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"Soldi"
Single by Mahmood
from the album Gioventù bruciata
English title"Money"
Released6 February 2019
Genre
Length3:15
LabelIsland
Songwriters
Producers
Mahmood singles chronology
"Gioventù bruciata"
(2018) 		"Soldi"
(2019) 		"Calipso"
(2019)
Music video
"Soldi" on YouTube
Eurovision Song Contest 2019 entry
Country
Artist
Languages
Composers
Lyricist
  • Alessandro Mahmoud
Finals performance
Final result
2nd
Final points
472
Entry chronology
◄ "Non mi avete fatto niente" (2018)
"Fai rumore" (2020) ►

"Soldi" (Italian pronunciation: [ˈsɔldi]; transl. "Money") is a song written and recorded by Italian singer Mahmood. It was released on 6 February 2019, as the fifth single from his debut studio album, Gioventù bruciata (2019).[1] The singer co-wrote the song with Dario Faini and Charlie Charles, who also produced it.[2][3]

Mahmood performed the song for the first time at the 69th Sanremo Musical Festival in February 2019 and won the competition, receiving the right to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.[4][5] "Soldi" was later confirmed as his Eurovision entry,[6] eventually reaching second place in the final. The song is predominantly in Italian, with one line in Arabic, making it the fourth time that a Eurovision song features the Arabic language after entries by Morocco in 1980, Israel in 2009 and Bulgaria in 2012. "Soldi" topped the charts in Greece, Israel, Italy and Lithuania and reached the top 10 in five more countries. The song became the most-streamed Eurovision song ever on Spotify, a record held until late January 2021 when it was surpassed by the 2019 Eurovision winner, "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence.[7][8]

Background and composition

[edit]

Interviewed by TV Sorrisi e Canzoni, Mahmood revealed he started writing the song while hanging out with some friends.[9] Despite this, it took a long time for him to complete the song.[10] Producers Dardust and Charlie Charles contributed its sound, renewing it with contemporary elements borrowed from trap music.[10][11] Hip hop sounds are also mixed with Arabic influences.[12]

The song structure does not include a proper chorus. According to Italian producer and musician Andrea Rodini, the song's hook is based on three different elements: the repetition of the word "soldi" (money), the verse "come va" (what's up?), pronounced multiple consecutive times, and the sound of clapping hands, which Rodini describes as a "cubistic" chorus.[11]

"Soldi" is an autobiographic song about Mahmood's "unconventional family".[13] Its lyrics explore Mahmood's relationship with his father, who left his family while he was a child.[14] It depicts a lying, contradictory and unreliable father, whose main priority is money instead of his own family.[15] Money is therefore represented as one of the causes of the end of a father-and-son relationship, marking a strong departure from trap music themes, which usually depicts money as the ultimate goal of life.[11] Mahmood explained that the song's lyrics "evoke a memory" and that "there's a lot of anger" in it.[13] Its verses reproduce a series of different pictures, often used by Mahmood as metaphors.[14][13]

The song also includes a sentence in Arabic. Although he cannot speak Arabic, Mahmood explained that he remembers how his Egyptian father called him when he was a child, and that he chose to include this verse as a way to bring him back to a particular moment in time.[16]

Song contests

[edit]

Sanremo Music Festival

[edit]
Main article: Sanremo Music Festival 2019
Mahmood with the Golden Lion award received for placing first in the Sanremo Music Festival.

In December 2018, Mahmood was one of 24 acts selected to compete in Sanremo Giovani, a televised competition aimed at selecting two newcomers as contestants of the 69th Sanremo Music Festival.[17] Competing acts were split in two separate groups, which performed in different live shows. A winner from each group was declared, and Mahmood placed first in the second episode of the show, with his entry "Gioventù bruciata".[18] Mahmood also received the Critics' Award among acts performing in the second final.[19] "Soldi" was later announced as his entry for the Sanremo Music Festival 2019.[20]

Mahmood performed the song for the first time during the first live show of the 69th Sanremo Music Festival, which was held on 5 February 2019. He was the 24th and final act to appear on stage, performing after midnight.[21] Dario "Dardust" Faini, co-writer of the song, directed the Sanremo Orchestra during his performance.[22] During the third live show, "Soldi" was the first performance of the night.[23] On 8 February 2019, Mahmood performed the song in a new version, featuring rapper Gué Pequeno.[24] During the first round of the final, "Soldi" placed 7th in the televote, but was the most voted by the experts jury, and the second most voted by the press jury.[25] As a result, Mahmood gained a spot in the top three acts of the competition. After an additional performance, the song was declared the winner of the 69th Sanremo Music Festival, beating Ultimo's "I tuoi particolari" and "Musica che resta" by Il Volo, which placed second and third, respectively.[26] Mahmood also received the "Enzo Jannacci" Award for Best Performance.[27]

Eurovision Song Contest

[edit]
Main article: Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019
Mahmood performing "Soldi" during a Eurovision rehearsal in May 2019.

