Arisa: New Song, Sanremo & Personal Struggles | Latest News
Rosalba Pippa, known professionally as Arisa, is currently appearing on the Rai 1 program Canzonissima, following a fourth-place finish at the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival with her song “Magica Favola.” The singer-songwriter has described a need to operate consistently, citing her self-produced music career.
Arisa’s relationship with the Sanremo festival has been described as “tormented,” marked by both triumphs and periods of exclusion. She first gained national recognition after winning the New Proposals category in 2009 with “Sincerità,” and has since achieved success with songs like “Malamorenò,” “La Notte,” and “Controvento.” Despite these successes, she has publicly expressed frustration with the selection process, stating in a 2025 appearance on Maria De Filippi’s Amici, “Sono due anni che Amadeus non mi prende a Sanremo” – “It’s been two years since Amadeus hasn’t chosen me for Sanremo.”
The artist has acknowledged experiencing periods of self-doubt, describing herself as “sometimes overvalued” and questioning her own abilities. She credited Maria De Filippi with helping her regain confidence and stability, stating, “Maria De Filippi mi ha rimessa in piedi” – “Maria De Filippi put me back on my feet.”
Arisa recently released a new single, “Il tuo profumo,” which she says was inspired by a demanding breakup. She explained that the song emerged from a “super litigata con il mio ex fidanzato” – “a super fight with my ex-boyfriend.” She has also spoken about the challenges of being a female artist in the Italian music industry, and the lack of investment in women. Arisa has chosen to self-produce her work, a decision she attributes to the need for financial independence.
In a recent interview, Arisa clarified comments she made regarding Giorgia Meloni, stating that her remarks were about character, not political affiliation. She noted that the resulting backlash led to her being disinvited from performing at Gay Pride, an outcome she found personally hurtful. She also expressed a desire to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, viewing it as a potential opportunity for redemption after facing professional setbacks.