Italian Singer Don Backy Slams Amadeus, Reveals Rift with Celentano

Veteran Italian singer Don Backy recently appeared on Caterina Balivo‘s talk show, “The Good time,” delivering a fiery interview that included harsh criticism of Sanremo Music Festival director Amadeus and a revelation about a fractured friendship with iconic singer Adriano Celentano. The interview, which aired on January 2nd, 2025, following Balivo’s return from hosting the “Best Of” special on January 1st, 2025, left viewers stunned.

Amadeus Under Fire

Balivo, known for her skillful interviewing style, coaxed some surprising confessions from Backy, whose candidness is legendary. A recurring segment on the show, often revealing fun facts about the guests, took an unexpected turn when the conversation shifted to the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival. Backy, whose real name is Aldo Caponi, hasn’t competed in the festival as 1971, despite submitting songs he believes are perfectly suited for the Ariston Theater stage.

In previous interviews, Backy hinted at a purposeful exclusion from the festival. “There are reasons why they don’t want to see me on that stage,” he previously stated to Mow, alleging a form of “ostracism” against veteran artists. He added, “Today that stage is more interested in gossip,” a thinly veiled jab at recent festival editions and Amadeus’s directorship.

On “The Good Time,” Backy didn’t hold back. He bluntly called Amadeus “the worst among the artistic directors of the Festival,” explaining, “Success depends on many factors, don’t tell me that he is someone who has heard the songs beforehand. If he has heard them, I don’t give him any kind of competence to be able to choose. Who are you to say that my song doesn’t deserve to pass? He will be artistic director, but in my opinion, he knows nothing about music. Five years of success are linked to other factors, to the guests, to his ability to entertain the public.”

Broken Bonds: Celentano and Beyond

Backy’s candidness extended beyond Amadeus. He also alluded to the deterioration of friendships with former close companions. He referenced the recent highly publicized “dissing” (a term currently trending) between himself and Adriano Celentano, highlighting the fragility of even the strongest bonds over time. The specific details of the rift with Celentano remain undisclosed, adding another layer of intrigue to the already explosive interview.

Backy’s comments have sparked a heated debate among Italian music fans and critics, raising questions about the selection process at the Sanremo Music Festival and the dynamics within the Italian music industry. His outspokenness, while controversial, has undoubtedly reignited interest in his extensive career and the complexities of the Italian music scene.

Italian Singer Don backy Addresses Decades-Old Debt Claim

Italian singer Don Backy has publicly addressed a decades-old financial dispute with actor Teo Teocoli,clarifying a claim of a significant debt dating back to the 1960s. The alleged debt,reportedly 250,000 lire (approximately $400 USD at the time),has resurfaced recently,prompting Backy to set the record straight.

The two entertainers, once close friends, have reportedly been estranged for many years. The recent re-emergence of the financial issue prompted Backy to issue a statement. He confirmed the existence of the old debt, but vehemently denied ever demanding repayment.

“I never said I want money,” Backy stated, emphasizing the long-standing friendship.”Especially for dinners. Also because he lived in my company every day so he practically owed me capital. What if he offered too? Let’s say he often didn’t have the funds,but it didn’t matter to me. He was my friend and so it wasn’t a struggle for me to earn good money.”

Backy’s statement paints a picture of a casual friendship where financial transactions were less formal.The singer’s words suggest that the money was considered a loan,but one that was never formally documented or pursued. The lack of formal documentation and the passage of time have clearly elaborate the situation.

The incident highlights the complexities of long-standing personal and financial relationships, notably among celebrities. While the exact details remain somewhat unclear, backy’s public statement aims to provide clarity and closure to the matter.The story serves as a reminder of the often-blurred lines between friendship and finances, especially in the context of a long and prosperous career in the entertainment industry.

This situation, while specific to these two Italian entertainers, resonates with similar stories of financial disputes among friends and colleagues in the U.S. entertainment industry. The challenges of maintaining professional boundaries while navigating personal relationships are frequently enough a source of conflict.

Don Backy on Amadeus, Celentano,

and Decades-Old Debt

Veteran Italian singer Don Backy recently set tongues wagging with his explosive interview on Caterina balivo’s “The Good Time,” laying into Sanremo Music Festival director Amadeus, revealing a rift with music legend Adriano Celentano, and addressing a decades-old debt claim. Backy, known for his blunt honesty, sparked a whirlwind of discussion and debate within the Italian music scene.



We spoke with music journalist and historian Dr.Isabella Rossi about these revelations and their implications.





World-Today-news.com: Dr. Rossi, Backy’s comments about Amadeus were particularly sharp. What are the likely ramifications of his public criticism?





Isabella Rossi: Backy’s statement is a bombshell, especially given his stature in the Italian music world. While Backy has voiced similar criticisms before, this interview reaches a wider audience and carries more weight.His accusations of Amadeus lacking musical knowledge and favoring “gossip” over genuine talent will undoubtedly spark debate about the direction of the Sanremo Music Festival.



The festival is a prestigious event, and amadeus has enjoyed considerable success during his tenure. However, Backy’s words highlight a recurring concern among some artists— the perceived emphasis on entertainment value over artistic merit.



World-Today-News.com: Backy also addressed his fractured friendship with Celentano. Can you shed some light on the meaning of their bond and its impact on the Italian music industry?



Isabella Rossi: Backy and Celentano were major figures in Italian pop music’s golden age.They collaborated, supported each othre, and their friendship was legendary throughout the 1960s and 70s.



Their rumored falling out is a seismic event. Celentano, like Backy, is known for his strong personality and outspokenness. This situation hints at a deep rift, possibly fueled by years of resentment or a clash of egos.



Their broken friendship adds another layer of intrigue to the Italian music world. It’s a reminder that even the closest bonds can be strained and severed.



World-Today-News.com: let’s talk about the old debt claim stemming from the 1960s. Could this financial dispute further damage Backy’s standing in the industry?



Isabella Rossi: It’s a tricky situation. Backy’s admission that Teo Teocoli actually owed him money could make him appear financially careless. However, his insistence that he wouldn’t demand repayment suggests a genuine friendship that Transcended mere monetary matters.







The situation is confusing. the passage of time and the lack of formal documentation make it tough to gauge the merits of Teocoli’s claims. ultimately, whether this incident weakens Backy’s standing depends on how the public views the situation. It highlights the complexities of long-standing relationships and the challenges of navigating finances within close personal bonds.



World-Today-News.com: Thank you for sharing your insights on this complex and controversial situation.



Isabella Rossi: My pleasure.