Following his win, it was confirmed by RAI and the European Broadcasting Union that Mahmood had accepted the invitation to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest, which is given to the winner of the Sanremo Music Festival, and that he'd be performing "Soldi" at Eurovision.[28] As Italy is a member of the "Big Five", he automatically advanced to the final, held on 18 May 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The song finished in second place with 472 points, and won the Marcel Bezençon Composer Award.[29][30]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "Soldi" was directed by Attilio Cusani.[31] As of December 2023, the video has over 206 million views on YouTube.[32]

Track listings

[edit]
Digital download (Benny Benassi Remix)[33]
No.TitleLength
1."Soldi" (Benny Benassi Remix)3:00
2."Soldi" (Benny Benassi Extended Version)3:40
Digital download (Denis First Remix)[34]
No.TitleLength
1."Soldi" (Denis First Remix)3:00
Digital download (Vigiland Remix)[35]
No.TitleLength
1."Soldi" (Vigiland Remix)2:56
Digital download (Isac Elliot Remix)[36]
No.TitleLength
1."Soldi" (featuring Isac Elliot)3:19
Digital download (Spanish version)[37]
No.TitleLength
1."Soldi" (featuring Maikel Delacalle)3:04

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
France (SNEP)[67] Gold 100,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[68] 4× Platinum 200,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[69] Gold 25,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[70] 2× Platinum 80,000‡
Streaming
Greece (IFPI Greece)[71] Gold 1,000,000†

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Soldi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Soldi" is an Italian-language song performed by singer-songwriter Alessandro Mahmoud, professionally known as Mahmood, released on 6 February 2019 as the fifth single from his debut studio album Gioventù bruciata. The track, co-written and produced by Mahmood alongside Dardust and Charlie Charles, translates to "Money" in English and serves as an autobiographical reflection on his upbringing in Milan's suburbs, focusing on strained family relationships, particularly with an absent father figure who prioritized financial gain over emotional bonds. Featuring a blend of contemporary R&B, pop, and urban influences with subtle Arabic elements reflecting Mahmood's Egyptian-Italian heritage, "Soldi" marked his breakthrough, winning the Sanremo Music Festival in February 2019 and propelling him to national prominence. Upon release, "Soldi" rapidly ascended to number one on Italy's FIMI singles chart, airplay chart, , , and , while also entering the Global Top 50; it was certified multi-platinum by FIMI (quadruple platinum as of 2019 for over 200,000 units sold in alone, with higher certifications since) and achieved platinum status in several European countries including , , and . The song's , directed by Attilio Cusani and released shortly after , amassed over 100 million views within months and, as of 2025, exceeds 250 million views on , contributing to its viral spread. Internationally, it topped charts in , , and , and reached the top ten in several other European countries, underscoring Mahmood's rising global appeal as a second-generation immigrant addressing themes of identity and socioeconomic struggle. As Italy's entry for the in , , "Soldi" qualified directly to the grand final as a "Big Five" participant and delivered a minimalist stage performance emphasizing Mahmood's vocals and emotional delivery. The song secured second place overall with 472 points (253 from televoting and 219 from national juries), marking Italy's strongest Eurovision result since and highlighting a resurgence in the country's participation. Post-contest, "Soldi" broke records as the most-streamed Eurovision song ever at the time, with its success paving the way for Mahmood's subsequent albums and international collaborations, solidifying his status in the European music scene.

Background and development

Writing and inspiration

"Soldi" draws its core inspiration from Alessandro Mahmoud's personal experiences of familial absence and cultural hybridity. Born in to a Sardinian-Italian and an Egyptian father, Mahmood grew up in the peripheral Gratosoglio neighborhood, navigating the challenges of cultural displacement as the son of an immigrant. The song's lyrics are deeply autobiographical, reflecting the pain of his father's departure when Mahmood was six years old, leaving behind emotional voids and strained family ties influenced by financial priorities. In interviews, Mahmood has described how the track processes this abandonment, incorporating childhood memories such as observances and Arabic phrases like "Waladi waladi habibi ta’aleena" (meaning "My son, my son, my love, come here") to evoke his bicultural upbringing. This personal narrative evolved into a broader meditation on how ("soldi") disrupts relationships, particularly within unconventional families like his own. The song's creation unfolded during preparations for the in late 2018, where Mahmood refined an initial demo into its final form. Originally a more unstructured piece centered on intimate family dynamics, it transformed through iterative sessions into a poignant commentary on economic pressures eroding personal bonds, blending raw emotion with subtle social critique. Mahmood co-wrote the track alongside producers "Dardust" Faini and Charlie Charles, whose contributions shaped its introspective tone while integrating elements of Mahmood's diverse musical influences, from Italian classics to Middle Eastern melodies. This collaborative process, rooted in Mahmood's persistence following earlier career hurdles like his 2012 elimination from Italia, marked a pivotal step in crafting a sound that authentically captured his "Moroccan pop" style—a fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and inflections.

Recording and production

The recording of "Soldi" took place in early at studios in , , with primary production handled by Dario "Dardust" Faini and Charlie Charles, who also co-wrote the track alongside Mahmood. The production incorporated trap beats and effects on the vocals, creating a fusion of Italian pop melodies with urban and trap influences to achieve a modern, introspective sound. Layered synths were used to build atmospheric textures, supporting the song's minimalist arrangement and emphasizing its rhythmic drive. Following Mahmood's victory at the in February 2019, the track underwent minor adjustments for its Eurovision release, resulting in the "Eurovision Edit" version that maintained the core production while adapting for international . These tweaks ensured the song's raw, emotive quality remained intact amid tight timelines leading up to the contest.

Composition and lyrics

Musical style

"Soldi" fuses trap, R&B, and Italian pop elements, infused with Middle Eastern melodic influences drawn from Mahmood's Egyptian-Italian heritage. This blend creates a heterogeneous sound that Mahmood himself has termed "Moroccan pop," reflecting his exposure to both Italian and music traditions. The track's production highlights rhythmic hip-hop beats and subtle Arabic-inspired melodies, distinguishing it within contemporary Italian music. The song adheres to a verse-chorus form, lasting 3:15, with a gradual build-up from introspective verses and pre-choruses to an anthemic, hook-driven chorus. Key sonic features include a tempo of 95 beats per minute in E-flat minor, a pulsating bassline that anchors the trap rhythms, and handclap percussion that amplifies the chorus's infectious energy. Subtle oriental scales weave through the vocal melody, evoking Mahmood's cultural roots without overpowering the Western pop framework. This musical approach positions "Soldi" as a shift from conventional Eurovision ballads toward urban, trap-influenced entries, echoing broader trends in modern international pop that integrate global heritage sounds.

Themes and interpretation

The central theme of "Soldi" revolves around as a for the emotional voids stemming from paternal abandonment and toxic family dynamics. Mahmood has explained that the song draws from his own experiences, processing the pain of his father's departure when he was five years old, which left a lasting of absence and anger. In interviews, he described it as a "personal outburst" to highlight how material concerns can distort relationships, emphasizing emotional depth over financial gain. This semi-autobiographical narrative critiques by portraying the father's priorities as shallow, contrasting them with the son's search for genuine connection. Key lyrics underscore this tension, with the repetitive chorus "Volevi solo soldi, soldi / Come se avessi avuto soldi, soldi" (You only wanted money, money / As if I had had money, money) juxtaposed against vulnerable reflections on , such as "Lasci la città ma nessuno lo sa / Ieri eri qua, ora dove sei papà?" (You leave the city but no one knows / Yesterday you were here, now where are you, dad?). These lines, including the Arabic phrase "Waladi waladi habibi ta’aleena" (My son, my son, my love, come here), evoke fleeting childhood memories while exposing the father's unreliability and the resulting emotional hurt. Critics and analysts interpret this as a broader commentary on how economic motives exacerbate abandonment, with Mahmood noting in post-release discussions that the song rejects superficial values in favor of inner richness. The song resonates culturally with Italy's immigrant communities, particularly second-generation experiences of hybrid identity and familial disconnection, as Mahmood's Egyptian-Italian background infuses the with subtle Arab influences that mirror suburban struggles. Its themes of loss and resilience have been linked to broader narratives of migration and belonging in . Additionally, identity undertones emerge in Mahmood's emotive delivery and personal openness as a artist, challenging traditional notions of Italian and family while amplifying the song's exploration of emotional .

Release and promotion

Commercial release

"Soldi" was digitally released on February 6, 2019, by Universal Music Italia (an imprint of ) as a single from Mahmood's debut studio Gioventù bruciata. The track became available immediately on major streaming platforms, including and , marking its broad digital accessibility from launch. Following Mahmood's victory at the on February 9, limited physical editions were issued, including a 7-inch vinyl single bundled with a limited edition CD of the . These formats were produced in restricted quantities to capitalize on the song's post-festival momentum, with the vinyl edition specifically released on March 1, 2019, as part of a limited accompanying the full . Initial promotion emphasized on Italian radio stations, providing exclusive early exposure before wider international rollout. As the opening track on Gioventù bruciata, "Soldi" anchored the album's thematic and musical direction when the full-length record was released on February 22, 2019, via the same label.

Marketing and promotion

Prior to the in February 2019, anticipation for Mahmood's entry "Soldi" was built through announcements and previews shared on platforms like Rai Play and the festival's official channels, starting in late to engage fans ahead of his debut performance. Following his victory at on February 9, 2019, Mahmood embarked on an "Instore Tour" across , beginning in , where he made personal appearances at record stores to sign copies of his album Gioventù bruciata and perform acoustic versions of "Soldi" for fans. This promotional effort was complemented by high-profile television appearances, including an interview and performance on Che Tempo Che Fa on February 10, 2019, hosted by , which highlighted the song's themes and his rising stardom. Additionally, he conducted radio interviews, such as at Radio Italia, to discuss the track's creation and personal inspirations. The international promotion intensified in preparation for the in May 2019, with the releasing preview clips of "Soldi" on their official YouTube channel, alongside fan-created and semi-official English-subtitled lyric videos that translated the song's Italian and Arabic elements to broaden appeal. This effort extended to , where short clips inspired on emerging platforms like , including dance and lip-sync challenges that amplified the song's viral potential among global audiences. Mahmood's marketing also leveraged his personal branding as a multicultural of Italian-Sardinian and Egyptian heritage, emphasizing the song's fusion of trap beats with melodic influences to position him as a bridge between cultures. This narrative was reinforced through fashion tie-ins, such as wearing a shirt during the final, aligning his image with luxury brands that celebrated diverse, urban aesthetics in Italian music promotion.

Critical reception

Reviews

Italian music critics lauded "Soldi" for its innovative fusion of trap rhythms, , and traditional Italian elements, marking a significant renewal in the nation's songwriting landscape. highlighted the track's exploration of peripheral lives and multicultural influences, including Arabic words and a distant, hypnotic rhythm, describing it as a "beautiful and inevitable" confirmation of emerging talents addressing pride and hardship. Other Italian outlets echoed this sentiment, averaging around 4/5 stars for its emotional depth and bold departure from conventions. Internationally, Eurovision-focused commentators praised "Soldi" for its staging potential and cultural representation of Mahmood's Italian-Egyptian heritage. The Wiwi Jury at awarded it an average of 8.8/10, commending the clap-along chorus as a "brilliant hook" and the song's blend of R&B, hip-hop, and Italian flair as modern yet personal. positioned it among the top 12 frontrunners for Eurovision 2019, noting its emotional depth and unique trap-pop hybrid as key to its appeal. Some reviews offered mixed assessments, particularly regarding the heavy use of and its niche urban accessibility. The Guardian described Mahmood's Eurovision performance as "enigmatic" and delivering "prowling electro-panic," appreciating the freshness but implying a specialized rather than broadly populist vibe. Critics also noted occasional gaps between the polished studio version and live delivery, though these did not overshadow the track's overall impact. Early 2019 aggregates, such as those from Eurovision review panels, hovered around 8/10, reflecting strong but not unanimous acclaim.

