Title: Italian Singer Toto Cutugno Reflects on His Iconic Hits and International Success
Subtitle: Cutugno’s Music Career, Eurovision Victory, and Controversial Inclusion on Ukraine’s Sanctions List
August 22, 2023
Renowned Italian singer Toto Cutugno, famous for his hits such as “L’Italiano” (Lasciatemi cantare – Let Me Sing), “Solo Noi,” “Serenata,” and “Soli,” rose to prominence in the 1980s. In 1990, he became the second Italian musician to win the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest.
Cutugno’s musical journey began as a drummer, and he later formed the band Albatros. In 1976, he made his debut at the Sanremo Music Festival. Afterward, he embarked on a successful solo career and participated in the Sanremo Festival twelve more times, achieving his best result with a second-place finish.
The talented artist also performed at the Bratislava Lyre festival in Czechoslovakia in 1982. In 1990, he triumphed at Eurovision with his song “Insieme: 1992,” which featured an optimistic message calling for the unification of Europe.
Reflecting on the 1980s, Cutugno fondly remembers the era, stating, “It was a beautiful time. I was a fan of Sandra back then,” according to Michal David.
In addition to his own successful career, Cutugno has written songs for renowned artists such as Mireille Mathieu, Johnny Hallyday, and Dalida. His hit song “L’Italiano” was parodied in the 1980s by the Czech group Triky a Pověry, consisting of Jaroslav Uhlíř, Karel Šíp, and Petra Janů, who performed it with Czech lyrics under the title “Ital nezná ten zázrak” (The Italian Doesn’t Know the Miracle).
Cutugno was part of a group of Italian pop singers who achieved great success in Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union. However, due to alleged proximity to the Russian government, he has been on Ukraine’s sanctions list since 2019.
In a statement to Italian media, Cutugno revealed that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin after one of his concerts. However, he also claimed to have declined invitations to perform in Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula currently occupied by Russia, which violates international law.
Toto Cutugno’s musical legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and his contributions to the music industry remain significant. Despite the controversies surrounding his inclusion on Ukraine’s sanctions list, his talent and iconic hits continue to resonate with fans across the globe.
How did Toto Cutugno’s song ”L’Italiano” contribute to his international stardom?
The Sanremo Music Festival, one of Italy’s most celebrated music events, where he won second place in the Newcomers category.
However, it was Cutugno’s solo career that truly catapulted him to international stardom. His song “L’Italiano” became an instant hit, not only in Italy but also in other countries such as France, Germany, and Spain. The catchy tune and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, and it became his signature song.
In 1990, Cutugno represented Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Zagreb, Croatia. His song “Insieme: 1992” (Together: 1992) was a powerful anthem about unity and peace in Europe. Cutugno’s heartfelt performance captivated both the judges and the viewers, securing him the first place and bringing home the trophy for Italy.
The Eurovision victory marked a turning point in Cutugno’s career. He became an international sensation, with fans clamoring for his music in every corner of the world. His albums climbed the charts in countries like France, Germany, and Russia, and he embarked on successful concert tours around Europe and South America.
However, Cutugno’s success was not without controversy. In 2020, the Ukrainian government included him on its sanctions list, citing his performance in Crimea, a region that has been at the center of a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia. Cutugno expressed his disappointment and said that he was unaware of the political implications of his performance.
Despite the controversy, Cutugno continues to create music and perform for his fans. He remains grateful for the support he has received throughout his career and reflects on the impact his iconic hits have had on audiences worldwide.
As Toto Cutugno celebrates his decades-long musical journey, his songs continue to resonate with fans, reminding us of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together.
I’ve always been a fan of Toto Cutugno’s music! His talent and passion are truly unmatched.