The Italian entry at the Eurovision Song Contest is usually sung by the winner of "Festival della Canzone Italiana" (Italian song Contest) also know as "Festival di Sanremo" (Sanremo's Festival). This contest is considered to be the "father" of the E.S.C. and in the past has had among its entrants some Italian Music important names, well known all over Europe, such as Umberto Tozzi (1987, 1991), Laura Pausini (1993-94), Eros Ramazzotti (1984-86) and Zucchero (1982-83, 1984-85). The final (broadcast to many European countries) is generally watched by about 20 million people in Italy.
Italy has won Eurovision twice thanks to Gigliola Cinquetti who sang "Non ho l'età " (1964) and Toto Cutugno who sang "Insieme 1992" (Together 1992) - in 1990. For the past two years Italy hasn't entered Eurovision and so far there isn't any news about the 1996 Competition. Actually, the E.S.C. is not well known in Italy, and RAI - the Public Television Broadcasting Corporation- usually only broadcasts it late in the evening.
The 46th Festival della Canzone Italiana will take place in Sanremo (Riviera Ligure) from the 20th to 24th February and will be broadcast live on RAIUNO (EUTELSAT "HOT BIRD 1" EST - 11.366 V) every day at about 20.30 CET (after the news). Pippo Baudo will be the presenter, together with Valeria Mazza and Sabrina Ferilli. The songs will be performed live accompanied by a full orchestra, each entrant with a nominated conductor. Foreign guests will be Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Take That, East 17, Bon Jovi, Blur, Enya, Cher, Pat Metheny, Simply Red and Bruce Springsteen.
