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Marco Mengoni
Marco Mengoni
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Key Information

Marco Mengoni (Italian: [ˈmarko meŋˈɡoːni]; born 25 December 1988) is an Italian singer-songwriter who rose to fame in 2009, after winning the third season of Italian talent show X Factor.[1] Since then he has sold over 2.8 million records in Italy, peaking the Italian albums chart seven consecutive times and entering the Top 10 Italian Singles Chart fifteen times.[2][3] He won the Sanremo Music Festival in 2013 and again in 2023, therefore representing Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest in both years.

His 2009 debut extended play, Dove si vola, was preceded by the single with the same title, which reached the top spot of the Italian Top Digital Downloads chart and also served as his coronation song. In February 2010, Mengoni competed in the 60th Sanremo Music Festival with the song "Credimi ancora", placing third in a field of fifteen.[4] The song was included in his second extended play, Re matto, which debuted at number one in Italy. The EP was promoted through an Italian tour, which yielded the live album Re matto live. Mengoni's first full-length studio album, Solo 2.0, was released in September 2010 and was certified gold by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry.

In 2013, Mengoni won the 63rd Sanremo Music Festival with his song "L'essenziale"; he was then internally selected by RAI to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö with the song. "L'essenziale" also became the lead single of the album Prontoacorrere, which became his fourth number-one on the Italian albums chart. In 2015, Mengoni released the albums Parole in circolo and Le cose che non ho, which were part of the same artistic project, also including the live record Marco Mengoni Live, all of them reaching the number one of Italian albums chart. After the 2017 collaboration "Come neve" with Italian singer Giorgia, he published his seventh consecutive number-one album Atlantico in 2018. In 2023, ten years after his first victory, he won the 73rd Sanremo Music Festival with "Due vite", earning him the right to represent Italy again in the Eurovision Song Contest, this time in Liverpool.

During his career, Mengoni has received several awards, including a Nastro d'Argento, two TRL Awards, nine Wind Music Awards, nine MTV Italian Music Awards and a Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards. In 2010 and 2015, he won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best European Act, becoming the first Italian artist to win that prize. In 2013, he also won the MTV European Music Award for Best Southern European Act.

Early life

[edit]

Marco Mengoni was born on 25 December 1988 in Ronciglione, a comune in the province of Viterbo in central Italy, where he also spent his youth.[5] He is the only child of Nadia Ferrari and Maurizio Mengoni.[6][7][8] At the age of 14, while studying industrial design at secondary school, he started to take singing lessons.[9][10] Mengoni later started to perform as a member of a five-piece vocal group.[10] After leaving school, he moved to Rome, where he enrolled in a degree in Languages.[10] During his studies, he occasionally worked as a barman and he performed in piano bars and during weddings.[11] During the same years, he had his first experience in the recorded music business, working as a sound mixer and as a music programmer.[10]

Career

[edit]

2009: X Factor and Dove si vola

[edit]

Mengoni auditioned for the third series of the Italian talent-show X Factor in 2009, performing a cover of Eduardo De Crescenzo's "Uomini semplici".[12] The category he was part of, "16–24s", was mentored by Morgan, who chose Mengoni as one of his top four contestants that progressed to the live shows.[13] During the live shows, he performed songs from a wide range of genres, receiving the congratulations and admiration of popular Italian singers such as Mina, Giorgia, Elisa, and Adriano Celentano.[14][15] On 2 December 2009, Mengoni was announced the winner of the competition, receiving a recording contract with a stated value of €300,000 and being automatically selected as one of the participants to the Sanremo Music Festival 2010.[16]

Mengoni's winning single, "Dove si vola", debuted at number one on the Italian Top Digital Downloads chart,[17] and it was included in the extended play with the same title, released on 4 December 2009.[18] The EP, also including the original song "Lontanissimo da te" and five studio recordings of covers he had previously performed during the TV show,[19] peaked at number nine on the Italian albums chart[20] and was certified platinum by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry.[21]

2010: Sanremo Music Festival and Re matto

[edit]
Mengoni during a concert in 2010

In February 2010, Mengoni competed in the Big Artists section of the 60th Sanremo Music Festival, placing third with the song "Credimi ancora".[36][37] After being released as a single, "Credimi ancora" peaked at number three in Italy, and it was certified platinum by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry.[38][39] The song was also included in Mengoni's second EP, Re matto, released on 17 February 2010. The EP held the top spot of the Italian Albums Chart for four consecutive weeks,[40] and it also spawned the singles "Stanco (Deeper Inside)" and "In un giorno qualunque".[41][42]

The EP was also promoted through Mengoni's first concert tour, Re matto live, which debuted in Milan on 3 May 2010 and consisted of 56 two-hours shows,[43][44] including choreographies by Luca Tommassini and featuring songs from his previous studio records, as well as covers such as "Live and Let Die", "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Mad World", "Proud Mary" and "Tears in Heaven".[45][46][47] A live album and video album was recorded during the tour. Titled Re matto live, it was released on 19 October 2010,[42] and it debuted and peaked atop the Italian Albums Chart, later being certified platinum by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry.[21][48]

During the same year, Mengoni received the TRL award for Man of the Year.[49] After being voted Best Italian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2010, he also won the award for Best European Act, becoming the first Italian artist to receive the prize.[50][51]

2011–2012: Solo 2.0

[edit]

On 2 September 2011, Mengoni released the single "Solo (Vuelta al ruedo)", preceding his first full-length studio album, Solo 2.0. Mengoni co-wrote most of the songs on the album,[52] working with composers including Italian singers-songwriters Neffa and Dente.[53] Influenced by electronic and rock music,[54][55] the album also includes tracks featuring the Italian a cappella group Cluster and the orchestra directed by Fabio Gurian.[54] Released on 27 September 2011, Solo 2.0 debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart,[56] and it was certified gold for domestic sales exceeding 30,000 units.[57] On 21 October 2011, "Tanto il resto cambia" was released as the album's second single, while the third single, "Dall'inferno", was released to Italian radio stations on 27 January 2013.[58]

