2019: The Runner-Up

MAHMOOD WITH "SOLDI" FOR ITALY

PHOTO SOURCE: Attilio Cusani

For the first year ever, I’m including the Runner-Ups in my list. They deserve a highlight all their own and this entry alone inspired the need for this category. Unique and passionate with a dash of mystery, Soldi (trans. "Money") managed to stand out among a litany of competition. It just takes something extra extra special to contend with the best, and this song definitely does.

I think what set this apart, beside's it's lack of a traditional chorus, was just how raw Mahmood's performances are. The song tells the classic story of how money can't buy happiness, or a father's love. There's bitterness here but also, a sense of recovery. It's his way of owning his trauma. That's called post traumatic growth, and that's why this was one of the best of 2019. It also is notable for including lyrics in Arabic and some of the slickest musical production to meet Eurovision.

Final Score: 472 pts (2nd place out of 26)

Written by Charlie Charles, Dario "Dardust" Faini & Alessandro Mahmoud

Final Performance:

Music Video: