According to journalist Barbara Visentin writing in Corriere della Sera, singer-songwriter Eugenio Finardi has been confirmed as the third official contestant for the upcoming season of Rai 1’s celebrity dance competition Ballando con le stelle, scheduled to premiere on October 3. Known historically for counterculture anthems and protest music, the 74-year-old artist joins a cast that already includes Aurora Ramazzotti and Alessandro Matri on the Milly Carlucci-hosted weekend show.
From Counterculture Anthems to Saturday Night Television
For an artist whose 1978 hit “Extraterrestre” became an escapist anthem during an era of fierce political protest, crossing over into mainstream variety television might seem like an abrupt shift. Yet Finardi rejects the notion that the move contradicts his career, describing himself to Corriere della Sera as a dadaist by nature who enjoys overturning public perceptions. According to the singer-songwriter, he views the program simply as an unexpected avenue for exploration at age 74, noting that his life has opened up rather than narrowed down.
The decision to participate followed a significant physical transformation. Finardi revealed that he dropped 23 kilograms through strict dieting and exercise, discovering along the way that social dancing with friends brought him genuine joy. Though he has never competed in a television show outside of the Sanremo Music Festival, he recalled that dancing is hardly new to him; he shared a photograph from his 1970 American high school yearbook where he and a classmate were voted best dancers.
Did you know? Eugenio Finardi joins the cast of Ballando con le stelle at age 74, pointing out that life’s road can suddenly widen into an airport runway for new experiences.
Fan Reactions and Navigating Ideological Polemics
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among his longstanding fanbase. According to Finardi, critics within his dedicated following—whom he refers to as the Finardi Gang—have voiced disapproval, particularly male fans who feel proprietary over his musical legacy. Conversely, he noted that women and several other listeners have embraced the news with humor and enthusiasm.
Addressing potential ideological criticisms regarding a shift toward Rai, the network often viewed as aligned with the current government, Finardi noted that the artists who established pirate radio stations and the historic Parco Lambro festivals actually began their careers in Rai. He dismissed political debates surrounding a dance contest as ridiculous, emphasizing that he intends to focus on the physical challenge rather than ideological friction.
Physical Demands and Life Beyond the Music Industry
Preparation for the grueling dance routines presents a formidable hurdle. Finardi admitted he expects the physical toll to be immense, acknowledging that while his competitive spirit is intact, his tendons will face a severe test. Despite potential friction with judges’ scorecards, he maintains that he is naturally thin-skinned yet relaxed about dance critiques, especially since his active concert tour provides his primary anchor in professional music.
Reflecting on his broader career trajectory, Finardi told Corriere della Sera that since exiting the major music industry around 2000, public memory often reduces his decades of diverse life experiences—including raising three children and earning advanced scuba and pilot licenses—back to the political protests of the 1970s. Through his participation, he hopes viewers might simply recognize him with a smile and remark on his dancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new season of Ballando con le stelle begin?
According to Corriere della Sera, the Rai 1 show hosted by Milly Carlucci premieres on October 3.
Who are the confirmed contestants announced alongside Eugenio Finardi?
Aurora Ramazzotti and Alessandro Matri have also been confirmed as official contestants for the upcoming season.
How did Eugenio Finardi prepare physically for the show?
According to the artist, he lost 23 kilograms through diet and exercise before discovering a passion for social dancing.
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