In 2011, Mengoni also appeared on Lucio Dalla's compilation album Questo amore, duetting with him on a new version of the hit "Meri Luis",[59] and on Renato Zero's video album Sei Zero, performing "Per non essere così".[60] To promote his first full-length album, Mengoni embarked on an Italian tour, the Solo tour 2.0, which debuted on 26 November 2011 in Milan.[61] In April 2012, a second leg of the tour started. Taking place in Italian theatres, it was created by Mengoni with Andrea Rigonat and Italian singer Elisa.[62]

2013–2014: Sanremo Music Festival, #prontoacorrere and Eurovision Song Contest

[edit]
Mengoni performing at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013

After moving to Milan, in February 2013 Mengoni competed in the 63rd Sanremo Music Festival with the songs "L'essenziale" and "Bellissimo", the latter written by Gianna Nannini.[63] On 12 February 2013, "L'essenziale" won against "Bellissimo" as the song to be performed by Mengoni during the next stages of the competition.[64] During the fourth night, he also performed a cover of Luigi Tenco's "Ciao amore, ciao".[65] On 16 February 2013, Mengoni was announced the winner of the competition.[66] During the same night, an internal jury also chose Mengoni among the other participants to the competition as the Italian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013.[67]

A shortened version of "L'essenziale" was later chosen as the song to be performed during the Eurovision Song Contest.[68] As part of the "Big Five", Mengoni automatically qualified for the final of the competition, held in Malmö, Sweden, on 18 May 2013. Mengoni finished seventh in a field of 26, receiving 126 points.[69]

After being released as a single, "L'essenziale" debuted at number one on the Italian Digital Downloads chart, holding the top spot for a total of eight consecutive weeks and being certified multi-platinum.[38][70] Both "L'essenziale" and "Bellissimo" were included in Mengoni's second studio album, #prontoacorrere, produced by Michele Canova and released in Italy on 19 March 2013.[71] The album, which features songs written by artists such as Mark Owen, Gianna Nannini, Ivano Fossati and Cesare Cremonini,[71] debuted at number one in Italy, and it was certified platinum by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry.[72] The following singles from the album, "Pronto a correre" and "Non passerai", were released in Italy on 19 April and on 23 August 2013, respectively, and they both entered the top-ten in Mengoni's home country.[73][74][75][76]

In July 2014, Mengoni said that his Eurovision experience left him "a little astonished" and that he would compete again "without a second thought."[77]

2015–2016: Parole in circolo and Le cose che non ho

[edit]

In January 2015, Mengoni released his third studio album, Parole in circolo, the first part of a "two-chapters" project. The album was preceded by the single "Guerriero", released in November 2014.[78][79] The second part of this project, which consisted in the album Le cose che non ho, was released in December 2015.[80]

After being voted Best Italian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2015, he also won the award for Best European Act for the second time.[81][82] The closing part of this artistic project was the live album Marco Mengoni Live, released in October 2016.[83] The album also featured six studio tracks, including the single "Sai che" and a duet with English singer Paloma Faith, which recorded the track "Ad occhi chiusi (Light in You)".[83]

2018–present: Atlantico, Materia trilogy, return to Sanremo and Eurovision

[edit]
Mengoni in 2023

On 19 October 2018, Mengoni published the singles "Voglio" and "Buona vita" at the same time, which anticipated the fifth studio album Atlantico, published on 30 November.[84] On 30 November released the third single "Hola (I Say)", in collaboration with Tom Walker. On 5 April 2019, he released the fourth single "Muhammad Ali".[85] The album is available in both Italian and Spanish.

In early 2021, Mengoni returned with "Venere e Marte", a song featuring Takagi & Ketra and Frah Quintale. In the summer of that year he presented the new single "Ma stasera", produced by Purple Disco Machine. The single preceded the sixth studio album Materia (Terra), which was released in December 2021. The album is designed as a trilogy, with the second part Materia (Pelle) released in October 2022. He participated in and won the Sanremo Music Festival 2023 with the song "Due vite",[86][87] earning him the right to represent Italy again in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool.[88] In an interview on TG1 following his win, Mengoni stated that he may choose a different song other than "Due vite" to compete in Eurovision;[89] the song was later confirmed to remain as Mengoni's Eurovision 2023 entry.[90][91] In the final, Mengoni ultimately placed fourth, with a score of 350 points.[92]

As the latest Sanremo winner (at the time), he was invited to co-host the first night of the 2024 festival alongside Amadeus.[93]

Musical style and influences

[edit]

Generally referred to as a pop artist,[94] according to Il Corriere della Sera's Luca Benedetti, Mengoni has a typically soul voice, with pop rock tones.[95]

Mengoni credits The Beatles as a major inspiration.[96][97] His other main influences include David Bowie,[98] George Michael,[99] Freddie Mercury,[100] Michael Jackson,[101] and Renato Zero.[102]

Discography

[edit]
Mengoni on stage in 2022

Studio albums

[edit]

Tours

[edit]
  • 2010: Re matto tour
  • 2011: Solo tour 2.0
  • 2012: Tour teatrale
  • 2013: L'Essenziale Tour
  • 2015, 2016, 2019, 2022: #MengoniLive
  • 2022–2023: Marco negli stadi

