Amici Enters New Terrain With Combat Sports and Skating
Boxing, judo, and artistic roller skating have officially entered the classroom for the 26th edition of Amici di Maria De Filippi, a talent show born in 2001, according to an editorial published by All Music Italia.
The introduction of these three physical disciplines has sparked debate and irony across social media platforms. While critics point to a broader malaise surrounding the format, the editorial suggests the unexpected curriculum shift represents an operational reassessment rather than a terminal decline, potentially pointing toward a new path for the production.
Origins in Dance and the 2008 Recording Industry Boom
Launched in 2001, the program originally centered on the physical demands and sacrifices required of dancers, with singing added later. The show’s commercial trajectory shifted in 2008 when Marco Carta moved over 120,000 physical copies, drawing interest from record labels.
The school has produced artists including Alessandra Amoroso, Emma, Annalisa, Elodie, Valerio Scanu, The Kolors, and Dear Jack, alongside later career revivals for artists like Irama and Gaia. At the same time, the editorial points to high-pressure release cycles such as Valerio Scanu’s output of five albums, a repack, and a live record in three years under EMI.
Shifting Music Tastes and the Sports Hypothesis
Discussion regarding a potential format crisis has persisted for several years, intensifying over the last two. The editorial suggests the decline in interest depends on the reduced success of students and the shifting of tastes toward rap, indie, and other genres. Vocal coach Luca Jurman has argued for a return to studio, talent, and sacrifice to build artists meant to last.
Drawing a direct line back to the program’s origin of highlighting the hidden sweat behind a discipline, the All Music Italia editorial contends that sports align with the format’s philosophy. Proponents of this view maintain that the production remains television first and music second, operating under the principle that Maria De Filippi has a vision.
Future Outlook and Unconfirmed Production Plans
Neither Maria De Filippi nor the show’s production team has issued public statements confirming a change of direction. It remains unconfirmed whether boxing, judo, and artistic roller skating serve as an experiment for the 26th edition or a choice destined to remain in future editions.
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