Accolades

"Soldi" achieved significant recognition through its victory at the 69th on February 9, 2019, where Mahmood won the top prize based on a combination of jury and public votes, earning the right to represent at the . At the held in on May 18, "Soldi" secured second place overall with 472 points, comprising 219 from jury votes and 253 from televoting, marking Italy's strongest performance since 2011. Additionally, the song received the Marcel Bezençon Composer Award, voted by participating songwriters for its outstanding composition by Mahmood, Dardust, and Charlie Charles, highlighting its innovative blend of trap and urban influences. In Italian music honors, Mahmood was awarded the Triple Platinum certification for "Soldi" at the Wind Music Awards 2019, recognizing over 150,000 units sold in and underscoring the track's domestic commercial breakthrough. The song's success also led to a win in the Best Italian Act category at the , affirming Mahmood's rising prominence in the regional music scene.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Soldi" debuted at number 1 on the Italian Singles Chart compiled by the (FIMI) on February 18, 2019, immediately following Mahmood's victory at the . The song held the top position for at least four consecutive weeks. The track also reached number 1 on the official charts in Greece, Israel, and Lithuania. It achieved top 10 positions in Estonia (#2), Luxembourg (#8), Spain (#5), Sweden (#8), and Switzerland (#5). On year-end charts for 2019, the song ranked #3 in Italy. By November 2025, it had accumulated over 263 million streams on Spotify, marking it as one of the most streamed Eurovision entries. Following its initial peak, the song experienced a gradual decline in chart positions after the Eurovision Song Contest final in May 2019 but sustained visibility through ongoing streaming and inclusion on Mahmood's debut album Gioventù bruciata.

Certifications and sales

"Soldi" achieved significant commercial success in Italy, earning a 4× Platinum certification from the (FIMI) for combined sales and streaming equivalents exceeding 200,000 units. Internationally, the track was certified 2× Platinum in by (PROMUSICAE), representing 80,000 units. It also received a certification in Poland from the Związek Producentów Audio-Video (ZPAV) for 25,000 units, a certification in France by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique () for 100,000 units, and a certification (streaming) in Greece by for 1,000,000 streams. On streaming platforms, "Soldi" amassed over 263 million plays on as of November 2025, establishing it as the most-streamed Eurovision entry on the service until it was surpassed in January 2021. In the United States, where RIAA certifications are ineligible for non-domestic releases, the song garnered substantial streaming activity, contributing to its global reach without formal awards. Physical formats, including a CD maxi-single released in , supported initial sales in during the song's peak popularity.

Live performances and song contests

Sanremo Music Festival 2019

Mahmood first performed "Soldi" at the on February 5 during the opening night of the main competition at the , having qualified for the event by winning Sanremo Giovani in December 2018 with a different song. The festival ran from February 5 to 9, with the eight newcomers, including Mahmood, performing over the initial three nights (February 5–7) as part of the integrated competition format alongside established artists. His performance featured a contemporary blending R&B and trap elements, delivered with personal that emphasized the song's introspective themes. The voting system combined public televotes (50%), press jury (30%), and expert jury (20%), with points accumulated across nights to determine rankings. In the first round of the final on February 8, "Soldi" ranked seventh in the televote but topped the expert jury and placed second with , advancing Mahmood to the super final against Ultimo and . On February 9, during the super final performance, Mahmood delivered an emotive rendition that secured overall victory with 38.9% of the combined votes, surpassing Ultimo's 35.6% despite Ultimo leading the televote at 46.5%. This win marked the first time a trap-influenced track triumphed at , highlighting a shift toward urban and multicultural sounds in Italian . The victory immediately qualified "Soldi" to represent at the without further national selection, as per Sanremo's longstanding agreement with the . It also accelerated Mahmood's career trajectory, prompting the expedited release of his debut studio album Gioventù bruciata on February 22, 2019, which debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart and earned gold certification shortly thereafter.

Eurovision Song Contest 2019

Mahmood represented at the in , , with "Soldi" following his victory at the 2019. As one of the "Big Five" countries, was automatically pre-qualified for the grand final on 18 May 2019, where Mahmood performed 22nd in the running order, immediately after and before . The staging featured a minimalist design with Mahmood dressed in a white turtleneck and silk shirt, joined by three dancers in coordinated outfits featuring large red dots on their t-shirts. Blue triangular LED screens displayed abstract visuals, including effects and thematic elements echoing the song's exploration of family dynamics and financial strain, while spotlights emanated from beneath the stage to engage the audience. At the close of voting, "Soldi" earned 154 points from the national juries and 318 points from the televote, for a total of 472 points, placing second overall behind the ' Duncan Laurence and "Arcade" with 498 points. The result marked Italy's best finish since and highlighted the song's appeal to both professional juries and public voters across . Backstage, the performance underscored RAI's renewed engagement with the contest, building on consecutive participations since after a long hiatus, and reinforcing the broadcaster's commitment to showcasing Italian music on the international stage.