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Ceremony Category Work Result
2010 TRL Awards MTV Man of the Year[49] Himself Won
My TRL Best Video[49] "Credimi ancora" Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards Best Italian Act[103] Himself Won
Best European Act[50] Won
Wind Music Awards Platinum Album Award[104] Dove si vola Won
Platinum Album Award[104] Re matto Won
2011 TRL Awards Best Talent Show Artist[105] Himself Nominated
Wind Music Awards Platinum Album Award[106] Re matto live Won
Platinum Digital Single Award[106] "Credimi ancora" Won
Platinum Digital Single Award[106] "In un giorno qualunque" Won
2012 TRL Awards Best Look[107] Himself Nominated
Superman Award[108] Won
Onstage Awards Best Video[109] "Dall'inferno" Nominated
2013 Wind Music Awards Multi-platinum Digital Single Award[110][111] "L'essenziale" Won
Platinum Album Award[110][111] #prontoacorrere Won
MTV Italian Music Awards Superman Award[112] Himself Won
Artist Saga[112] Won
Best Fan[112] Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards Best Italian Act[113] Won
Best Southern European Act[114] Won
Best Worldwide Act[114] Nominated
2014 Kids' Choice Awards Best Italian Singer[115] Won
MTV Italian Music Awards Best Look[116] Won
Best Fan[116] Won
TwITStar[116] Won
Artist Saga[116] Won
2015 Wind Music Awards Multi-platinum Album Award[117] Parole in circolo Won
Multi-platinum Single Award[117] "Guerriero" Won
MTV Italian Music Awards Superman Award[118] Himself Won
Artist Saga[118] Won
Best Performance[119] "Io ti aspetto" Won
MTV Europe Music Awards Best Italian Act[81] Himself Won
Best European Act[82] Won
2016 Onstage Awards Best Italian Tour[120] #MengoniLive2015 Nominated
Live Anthem[120] "Esseri umani" Nominated
Best Fanbase[120] L'Esercito Nominated
Best Look[120] Himself Nominated
Best Performer[121] Himself Won
MTV Italian Music Awards Best Italian Male[122] Himself Won
Best Tormentone[122] "Ti ho voluto bene veramente" Nominated
Best Fan[122] L'Esercito Nominated
2017 MTV Italian Music Awards Best Italian Male[123] Himself Won
Best Fan L'Esercito Won
2021 RTL 102.5 Power Hits Estate Power Hits Estate[124] "Ma stasera" Won
2023 Marcel Bezençon Awards Composer Award[125] "Due vite" Won
David di Donatello Best Original Song[126] "Caro amore lontanissimo" Nominated
Nastro d'Argento Best Original Song[127] Won
2024 SIAE Music Awards Best Song − Clubs with Live Music[128] "Due vite" (with Davide Petrella and Davide Simonetta) Won
Best Song − Social Media in Italy[128] Won

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Title Year Role(s) Notes
The Lorax 2012 Once-ler Italian dub
Leggio d'Oro – Special Award as Relevaltion Voice Actor
The Lion King 2019 Simba Italian dub
Klaus Jesper Italian dub; Netflix Original Movie
Mufasa: The Lion King 2024 Simba Italian dub

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Marco Mengoni (born 25 December 1988) is an Italian singer-songwriter and known for his versatile style blending pop, rock, soul, and R&B influences. He first gained national fame as the winner of the third season of the Italian talent show in 2009, launching a career marked by chart-topping albums, multiple platinum certifications, and international recognition. Born in , a town in the in the region, Mengoni developed an early passion for music, influenced by genres such as pop, R&B, rock, and ; despite being shy, he began with and later took singing lessons encouraged by his parents. After his victory, he released his debut EP Dove si vola in 2010, followed by the live album Re Matto Live, which debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart. His breakthrough came with third place at the 2010 entry "Credimi ancora," establishing him as a prominent figure in Italian . Mengoni's career peaked with his victory at the 63rd in 2013 with the song "," which he performed as Italy's entry at the in , , finishing in seventh place. He repeated this success a decade later, winning the 73rd in 2023 with "," again representing Italy at Eurovision in , where the ballad earned seventh place and significant global streaming success, including entries on 's chart. In between, he became the first Italian artist to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best European Act, securing the honor in 2010 with his performance of "Re matto" and again in 2015. His discography includes eight studio albums, with notable releases such as Solo 2.0 (2011), Parole in circolo (2015), Atlantico (2018), and the Materia trilogy comprising Materia (Terra) (2021), Materia (Pelle) (2022), and Materia (Prisma) (2023), the latter featuring the hit single "." In 2024 and 2025, he released singles including "ManDarE TuTto All'aRIA," "" (featuring ), "Sto bene al mare" (featuring Sayf and ), and "Coming Home." Mengoni has amassed numerous accolades, including TRL Awards, Wind Music Awards, and over 20 and certifications in for his emotive songwriting and powerful vocal performances. As of November 2025, he continues to tour extensively, with his Live in Europe 2025 concerts highlighting his enduring popularity across the continent.

Early life

Family background

Marco Mengoni was born on December 25, 1988, in , a small town in the , , as the only child of Nadia Ferrari and Maurizio Mengoni. He spent his childhood in , immersed in a rural setting that included tending to an and caring for animals, which contributed to a close connection with nature. The town's population of around 8,000 fostered a tight-knit community environment during his early years there until age 17. Mengoni's formative years were significantly shaped by his grandparents' non-musical influences. His grandfather, Sestilio, introduced him to practical outdoor activities such as gardening, mushroom foraging, and woodworking, instilling an appreciation for manual labor and the natural world. His grandmother, in turn, taught him everyday skills like sewing buttons, emphasizing resourcefulness and self-sufficiency within the family dynamic. These experiences from his extended family provided a grounded, hands-on foundation before his musical interests emerged in adolescence.

Initial musical interests

Marco Mengoni developed an early passion for music during his teenage years in , , where he began formal vocal training at the age of 14 while studying at . He enrolled in a local course, which provided him with foundational techniques and soon led to his involvement in a vocal . This group offered his first opportunities to perform publicly, including appearances in piano bars around the area. His mother encouraged his musical development by pushing him to take lessons in and solfeggio, despite his initial reluctance. By age 16, Mengoni had expanded his performances to local clubs and bars, where he honed his skills by covering songs from international artists and blending them with original material. These experiences allowed him to build confidence in front of audiences and develop an energetic stage presence. After , Mengoni moved to around age 19 to study foreign languages, continuing to pursue musical opportunities. Prior to his breakthrough on , he faced rejections in the competitive Italian music scene, testing his resilience and refining his approach to auditions.

