The spate of national final withdrawals in the 2025 season continues. Italy brings us a new reason: rapper Emis Killa has withdrawn due to his investigation by anti-mafia investigators.
Emis Killa withdraws due to mafia probe
As reported by Italian news site Ansa, Emis Killa is tied to an ongoing mafia investigation related to AC Milan and Inter Milan. Real name Emiliano Giambelli, he is a fan of AC Milan; several organized fan groups are under investigation. He had previously been ordered by Milanese police chief Bruno Megale to not attend sporting events for the next three years.
Emis Killa would have competed with the song “Demoni”. As of now, no information has come to light as to whether or not he will be replaced in the running order.
Italy’s Eurovision journey
Italy has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since the very beginning and have always been considered a powerhouse in the contest. The country has won the contest on three occasions in 1964, 1990 and 2021. Italy withdrew after 1997, returning again in 2011 with Raphael Gualazzi who sang ‘Madness Of Love’. Raphael placed second in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest after scoring 189 points.
Italy’s most recent entry in 2024 was “La Noia” by Angelina Mango. At the close of voting, Italy scored a total of 268 points in the Eurovision 2024 Grand Final, placing 7th. Of these, 164 points came from the juries, whilst the remaining 104 points came from the televote.
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News Source: Ansa
Photo Credit: Mattia Guolo
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