Subsequent performances

Following the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, Mahmood incorporated "Soldi" into his live performances during the 2019-2020 tour, which spanned multiple dates across , including a rendition in as part of the Good Vibes European Tour in October 2019. The song was also featured in his U.S. appearances during this period, such as concerts in New York and , often with dynamic staging adaptations that evolved from the original contest arrangement. In 2024, Mahmood performed "Soldi" live at the Mad Video Music Awards in , , on June 19, delivering a high-energy version backed by a full band and . Earlier that year, on April 15, he included the track in his setlist at Paradiso in , , during his European Tour 2024, where it received enthusiastic crowd responses in the intimate venue setting. Moving into 2025, Mahmood showcased "Soldi" at the Kings World Cup Nations final on January 12 in , , as part of the event's opening music show at Allianz Stadium, blending it with contemporary production elements for the international audience. Later that year, on May 25, he performed the song at Unipol Forum in (Assago), , during his NLDA Tour 2025, featuring an extended arrangement that highlighted its enduring appeal in a large arena format. Adaptations of "Soldi" appeared in medleys during Mahmood's Sanremo Festival appearances, including a 2025 cover night performance on February 14 that integrated the track with selections from his album Nei Letti Degli Altri such as "RA TA TA" and "Tuta Gold," presented in an energetic medley with dramatic staging and choreography. These renditions highlighted the song's place in Mahmood's evolving discography at festival stages.

Music video

The music video for "Soldi" was directed by Attilio Cusani and cinematographed by Davide Gatti. It was uploaded to Mahmood's official YouTube channel on 6 February 2019, shortly after the song's release and his Sanremo victory. The video visually interprets the song's autobiographical themes of family dysfunction and paternal absence. It features Mahmood in various settings, including a pivotal scene where an elderly man tattoos a snake on his back, symbolizing betrayal and his strained relationship with his father. The imagery draws on Mahmood's Italian-Egyptian heritage, incorporating subtle cultural elements alongside urban Milanese influences. As of November 2025, the video has accumulated over 218 million views on , contributing significantly to the song's viral success.

Track listings and formats

Original version

The original version of "Soldi" was released as a digital single on February 6, 2019, by , consisting of a single track with a runtime of 3:15 and lead vocals performed by Mahmood. This same version appears as the opening track (track 1) on Mahmood's debut studio album Gioventù bruciata, released on February 22, 2019, also by , maintaining the identical composition and length. A promotional CD single was issued in 2019 by Island Records and Barclay in France, featuring the original "Soldi" track alongside "Soldi (feat. Isac Elliot)". A karaoke version of the original was made available in 2019 on the album Eurovision Song Contest Tel Aviv 2019 (Karaoke Version) for promotional and rehearsal use in Eurovision contexts.
FormatRelease DateLabelTrack ListingRuntimeNotes
Digital single (MP3, 320 kbps)February 6, 2019Island Records1. Soldi3:15Standard vocal version by Mahmood.
Album version (CD/digital)February 22, 2019Island Records1. Soldi (from Gioventù bruciata)3:15Identical to digital single.
CD single (promo CDr)2019Island Records / Barclay1. Soldi
2. Soldi (feat. Isac Elliot)		3:19
3:49		French promotional release.
Karaoke variant (digital)2019Universal Music Group (promotional)Soldi (karaoke version)3:05For promotional and rehearsal use.

Other official versions

On May 10, 2019, Island Records released two language-adapted versions as digital singles:
  • "Soldi (feat. Isac Elliot)", an English version with Finnish singer Isac Elliot.
  • "Soldi (feat. Maikel Delacalle)", a Spanish version with Spanish artist Maikel Delacalle.