Career

2009–2010: X Factor victory and early releases

In 2009, Marco Mengoni auditioned for the third season of the Italian X Factor, where he impressed judges with his and stage presence during the initial rounds. Placed in the 16-24 category under the mentorship of musician Morgan, Mengoni advanced through the competition with standout performances, including a soulful rendition of Michael Jackson's "" in the first live episode that showcased his emotive delivery and falsetto capabilities. He ultimately won the season finale on December 2, 2009, defeating runner-up Matteo Becucci with an original song, "Dove si vola," which highlighted his pop sensibilities and personal storytelling. Following his victory, Mengoni released his debut (EP), Dove si vola, on December 4, 2009, via Sony Music Italy, featuring the winning single alongside covers like by and "White Christmas." The EP debuted and peaked at number nine on the Italian Albums Chart, selling over 70,000 copies and earning a from the of the Italian Music Industry (FIMI) for shipments exceeding 60,000 units. This release marked Mengoni's transition from contestant to recording artist, blending pop tracks with interpretive covers that echoed his style. In early 2010, Mengoni made his debut at the in the Big Artists category, competing with the "Credimi ancora," co-written by Mengoni, , and Saverio Principini, which explored themes of trust and vulnerability. Performed during the 60th edition from February 16–20, the song secured third place overall, behind winners Valerio Scanu and Pupo, amid a controversial voting process that sparked audience debate at the Ariston Theatre. "Credimi ancora" later peaked at number three on the Italian Singles Chart, reinforcing Mengoni's growing popularity. Building on this momentum, Mengoni issued his second EP, Re matto, on February 19, 2010, incorporating "Credimi ancora" as the and additional originals like "In un giorno qualunque" and "Questa notte," produced with a mix of rock and pop elements. The EP debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart, where it remained for several weeks, and achieved triple status from FIMI for over 180,000 units shipped, establishing Mengoni as a commercial force in Italian music. This period solidified his early career foundation, with the EP's success leading to his first arena tour later that year.

2011–2014: Solo era and Sanremo debut

Following his early successes, Marco Mengoni transitioned into his solo career with the release of his debut single "Solo (Vuelta al ruedo)" on September 2, 2011, which served as the lead track for his first full-length studio album, Solo 2.0, issued by Sony Music Italy on September 27, 2011. The album debuted at number one on the Italian Albums compiled by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry (FIMI), marking Mengoni's third consecutive chart-topping release after his X Factor-related EPs. It was later certified gold by FIMI for exceeding 30,000 units sold in , reflecting its strong commercial performance driven by introspective pop tracks blending electronic and rock elements. To promote Solo 2.0, Mengoni launched the Solo Tour 2.0 in late 2011, beginning with sold-out preview shows at Milan's Mediolanum Forum on November 26 and Rome's Atlantico Live on December 3. The tour extended into 2012, encompassing over 40 dates across Italian theaters and arenas, with Mengoni collaborating with artists like Elisa and Andrea Rigonat for select performances, expanding his live presence in . In April 2012, an expanded edition of Solo 2.0 was released, incorporating additional tracks and remixes such as "Dall'inferno," further boosting the album's chart longevity and fan engagement. Hits from the project, including the title track "Solo (Vuelta al ruedo)," topped the Italian singles chart and earned for Best Italian Act and Best European Act in November 2011. In early 2013, Mengoni returned to the , building on his guest appearance in 2010, and won the 63rd edition on February 16 with "L'essenziale," a minimalist co-written by Mengoni, Roberto Casalino, and Francesco de Benedittis. The victory, determined by a combination of public, press, and jury votes, secured Italy's entry for the . Representing Italy in , , on May 18, 2013, Mengoni performed "L'essenziale" in the grand final, placing seventh overall with 126 points from 37 participating countries. Capitalizing on the Sanremo and Eurovision momentum, Mengoni released his second studio album, #prontoacorrere, on , 2013, which debuted at number one on the FIMI Albums Chart and was certified triple platinum by FIMI for sales surpassing 150,000 copies. The album featured "L'essenziale" alongside new singles like "Pronto a correre" and "Bellissimo," the latter peaking at number 17 on the FIMI Singles Chart and showcasing Mengoni's evolving blend of pop-rock introspection. To support the release, the Prontoacorrere Tour (also known as L'Essenziale Tour) commenced in May 2013, spanning over 50 dates in and select European venues through 2014, with high-energy performances that solidified Mengoni's reputation as a dynamic live .

