[2025] Popular Italian Artists: A roundup of recommended singers and rappers

Nessun grado di separazioneFrancesca Michielin

Francesca Michielin – Nessun grado di separazione (Sanremo 2016) (Official Video)

The popular audition show X Factor is broadcast around the world.

It’s made up of country-specific versions, and Francesca Michielin won Season 5 of Italy’s X Factor.

X Factor is known for its extremely high level of competition, and since Michielin came out on top, her fundamentals—such as vocal ability and arrangement—are exceptionally solid.

She’s also actively honing her craft as an artist to this day, entering events like the Sanremo Music Festival, and her songs are highly sophisticated.

If you’re looking for distinctive tracks, she’s a must-listen!

Sere nereTiziano Ferro

Tiziano Ferro – Sere nere

Tiziano Ferro, a world-renowned music producer and Grammy Award winner.

Because he’s more active as a music producer than as a singer, many people may not be familiar with him.

His musical style is fundamentally pop, but soulful phrases appear here and there.

His vocals also perfectly match that approach—soulful and powerful—and he possesses exceptionally high skills both as a singer and as a composer.

Ti ho voluto bene veramenteMarco Mengoni

Marco Mengoni – Ti ho voluto bene veramente (Videoclip)

Marco Mengoni won a prize at the Sanremo Music Festival in 2013 and took first place that same year.

In 2010, he became the first Italian artist to be chosen as the Best European Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

He is one of the most prominent young singers in Italy today.

Occidentali’s KarmaFrancesco Gabbani

Francesco Gabbani – Occidentali’s Karma (Official Music Video)

Francesco Gabbani, whose trademark is a comedian-like little mustache, is a highly skilled artist who has won the Sanremo Music Festival twice.

This work, which uses Buddhism as a motif, is the winning song from 2017.

He is said to not only sing but also play all kinds of instruments, and his versatility comes through in the music video.

HabibiGhali

GHALI – Habibi (Prod. Charlie Charles)

Ghali, a popular Italian rapper who has collaborated with globally renowned artists like Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, and Travis Scott, can be summed up in one word: high sense.

His stylish, impeccably tasteful flow stands out, and every release is crafted with a sleek vibe.

You can catch hints of an Arabian atmosphere throughout his tracks, likely because his parents are Tunisian.

It’s fun to listen closely for those subtle details, so be sure to check out a variety of his songs.

Un mondo miglioreVasco Rossi

Vasco Rossi – Un Mondo Migliore

Vasco Rossi is a veteran Italian singer known for his distinctive husky voice.

While his voice is generally natural, it drops to an extremely low register during quiet parts, making the A and B sections of his songs especially powerful and resonant—one of his key attractions as an artist.

He is also a lyricist, and the songs he has written have sold over 35 million copies.

As mentioned, his vocals are highly compelling, but his lyrics are excellent as well, so why not check out the Japanese translations too?

Portami viaFabrizio Moro

Fabrizio Moro – Portami via – Sanremo 2017

Fabrizio Moro is a singer-songwriter known for his captivating husky voice.

He was born in Rome on April 9, 1975.

Performing passionately while playing acoustic guitar, he began his music career in 1996.

In 2000, he released his debut album, “Fabrizio Moro.” After steadily pursuing his music, he won the Newcomers’ section of Italy’s renowned Sanremo Music Festival in 2007, making his name known across the country.

The song he entered with, “Pensa,” is still cherished today as one of his signature tracks.