Mr. Mengoni, ten years ago you represented Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Malmö and came seventh with your song "L'essenziale". What has changed for you as a result of participating in the ESC?
Peter-Philipp Schmitt
Editor in the "Germany and the World" department.
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I was only 24 at the time, and since then I've developed a lot as an artist. I've worked a lot, finished several albums, given a lot of concerts. These are experiences that I didn't even have at the time. I also meditate today, I have completely different priorities in life. This year I just want to enjoy the ESC.
In order to participate in the ESC, you first had to win the Festival della Canzone Italiana in Sanremo again. Is a win in Sanremo even better than a win at the ESC?
Sanremo plays a very special role in Italy, and I'm an Italian artist. My victory this year came as a complete surprise to me. But the ESC offered me completely different opportunities. I've always wanted to perform outside of Italy, and I only got that chance through the ESC.
Was it clear to you beforehand that if you won in Sanremo, you would go to the ESC again?
Yes. Because the first time I couldn't really enjoy every moment in Malmö. This time I take this opportunity. Being able to go to the ESC a second time is an opportunity that not many people get. That's why it was clear to me that I would definitely compete again, absolutely, 100 percent.
In Germany, there are many established artists who do not want to compete at the ESC because they fear it could harm their musical careers.
The ESC first made me known internationally, since then I have been giving concerts outside Italy, and in October I will go on a European tour again. For me, the ESC was a gift for which I am grateful. And as I said, that's why I was happy to come a second time.
Like the first time, you don't have a big show in Liverpool, you stand alone on the big stage and sing your song "Due vite".
In 2013 I was alone on stage, this time it's a little different. I wanted to make something that had a connection to my song, that showed what the lyrics were about. I don't have any dancers, but there are two acrobats on the video screen who are supposed to represent the two lives I'm singing about. My song is about a relationship between two people who live different lives, consciously and unconsciously, who seek solace in moments of joy and despair. The ups and downs represent the two acrobats.
It was not clear from the beginning that you would sing "Due vite" after Sanremo at the ESC.
After Sanremo, I went back into the studio and worked on my new album, "Materia (Prisma)", which is very personal and intimate. There are many songs I particularly like, also because they are so close to me. Since I didn't have to decide right away, I hesitated. It took me a while, but "Due vite" is the right song for me and this time.
Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom are always directly qualified for the final. On the one hand, this is not entirely fair, but on the other hand, it can also be an advantage to have to go through a semi-final: You have more time to rehearse on stage, and you have the opportunity to once again present your song to an audience of millions. What's your take on that?
I'd like to face a semi-final. I think the same rules should apply to everyone. I wouldn't need any more rehearsals or dress rehearsals, but to be able to perform twice in front of an audience of millions is also important. So it's really not entirely fair.
Do you keep track of the place where the betting shops you see?
No. Not at all. I'm not interested in numbers. That only puts me under pressure, and it makes me feel insecure. I want to have fun, and this time I want to meet all the artists from all 37 countries. That's my big goal. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to do that in Malmö.