Milly Carlucci Revives “Canzonissima” on Rai1: A Nostalgic Return to Italian Television

After a nearly 50-year hiatus, Rai1 is bringing back the iconic Italian show, “Canzonissima.” Hosted by television personality Milly Carlucci, known for her successes with “Dancing with the Stars,” the revival promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh entertainment. Carlucci announced the show’s return on Instagram, accompanied by the recognizable theme song, “Zum zum zum,” which first aired on September 28, 1968.

A Look Back at the Original “Canzonissima”

The original “Canzonissima,” launched in 1968, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting an audience of around 22 million viewers. The show was hosted by Mina, supported by Walter Chiari and Paolo Panelli and directed by Antonello Falqui. It featured a mix of musical performances, comedy sketches, and a competitive element. Gianni Morandi emerged as the winner that year with his song “The rain comes down.”

A History of Italian Entertainment

“Canzonissima” originally aired from 1956 to 1975, becoming a significant part of Italy’s collective experience. Over the years, the show was hosted by a diverse range of Italian entertainers, including Pippo Baudo, Raffaella Carrà, Corrado, Mike Bongiorno, Loretta Goggi, and Dario Fo and Franca Rame. The program often coincided with the Italian Lottery, reflecting a sense of hope and aspiration for improved well-being.

Memorable Moments and Controversies

Several editions of “Canzonissima” stand out in television history. The 1959 edition, hosted by Delia Scala, featured Nino Manfredi as the character Bastiano, a Ciociaria bartender known for his catchphrase “Fusse che fusse la vorta bbona.” The 1962 edition was marked by controversy when Dario Fo and Franca Rame left the show after seven episodes due to “artistic and ideological differences,” reportedly stemming from censorship of a sketch about worker safety. The 1970 edition, featuring Corrado and Raffaella Carrà performing “Ma che musica maestro,” was also particularly memorable, as was the 1972-1973 edition hosted by Pippo Baudo and Loretta Goggi.

The New “Canzonissima”

Details about the new “Canzonissima” are currently limited, but it is expected to retain the core elements of the original format: a competition between singers, comedic segments, and a jury comprised of well-known Italian musicians. Milly Carlucci aims to honor the legacy of the show while bringing a fresh perspective to the format.