2015–2017: Parole in circolo and live projects

In 2015, Marco Mengoni participated in the 65th edition of the Festival di Sanremo with the song "Guerriero", co-written with Fortunato Zampaglione, finishing in second place behind Il Volo's "Grande amore". The track served as the lead single for his third studio album, Parole in circolo, released on January 13, 2015, by Sony Music Italy, marking the first installment of a two-part artistic project exploring introspective narratives. The album debuted at number one on the Italian FIMI Albums Chart and achieved quadruple platinum certification in Italy for over 200,000 units sold, reflecting its commercial success driven by themes of resilience and human connection. Lyrically, Parole in circolo delved into personal growth, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, with Mengoni drawing from autobiographical experiences to craft songs that emphasize emotional vulnerability and individual journeys through life's uncertainties. Standout tracks like the title song highlighted circular patterns in communication and fate, while collaborations such as Zampaglione's contributions to "Guerriero" infused the work with poetic depth on inner strength amid adversity. The album's production, overseen by Michele Canova, blended pop-rock elements with orchestral arrangements, evolving Mengoni's sound toward a more mature, narrative-driven style. Later that year, on December 4, 2015, Mengoni released Le cose che non ho, the second chapter of the project, which continued these thematic explorations with tracks like "Ti ho voluto bene veramente", addressing love's lingering impacts and . This release further solidified the album cycle's focus on introspection, achieving similar chart prominence and platinum status in . The associated Parole in circolo Tour, later rebranded as Mengoni Live 2016, featured sold-out arena performances across , including shows at Pala Alpitour in and Arena di Verona, where Mengoni delivered high-energy sets blending new material with earlier hits to emphasize live emotional delivery. In November 2016, Mengoni concluded the cycle with the double live album Marco Mengoni Live, released by , which documented the tour's highlights through 31 tracks capturing performances from various venues. Notable inclusions were live renditions of "Onde" from his earlier repertoire and "Ti ho voluto bene veramente", showcasing the project's evolution in a setting with guest appearances and unreleased elements that underscored Mengoni's growing emphasis on authentic, stage-based . The album peaked at number one on the Italian charts, affirming the era's impact on his trajectory toward more experiential music documentation.

2018–2020: Atlantico album and Materia beginnings

In late 2018, Marco Mengoni released his fifth studio album, Atlantico, on November 30 through Sony Music , marking a shift toward international influences with bilingual elements and collaborations. The album features English-language tracks such as "Muhammad Ali," an energetic anthem inspired by the boxer's resilience, and "Hola (I Say)," a with Scottish singer Tom Walker that blends pop and electronic sounds. Produced in collaboration with international talents including British group and Italian producers Takagi & Ketra, Atlantico explores themes of personal growth and global connectivity, drawing from Mengoni's travels. It debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart and held the top position for four weeks, eventually earning triple platinum certification in for over 150,000 units sold. The album's success propelled the Atlantico Tour in 2019, a 27-date arena run across starting in March, culminating in high-profile shows like one at Verona's Roman Arena. Extending to with performances in cities such as and in December, the tour showcased stripped-back arrangements and live energy, emphasizing Mengoni's vocal range and stage presence. The tour's highlights were captured in the extended live album Atlantico / On Tour, released in October 2019, which includes recordings from the shows alongside three new studio tracks like "Duemila volte," co-written with Mahmood. Certified double platinum and topping the Italian charts, the release served as a documentary-style chronicle of the tour's intimate, raw performances during the summer Fuori Atlantico leg of six outdoor concerts. The onset of the in 2020 halted Mengoni's live activities, canceling planned performances and shifting his focus to virtual engagements amid Italy's strict . This period marked the initial development of his ambitious Materia project, a conceptual exploring elements through , conceived during isolation as a response to global uncertainty. Early outputs included the single "Ma stasera," a disco-infused track produced by that reflected lockdown introspection, though formally released in 2021. Mengoni also paid homage to emerging Italian rock by covering Måneskin's "" in virtual sessions, bridging his pop roots with the band's raw energy during a time when traditional tours were impossible.

2021–2023: Materia trilogy, Sanremo win, and Eurovision return

In 2021, Marco Mengoni released the first installment of his conceptual trilogy, Materia (Terra), on December 3 via , exploring themes of grounding and personal roots through a blend of pop, soul, and electronic elements. The debuted at number one on the Italian FIMI Albums Chart and remained in the top ten for several weeks, marking Mengoni's return to studio work following his 2018 release Atlantico. This project was envisioned as a delving into the multifaceted nature of human experience, with each part representing a distinct phase of and musical evolution. The trilogy continued with Materia (Pelle) on October 7, 2022, which shifted focus to themes of vulnerability and connection, incorporating live recordings and collaborations that emphasized intimacy and texture. Like its predecessor, it topped the FIMI Albums Chart upon release, achieving significant streaming success and reinforcing the project's cohesive narrative. The final chapter, Materia (Prisma), arrived on May 26, 2023, completing the series by examining , reflection, and transcendence, featuring 39 tracks including reimagined versions from prior installments and new material. It also debuted at number one on the FIMI chart, solidifying the trilogy's commercial dominance with over 200,000 combined units sold in by mid-2023. Amid the trilogy's rollout, Mengoni achieved a career milestone by winning the 73rd on February 11, 2023, with the "Due vite," co-written with Davide Petrella and Davide Simonetta, who also co-produced the track. The song, centered on themes of love and shared destinies, garnered 45.53% of the public and jury vote in the final, securing Mengoni's second Sanremo victory after 2013. It was later certified 6x Platinum by FIMI for exceeding 300,000 units in . As the winner, Mengoni represented at the in , performing "Due vite" in the grand final on May 13. His minimalist staging featured a solo performance on a reflective circular platform amid dynamic lighting shifts from warm to cool tones, accompanied by four backing vocalists on elevated platforms and abstract visual projections, earning 350 points for a fourth-place finish. Supporting the Materia releases, Mengoni launched the Mengoni Live 2022 tour in May 2022, which evolved into stadium spectacles by summer, including sold-out shows at Rome's on June 22 and Milan's on June 19. The production highlighted the trilogy's thematic depth with immersive visuals and a setlist spanning new tracks like "Cambia un uomo" alongside career highlights, drawing over 100,000 attendees across .

