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

Spazio TempoFrancesco Gabbani

Francesco Gabbani – Spazio Tempo (Official Video)

Francesco Gabbani is a highly skilled singer-songwriter who won the Newcomers’ section of the 2016 Sanremo Music Festival.

While he excels in electro-pop and indie pop, he’s also adept at ballads, and both styles have earned him high praise.

When people think of Italian music, many might imagine opera or Latin-flavored tunes, but his songs share many similarities with Japanese melodies, making them enjoyable even for those who don’t often listen to Western music.

Quando una stella muoreGiorgia

Giorgia – Quando una stella muore (Videoclip)

Debuting in 1992, Giorgia is one of Italy’s leading female singers.

Her distinctive soulful voice is showcased to the fullest in this song.

She performs a wide range of material—from mellow, mature ballads to upbeat pop numbers—and she’s quite a capable dancer as well.

L’AllegriaGianni Morandi

Gianni Morandi – L’Allegria (Official Video)

Gianni Morandi, an Italian singer who was hugely successful in the 1960s, was a national superstar in Italy—akin to Kyu Sakamoto in Japan.

Unusually for an artist, his popularity waned in the 1970s but he made a comeback in the 1980s.

The turning point was adapting his style to fit the times, and that effortless flexibility is truly appealing.

His popularity remains remarkable even today: in 2019, one of his songs was used in a film soundtrack, leading to yet another resurgence in his seventies.

Be sure to experience his voice, which has captivated audiences for decades.

Ma il cielo è sempre più bluGiucy Ferreri

[MUSIC VIDEO] Ma il cielo è sempre più blu – Giusy Ferreri

Juicy Ferreri is a pop singer who brings vibrant color to Italy’s music scene.

In 2008, her appearance on the TV show X Factor catapulted her to stardom.

Her debut single, “Non ti scordar mai di me,” quickly swept the charts.

In 2015, “Roma-Bangkok” held the No.

1 spot for 11 consecutive weeks, achieving the remarkable milestone of diamond certification.

She has received numerous honors, including the Best New Artist award at the Venice Music Awards, but her greatest appeal lies in her unique voice.

Combined with moving lyrics, it captivates listeners and won’t let go.

If you’re interested in Italian pop music, why not dive into the world of Juicy Ferreri?

Un vento senza nomeIrene Grandi

Irene Grandi – Un vento senza nome (Videoclip)

Irene Grandi debuted in 1992 and has since worked across a wide range of genres, including pop, soul, and jazz.

She has collaborated with artists who have been central to the Italian music scene, such as Vasco Rossi, Jovanotti, and Eros Ramazzotti.

This song has a calm, soothing atmosphere, yet her powerful vocals are also part of its appeal.

Ti regalerò una rosaSimone Cristicchi

Simone Cristicchi – Ti regalerò una rosa (videoclip)

Songs by Simone Cristicchi, known for his trademark afro hair, all have quite distinctive lyrics.

Many are somewhat cynical and ironic, and this one, too, is about a man who’s a bit mentally unwell.

If you really think about the meaning of the lyrics, it might be scary.

But the melody is beautiful and easy on the ears.

ControventoArisa

Arisa – Controvento (Official Video) – Sanremo 2014

Alisa is a singer with a cute short hairstyle and a strong, determined voice that leaves a lasting impression.

She was born in Genoa on August 20, 1982.

In 1999, she won the Cavacavallo Contest, where her vocal ability was recognized.

Ten years later, she took part in Italy’s prestigious Sanremo Music Festival with the song “Sincerità,” and impressively won in the Newcomers category.

She then released her debut album of the same name and quickly rose to the status of one of Italy’s top pop singers.