Laura Pausini is, right now, possibly the most highly regarded Italian recording artist in the world. In 2021, she won four Latin Grammys, a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe, and received a historic Oscars nod (for the first-ever song sung entirely in Italian to be nominated) before performing Io sรฌ (Seen) at the 93rd Academy Awards.
LAURA PAUSINI STATED
โI am happy that Eurovision is finally back in Italy and honoured to lead such an important event, together with my friends Mika and Ale! Together we want to show Europe and the world our extraordinary country. For me, 2022 has started with new music and this fantastic appointment. I want to face Eurovision, a musical event par excellence in Europe and one of the most important television shows in the world, with the same energy that has accompanied me throughout my career. We are ready โฆ and, indeed, we canโt wait!โ
Laura performed her latest single Scatola (from the film Piacere di Conoscerti) during Sanremo, which can be watched, along with the rest of the show, on Raiโs streaming service.
Joining Laura is Alessandro Cattelan; this year celebrating 20 years of presenting, there are a few more recognisable faces on Italian television.
As the creator and host of late shows, entertainment evenings and brand new formats, Alessandro is probably best known for hosting Total Request Live, Le Iene, and The X Factor (Italy).
In March, the talented presenter will host another new show, Alessandro Cattelan: Una Semplice Question, where Alessandro searches for happiness through interviews and unique experiences with celebrity guests like Paolo Sorrentino and Roberto Baggio.
“It is an honour to have been called to host Eurovision 2022, it is one of the most followed and well-known shows in the world and this year organising it in Italy represents a great opportunity and a historic event for our country. I have known Laura Pausini and Mika for some time, we have already worked together and we have always had a lot of fun. And Iโm sure it will be the same this time too.”
And completing the lineup is the incredible Mika.
Since his debut single Grace Kelly (2007), the Lebanese-British singer-songwriter has enjoyed a career without artistic barriers set by genre, geography or societal expectations.
After Eurovision, this eclectic pop star will be touring across North America (including the prestigious Coachella Festival) before continuing to gig across Europe and Italy.
MIKA STATED
‘More than ever I believe in the importance of an international community, in our common values. I believe in the union of people, in breaking down the walls to celebrate our similarities as much as our differences. We can do it thanks to music, which is the most universal form of expression. Eurovision is this and so much more! Iโve been watching it since I was a kid, the whole family would get together for the Grand Final. Once a year, more than 40 countries share the same emotions, regardless of history or the political situation: music unites them. Itโs an exciting honour to be one of the masters of the ceremony on these fantastic nights.โ