2024–2025: Recent singles, awards, and European tour

In 2024, Marco Mengoni co-hosted the first night of the Sanremo Music Festival alongside Amadeus on February 6, marking a return to the event following his 2023 victory. This appearance built on the momentum from his Eurovision Song Contest performance earlier that year, reinforcing his prominence in Italian music. Throughout the year, Mengoni received multiple accolades at the second edition of the SIAE Music Awards on November 23, 2024, where his 2023 single "Due vite" won in categories including Best Song – Clubs with Live Music, Best Social Song – Italy, and Best Song – Clubs. Transitioning into new music releases, Mengoni collaborated with on the single "Piazza San ," issued on September 5, 2025, as the second track from her ninth studio album; the song blends pop elements with themes of memory and longing, earning praise for its evocative production. He followed this with his solo release "ManDarE TuTto All'aRIA" on November 28, 2024, a reflective track exploring emotional fragmentation, which he performed live during his subsequent tours. Looking ahead, Mengoni announced his first English-language single, the Christmas ballad "Coming Home," released exclusively on on November 6, 2025, co-written as an intimate soul piece evoking holiday nostalgia. Mengoni's Live in Europe 2025 tour commenced with Italian stadium dates in June, expanding to arena shows across the , including three performances at Palasele in Eboli on November 2, 4, and 5, 2025, and a concert at in on November 30, 2025. The tour features a setlist spanning his career highlights alongside newer material, such as collaborations like "Sto bene al mare" with Sayf and from June 2025. These efforts, combined with high-profile partnerships including an upcoming concert with tenor Joseph Calleja in on December 2025, have broadened his international reach. Through active social media engagement and these collaborations, Mengoni has seen sustained growth in his global fanbase, surpassing 3 million followers by late 2025 and fostering deeper connections via platforms like and .

Musical style and influences

Genre evolution

Marco Mengoni's musical journey began with a fusion of pop and elements in his debut works, characterized by his distinctive that blended melodic introspection with influences from both Italian and Anglo-Saxon traditions. This early style emphasized emotional and vocal expressiveness, as seen in releases like his 2009 EP Dove si vola and 2010 album Re matto, where -infused pop formed the core of his sound. During the Solo era around 2011, Mengoni's genre evolved toward pop-rock, incorporating more experimental structures and rock-inflected energy while moving away from talent-show pop clichés. The album Solo 2.0 highlighted this shift, featuring punchy instrumentation and dramatic melodies that showcased his vocal versatility alongside rock-tinged arrangements. In subsequent phases, particularly with Atlantico (2018) and the Materia trilogy (2021–2023), Mengoni integrated electronic and R&B elements, expanding his pop foundation into more global and introspective territories. These works introduced multilingual lyrics, including Spanish and English phrases in tracks like "Hola (I Say)" and "A Través del Atlántico" from Atlantico, reflecting a broader sonic palette with influences. Thematically, Mengoni's lyrics transitioned from personal anthems focused on individual emotions and relationships to conceptual narratives exploring identity, societal inclusion, , and , as evident in the Materia series' emphasis on personal growth and roots. His 2024 single "Mandare Tutto all'Aria," released in November 2024, further exemplifies this evolution through themes of artistic reinvention and subtle social critique, incorporating elements. Production techniques also evolved, shifting from relatively organic, live-influenced instrumentation in early albums—relying on piano, strings, and acoustic elements for intimacy—to more digital and electronic approaches in later projects, where synthesizers and layered production created expansive, atmospheric soundscapes under collaborators like Michele Canova.

Key influences

Marco Mengoni has frequently cited The Beatles as a primary influence on his songwriting approach, praising their innovative structures and melodic innovation that shaped his own compositional style. He has incorporated elements of their sound in covers like "Let It Be," which he performed with The Kingdom Choir on his 2022 album Materia (Pelle), highlighting their enduring impact on his harmonic choices. David Bowie's theatricality has also profoundly shaped Mengoni's stage presence and visual aesthetics, with Mengoni expressing a desire to draw more from Bowie's genre-blending persona, whom he considers a timeless genius. His early admiration for Bowie is evident from childhood, as Mengoni recalls the artist's first album as one of his initial musical loves, influencing his experimental flair in performances. For vocal soulfulness, George Michael serves as a key reference, guiding Mengoni's emotive delivery and blend of pop with deeper emotional resonance in ballads. Among Italian inspirations, stands out for his poetic lyricism and melodic sophistication, with Mengoni specifically crediting Battisti's "La canzone del sole" as a guiding track in his artistic development. On the international front, Queen's dramatic orchestration and Freddie Mercury's charismatic energy have informed Mengoni's anthemic tracks and live dynamics, as reflected in his broad pop-rock palette. Similarly, Prince's fusion of funk, rock, and sensuality has influenced Mengoni's rhythmic explorations, demonstrated through covers like "" performed during his appearances and subsequent shows. Mengoni's participation in the third season of in 2009 exposed him to a wide array of styles, from to rock, broadening his appreciation for diverse musical traditions and encouraging his genre versatility. Personal experiences, such as extensive travels during album productions like Atlantico (2018), further incorporated global sounds, infusing his work with Latin and electronic elements inspired by international cultures. In recent years, Mengoni has expressed admiration for contemporaries like Mahmood, with whom he collaborated on co-writing tracks for Atlantico, appreciating Mahmood's innovative pop-R&B fusion. Likewise, his 2025 collaboration with on "Piazza San Marco" underscores mutual respect, blending their vocal strengths in a nostalgic yet contemporary that highlights evolving Italian pop influences.

