Why is italy not in the eurovision no more?

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Mental Mickey

The Italians were unhappy with the result of the 1993 contest, when one of their most widely respected singer/songwriters Enrico Ruggeri placed fairly badly. They threw a paddy and opted out of the 1994 contest and didn't return until 1997.

By then, Europe had expanded with a whole load of new countries in Eastern Europe and the Baltics, and when the "Big 4" "Untouchable" countries were announced (those that get a guaranteed spot every year no matter how bad they are), Italy was once again *beeped off* that they weren't included with the UK, France, Germany and Spain so once again threw their toys out of the pram and pulled out. They haven't took part since.

There is talk of an extra place among the big boys for Italy in the new "Big 5", so surprise surprise they might yet be back in the future. Never say never.

anlarm

They just don't take it seriously anymore. Haven't you noticed how 'new' countries vote nowadays? All the Baltic and Scandinavian countries vote for each other. All the ex-soviet countries vote for each other. All the former Yugoslav countries vote for each other (forgetting that they massacred each other a few years back). Well, maybe we shouldn't blame them only for that. Look at Greece and Cyprus (Gree part of Cyprus); they always give 12 points to each other.
Eurovision has become boring. I personally do not like the songs of eastern European countries but they get a lot of votes. The last two years, Cyprus deserved a better place.
Italy has nothing to prove in music. It is the home of opera. Why would they take part in a degerating silly contest anymore.

el monty

From what I heard, sometime in the 90s Italy decided that the once-popular and worthy Eurovision song contest had degenerated into an embarassing thing that had barely any artistic merit and that it was just not worth the effort, so they simply wouldn't take part any more. I envy them for their good judgement, to be honest...

allen555

I think they got fed up with the Scandinavians and Baltic states forming cliques and only voting for each other. If you check the voting records of FYR nations and the other 'blocks' you'll see a definite pattern.

Kicky

I know they disagreed at some point and decided not to participate any more but I don't know the reason.

emiliosailez

Because aside of their humor and good refined taste, Italians aslo seem to have some common sense.

Hibee

It is. But they don't enter the song contest. Same as UK doesn't enter Jeux Sans Frontier any more.

javber26

Italy participated in the Eurovision Song Contest every year from 1956-1997, except 1981-1982, 1986, and 1994-1996. It has not participated in the contest since 1997 but is currently considering it, as it will automatically qualify for the final, being part of the 'Big 5' along with the current big 4 (Germany, UK, France, Spain). The broadcaster is RAI.

The reason behind the refusal to participate is explained by the fact that "Italians are so passionate about their many singer-songwriters, cantautori. It's just for this reason that Italy no longer participates every year in the Europe-wide song festival called the Eurovision Song Festival."

"A few years back, when Italy came in a terrible position with a song and performance by one of their most treasured singer-songwriters, Enrico Ruggeri, they took their ball and well home, refusing to play with Eurovision any more. They accused their fellow broadcasters of catering to the masses' lack of musical sophistication and of politicized voting."

Leonarda

They dont need it..They have San Remo, and as the Eurovision becamse lately..it is better not to participate..At least in the past it had a level and the countries also..Now...a show nothing more

cpinatsi

Something to do with Berlusconi's TV channels and the competition with RAI, I think. Being a prime minister as well, he stopped Italy's participation. That's what I've heard, I don't know if it is a rumour. Anyway, maybe in the Italy section you may get more informed answers.

ele

it's what el monty said: they think that the contest has lost the level, prestige, quality it used to have...

asxtc

The are....they just left early :)

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