise to Fame in Music and Theatre During the 1990s, Sal Da Vinci established himself as a recording artist, winning Festival Italiano 1994 with “Vera” and releasing several successful albums. At the same time, he built a strong reputation in musical theatre, starring in productions like C’era una volta… Scugnizzi, which won a major Italian theatre award. Sanremo Success and Continued Career Sal Da Vinci reached a wider audience at the Festival di Sanremo 2009, finishing third. Over the years, he released multiple albums and collaborated with major Italian artists, while continuing to headline theatre productions. A New Peak in the 2020s In recent years, he connected with a new generation. His 2024 hit “Rossetto e caffè” became a major streaming success and earned double platinum status. This marked a fresh high point in his long-running career. Eurovision 2026 Journey In 2026, Sal Da Vinci returned to Festival di Sanremo 2026 with “Per sempre sì” and won. Now, he heads to Eurovision in Vienna, bringing decades of experience and artistry to one of the world’s biggest music stages. Per Sempre Sì: A Romantic Italian Pop Ballad Per Sempre Sì is a heartfelt Italian pop ballad about love, devotion, and lifelong commitment. Performed by Sal Da Vinci, the song captures the emotional journey of two people building a future together. From First Meeting to a Shared Future The lyrics tell the story of a relationship that begins with a chance encounter and grows into a deep emotional bond. The couple dreams of a life together, including building a home and facing life’s challenges side by side. A Promise of Forever At the core of the song is a powerful vow of eternal love. The chorus expresses a lifelong promise, symbolizing trust, loyalty, and emotional unity. This commitment is reinforced through intimate imagery and a heartfelt declaration of devotion. Love Through Life’s Challenges The song also reflects on uncertainty and the realities of life. It shows that true love is not only romantic but also resilient, built on support, growth, and shared strength through difficult moments. The Meaning of “Yes” A central theme of the song is the word “yes,” representing a symbolic promise of forever. It stands for unity, trust, and the decision to build a life together. Themes and Style Per Sempre Sì combines emotional storytelling with classic Italian pop ballad style. Its themes of love, marriage, and devotion make it a powerful and timeless anthem, perfect for romantic moments and celebrations of commitment. Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest Italy has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since its inception in 1956, achieving three victories: in 1964 with Gigliola Cinquetti‘s “Non ho l’età,” in 1990 with Toto Cutugno‘s “Insieme: 1992,” and in 2021 with Måneskin‘s “Zitti e buoni.” As a member of the “Big Five,” Italy automatically qualifies for the Grand Final, allowing its entries to consistently showcase the nation’s rich musical heritage. The Bookmakers Italy is currently sitting in 10th place with the bookmakers, but the real question is: how high can Sal climb within the Top 10… or will he slip just outside it?