Discography

Studio albums

Marco Mengoni's studio discography began with releases tied to his early career momentum following , evolving into a series of full-length albums that blend , and electronic elements, often featuring collaborations and experimental production. The following table lists his studio albums chronologically, including release dates, peak positions on the Italian FIMI Albums , certifications by FIMI, and estimated sales figures where available.
Album TitleRelease DatePeak Position (ITA)Certification (FIMI)Sales
Solo 2.030 September 20111Gold30,000
#prontoacorrere19 March 201313× Platinum150,000+
Parole in circolo13 January 201514× Platinum200,000
Le cose che non ho4 December 201514× Platinum200,000
Atlantico30 November 201812× Platinum100,000
Materia (Terra)3 December 202116× Platinum300,000
Materia (Pelle)7 October 202213× Platinum150,000
Materia (Prisma)26 May 202313× Platinum150,000
Solo 2.0 expanded on his solo sound with production by Fortunato Zampaglione, incorporating acoustic and orchestral arrangements. #prontoacorrere, co-produced by Mengoni himself with Michele Canova, introduced electronic influences and debuted alongside his Sanremo-winning single. Parole in circolo emphasized introspective lyrics with production by multiple international talents, including Baby Kacey's beats. Le cose che non ho built on its predecessor with global collaborators like Sia Furler contributing songwriting, blending live-recorded elements with studio polish. Atlantico shifted toward a more electronic and worldly vibe, featuring international guests such as Tom Walker on "Hola (I Say Are You There?)" and production by Taketo Goh for a stadium-ready sound. The Materia trilogy—comprising Terra, Pelle, and Prisma—represents Mengoni's most ambitious project, produced by MAC and others, exploring themes of identity through distinct sonic palettes: earthy acoustics in Terra, intimate R&B in Pelle, and prismatic synths in Prisma, with combined sales exceeding 600,000 units. These albums supported major tours like the Re matto Tour and Atlantico on Tour, amplifying their commercial impact.

Singles and EPs

Marco Mengoni's discography includes several extended plays and a prolific output of singles, many of which originated as lead tracks from his albums but achieved standalone success through radio airplay, digital downloads, and streaming in . His debut release was the EP Dove si vola, issued on December 4, 2009, by shortly after his victory on the third season of Italia. The five-track project featured the original title song alongside covers of tracks like Michael Jackson's "" and Talking Heads' "," marking his initial foray into recording. Re matto, released on 4 June 2010, was his second EP, produced by Massimo Calabrese and featuring tracks from his participation. It debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart, certified 3× Platinum by FIMI, with estimated sales of 180,000 units. Another notable EP is Onde, a digital five-track release from , 2017, which experimented with electronic and atmospheric sounds as a companion to his live performances. Mengoni's singles have frequently topped Italian charts, earning certifications from the (FIMI) based on combined sales and streaming equivalents. Early breakthroughs include "Credimi ancora" (2010), his Sanremo Festival entry, which became a commercial hit following its third-place finish. Later releases like "" (2013), representing at the , debuted at number one on the FIMI Singles Chart and received quadruple platinum certification for over 120,000 units.
TitleYearPeak Position (FIMI Singles Chart)Certification (FIMI)
Credimi ancora20103Platinum (30,000 units)
201314× Platinum (120,000 units)
Guerriero201413× Platinum
Ma stasera202118
20231 (multiple weeks)6× Platinum
Piazza San Marco (with )202510
"Guerriero" (2014), the lead single from Parole in circolo, also reached number one on the FIMI Top Digital Downloads chart and was certified triple platinum, underscoring Mengoni's growing pop-rock appeal. "Ma stasera" (2021) served as a standalone digital single, released independently of any album to capture introspective themes amid the . In 2023, "," Mengoni's winning entry and Italy's Eurovision submission, dominated the FIMI charts at number one for several weeks and amassed over 300 million streams, earning 6× platinum certification as of 2025. Recent collaborations highlight his versatility, such as "" (2025) with , a released on that peaked at number 10 on the FIMI Singles Chart, blending pop and nostalgic elements. Other notable joint singles include "Come neve" (2017) with Giorgia, certified 3× platinum, and "Pazza musica" (2023) with Elodie.

Tours and live performances

Major tours

Mengoni's live career began with the Re matto Tour in 2010–2011, his debut major outing promoting the album Re Matto. The tour featured over 50 performances across Italian venues, including the Arena Live in and the Campo Sportivo in , marking his transition from television contestant to arena performer. This was followed by the Solo Tour in 2012, supporting his album Solo, with approximately 25 shows in theaters and arenas throughout , such as the Teatro degli Arcimboldi in . The tour emphasized intimate setlists evolving from acoustic renditions of earlier hits to fuller band arrangements of new material, solidifying his reputation for dynamic live presentations. The Prontoacorrere Tour in 2014, tied to the album #prontoacorrere, expanded to larger venues and included around 15 documented performances in , with setlists incorporating high-energy tracks like "Pronto a correre" alongside fan favorites. It represented a step in Mengoni's growing stage production, featuring enhanced lighting and multimedia elements. By 2019, the Atlantico Tour showcased Mengoni's international ambitions, with over 50 sold-out shows attracting more than 300,000 spectators, starting in at Pala Alpitour in on April 27 and extending to , including stops at Salle Madeleine in and Melkweg in . The setlist evolved to highlight Atlantico tracks like "Atlantico" and "Duemila volte," blended with career-spanning medleys, drawing record crowds at venues like the Arena di . The Materia Tour in 2022 marked a pinnacle, promoting the Materia trilogy with over 100 sold-out shows across and , achieving record-breaking attendance such as 54,000 at Stadium in and 60,000 at Rome's Circo Massimo. Setlists adapted across legs, incorporating thematic elements from Materia (Terra), Materia (Pelle), and Materia (Prisma), with elaborate staging that emphasized Mengoni's vocal range and theatricality. This tour highlighted his shift to stadium-scale productions while maintaining emotional intimacy. As of November 2025, Mengoni's ongoing Live in Europe tour features over 20 arena dates across nine countries, beginning October 5 at Prealpi SanBiagio Arena in , , and including European venues like Geneva's Arena on November 19, Düsseldorf's Electric Halle on November 22, and Madrid's Arena on December 10. Building on prior international success, the tour includes multiple sold-out Italian legs, such as shows at PalaSele in Eboli, and features evolved setlists from his catalog, underscoring his expanding European presence.

