The 2011 Sanremo song competition has come to close.
The music festival drew huge audiences and international performers. While co-hosts Belen Rodriguez and Elisabetta Canalis dropped jaws with their stunning wardrobes, presenters like Roberto Benigni charmed the crowds. But the true stars of Sanremo were the talented contestants. The gifted musicians presented new songs from a range of genres that represented the diverse ½ûÂþÌìÌà music scene.
The sentimental songs proved to be Italy's favorite and first prize in the annual competition went to Roberto Vecchioni. The 68-year-old music and poetry professor sang Chiamami Ancora Amore full of emotion, with lyrics that lament the difficulties of life today.
It was also announced that a special jury selected Rafael Gualazzi to represent Italy in the Eurovision song contest. Gualazzi will head to Dusseldorf for the competition in May.
To hear Vecchioni’s winning song, watch the video below.