Remixes

The official remix package for Mahmood's "Soldi" was released in the months following the original track's debut in February 2019, featuring contributions from prominent electronic producers to adapt the song for dancefloors and radio play. The Benny Benassi Remix, released on March 8, 2019, as a digital single, incorporates signature EDM drops and pulsating synths, transforming the trap-influenced original into a high-energy electro house track suitable for clubs. Similarly, the Denis First Remix, issued on March 15, 2019, emphasizes club-oriented beats with a focus on extended builds and drops, also available as a digital MP3 single via Island Records. The Vigiland Remix followed on March 22, 2019, infusing uplifting elements with bright melodies and a summery vibe, positioning it for promotion during the warmer months. Later in the year, the Saradis Remix emerged on August 28, 2019, as a free download, adding trumpet-infused layers and grooves to create a more radio-friendly, danceable interpretation. Beyond these official releases, numerous unofficial and fan-produced remixes proliferated online in , particularly on platforms like and , reflecting the song's global popularity post-Eurovision. Notable examples include the BadMakers , an early bootleg from February that amps up the trap elements for a grittier sound; the Sagi Kariv from May , which reworks the track into a house-leaning edit; and the Tony X feat. version from the same month, blending reggaeton influences. By 2020, over 10 remix variants had surfaced across various platforms, showcasing diverse genres from trap to melodic techno.

Legacy and impact

Cultural significance

"Soldi" served as a pivotal launchpad for Mahmood's rise to stardom in the Italian music industry. Following the song's success at the 2019 and , Mahmood released his debut studio Gioventù bruciata in February 2019, which debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart. His subsequent , Ghettolimpo in 2021 and Nei letti degli altri in 2024, also achieved top positions on Italian charts, with the latter reaching number one, solidifying his commercial trajectory with three top-10 releases. Additionally, the momentum from "Soldi" propelled Mahmood to represent once more at the in 2022 alongside Blanco with the duet "," further cementing his status as a leading figure in contemporary Italian pop. The song's urban trap-infused style and use of Italian as the primary language marked a significant shift in Eurovision representation, pioneering non-English entries with hip-hop and R&B elements that diverged from traditional contest formats. This approach highlighted Italy's evolving music scene, influencing subsequent national selections in the 2020s by encouraging diverse, trap-influenced acts that blended multicultural sounds with modern genres. Mahmood's performance with "Soldi" demonstrated the viability of such styles on an international stage, inspiring broader experimentation in Eurovision entries across . On a societal level, "Soldi" resonated deeply in by addressing themes of immigrant identity and absent fatherhood, drawing from Mahmood's own biracial heritage as the son of an Italian mother and Egyptian father who left when he was young. The lyrics' exploration of financial and emotional "debts" to an estranged parent sparked national discussions on family dynamics and , especially amid political debates over . Mahmood's success amplified conversations about what constitutes Italian identity in a diversifying society, challenging traditional notions through his . In terms of long-term digital impact, "Soldi" became the most-streamed Eurovision entry on shortly after its release, holding the record until it was surpassed by Duncan Laurence's "Arcade" in January 2021. By November 2025, the track had accumulated over 260 million streams on the platform, establishing it as a enduring benchmark for Eurovision songs' streaming potential.

Covers and usage in media

Following its release and performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, "Soldi" inspired numerous amateur covers shared on platforms like YouTube. Notable examples include a vocal rendition by Italian singer Andrea Renzullo uploaded in May 2019, which garnered over 12,000 views, and an acoustic cover by British artist William Kane released in October 2019 as part of a Eurovision tribute project. Other fan interpretations, such as a Spanish-language version by Pedro Rivas in May 2019 and various guitar covers, further demonstrated the song's appeal among Eurovision enthusiasts, though no major professional covers have emerged as of 2025. The track has also been the subject of several parodies, often adapting its lyrics to humorous or topical contexts. In 2019, Italian creators produced versions like a Fortnite-themed by gamers focusing on in-game challenges and a Juventus football club tribute lamenting the team's Champions League exit, both uploaded to shortly after the song's Eurovision run. Additional parodies appeared on , including a 2023 Sicilian dialect version by Davide Kyo and Greek-language adaptations mocking everyday scenarios, highlighting the song's versatility for fan-driven satire. "Soldi" has seen significant usage in , particularly on , where it has been featured in numerous videos since 2019, often in dance challenges, lip-sync trends, and Eurovision recaps. These viral adaptations, peaking around 2022 with tying the song's themes of longing and money to skits, have extended its cultural reach beyond music platforms. While specific commercial advertisements sampling the track remain limited, its remixes have been incorporated into DJ sets at electronic music festivals. In live events, "Soldi" appeared in tributes during sports spectacles, including a performance by Mahmood himself at the Kings World Cup Nations Grand Final in in January 2025, where the artist headlined the halftime music show at Allianz Stadium, drawing on the song's high-energy vibe to engage the audience. Eurovision fan conventions have similarly featured informal covers and mashups of the track during segments, underscoring its enduring popularity within the contest's community.

References

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