Notable concerts

In addition to his major tours and festival appearances, Mengoni has headlined notable one-off arena shows and residencies, such as his multiple performances at the PalaSele in Eboli in November 2025, where he drew large crowds for intimate yet high-energy sets as part of his European tour extension. During the , he participated in charity initiatives, including a special live performance of "L'anno che verrà" from Bergamo's Piazza Vecchia in collaboration with on February 21, 2021, supporting relief efforts for the Italian Civil Protection Department amid lockdowns. Mengoni also co-hosted the opening night of the alongside Amadeus, where he performed a medley including "" and joined in a symbolic rendition of "" to kick off the event. His live shows for the Materia incorporated theatrical elements, such as immersive lighting and narrative-driven staging in arena residencies, transforming concerts into multimedia experiences that echoed the albums' themes of earth, skin, and light. Following his Sanremo 2023 victory with "," Mengoni represented at the in , , performing the with dynamic staging featuring lighting effects and that highlighted its introspective , ultimately placing fourth with 350 points.

Awards and nominations

Major wins

Marco Mengoni's breakthrough came in 2009 when he won the third season of Italy, a highly competitive that propelled him into the national spotlight and earned him a with Italy. One of his most significant achievements was securing victory at the in with the song "," a minimalist that not only topped the Italian charts but also qualified him to represent at the , where he placed seventh. Mengoni repeated this triumph a decade later at the 2023 Sanremo Music Festival, winning with "," a reflective track co-written with Davide Petrella and Davide Simonetta, which became a major hit and led to his second Eurovision appearance for , finishing fourth in . On the international stage, Mengoni made history as the first Italian artist to win the Europe Music Award for Best European Act in 2010, shortly after his victory, beating out competitors from across the continent. He reclaimed the award in 2015, affirming his sustained popularity in amid a field that included acts like and . In recognition of "Due vite"'s cultural impact, the song earned two categories at the 2024 SIAE Music Awards: Best Song – Clubs (for live music venues) and Best Song – Social Media, underscoring its dominance in both physical and digital spaces. In 2023, Mengoni won the Nastro d'Argento for Best Original Song for "Caro amore lontanissimo" from the film Il colibrì. Mengoni has also accumulated multiple Wind Music Awards over the years, with wins spanning from 2010 to 2023 for outstanding album and single sales, as well as successful tours, reflecting his consistent commercial success in the Italian market.

Other recognitions

Mengoni represented at the in 2013, finishing in 7th place in the grand final in , , with the song "," earning 126 points. He returned to the contest in 2023, placing 4th in the grand final in , , with "," accumulating 350 points from jury and televote combined. In addition to major award wins, Mengoni has received several nominations across music ceremonies, including for TRL Awards where he was recognized in categories like Man of the Year prior to his victories. He also won Best Italian Singer at the . Mengoni holds the distinction of being the first Italian artist to win the Europe Music Award for Best European Act, achieving this in 2010 and repeating in 2015, marking a significant cultural milestone for Italian on the international stage. In 2023, he received a for Best Original Song at the Awards for "Caro amore lontanissimo". At the 2025 TIM Music Awards, Mengoni received the Live Diamond award for the success of his #MarcoNegliStadi tour, which sold over 500,000 tickets. His commercial success is underscored by extensive sales certifications from FIMI, the Italian music industry federation, with over 85 records for albums and singles as of 2023, alongside more than 2.9 billion audio and video streams globally.

Other ventures

Film and

Marco Mengoni expanded his artistic presence beyond music into , beginning with his debut in animated films. In 2012, he provided the Italian voice for the character Once-ler in the dubbed version of the Universal Pictures animated feature , directed by , where his soulful vocal delivery brought depth to the enigmatic entrepreneur. This role marked his initial foray into , earning him recognition as an emerging voice talent in . Building on this experience, Mengoni took on prominent roles in major Disney productions. He voiced the adult Simba in the 2019 photorealistic remake of The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, infusing the character with emotional resonance during key scenes of leadership and reflection; his performance was highlighted during promotional events alongside fellow Italian dub cast members. In the same year, he lent his voice to Jesper Johansen, the self-centered postman protagonist, in the Netflix animated holiday film Klaus, directed by Sergio Pablos, contributing to the film's heartfelt narrative about redemption and community. Mengoni reprised his association with the Lion King franchise in 2024, voicing Simba once again in Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel directed by Barry Jenkins, where the character appears as an adult reflecting on his heritage. This return underscored his established rapport with the role, enhancing the film's exploration of legacy and family bonds through his expressive Italian dubbing. His musical background has notably enriched these voice performances, allowing seamless integration of singing and spoken elements in musical sequences.

Television appearances

Mengoni has participated in various Italian television programs as a host, judge, and guest performer, showcasing his versatility beyond his early career breakthrough. In February 2024, he co-hosted the opening night of the with longtime host Amadeus, introducing competing artists and performing select tracks from his discography. This appearance built on his previous Sanremo successes, including his 2023 victory with "Due Vite." He has served in mentoring capacities on talent shows. Mengoni also made notable guest judge appearances, offering feedback on performances and sharing insights from his own experience. These roles highlighted his influence on emerging artists within Italy's competitive music scene. Mengoni frequently appears as a guest on prominent talk and variety shows, including multiple visits to Che tempo che fa, where he has performed live medleys and discussed personal and professional topics. For instance, in November 2018, he promoted his album Atlantico with performances of tracks like "Hola (I Say)." He returned in May 2025 for an in-depth interview and medley from his recent work, emphasizing emotional connections in his music. In talent formats, Mengoni has contributed as a guest performer, elevating episodes with live renditions. On , he headlined the 2018 finale with a collaborative performance alongside Tom Walker, drawing thousands of viewers. Similarly, on , he performed "L'essenziale" in a refreshed arrangement during the 2022 season, inspiring contestants and audiences alike. To promote his 2023 album Materia (Prisma), Mengoni featured in dedicated Rai broadcasts, including special segments on primetime shows that blended interviews with acoustic sets of singles like "" and "Pazza musica." These appearances, aired on , underscored the album's themes of personal growth and reached millions, reinforcing his status in Italian pop culture.

References

  1. https://music.[youtube](/page/YouTube).com/browse/MPREb_IcAiXskNAaC
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