Italian show girl and ex-wife to Eros Ramazzotti, Michelle Hunziker is neither old nor unattractive, but since she’s been on Italian television since 1996 at the age of 21, we figure she deserves the title “veteran” for her long-term experience and enjoyed favourite status among Italians.

Michelle Hunziker is Swiss-born and had an ambition to be a television conductor herself, rather the silent, pretty side kick to the ageing man who got all the lines. And she has had a very successful career on Italian television, conducting some of the most popular programs from “Paperissima Sprint” to “Striscia la notizia“, “Festivalbar” and, of course, the Festival of San Remo. Check out in the photo shoot with Vanity Fair.

Michelle Hunziker Vanity Fair

Continue reading: Veteran Italian showgirl Michelle Hunziker for Vanity Fair

Something of an Italian jazz artist, Pino Daniele here sings “Un vento di passione” or “Passionate wind” with female Italian singer Giorgia at the 2007 Italian Festivalbar, Milan. The live concert in Milan near the Duomo and Galleria is an incredible setting for such a spine-shivering song. Here we give you the English lyrics to this simple, but beautiful, love song.

“Un vento di passione” by Pino Daniele

Il ricordo di un amore
viaggia nella testa
e non c’è una ragione
quando cerchiamo quel che resta

The memory of a love
Travels in the mind
and there’s no logic
When we look for what remains

Continue reading: Italian love songs: English lyrics to "Un vento di passione" by Pino Daniele and Giorgia

People either love him or hate him but Vasco Rossi’s words “E allora dai gioca con me” (come on then play with me) will likely be the most heard on the radio, at Festivalbar and on music TV for summer 2008. If you’re ready to bet on this, Vasco usually arrives with a bang and after his latest single, “Il mondo che vorrei”, he’s getting serious.

“Gioca con me” (Play with me), is the second single from his album and it’s been around the radio network for a few days now. It’s a classic rock piece (from Slash) that half of Italy will hear in the stadiums around the country during the Vasco live 2008 tour. The new single has more grunt and movement than the last that was destined to give a taste of the legend’s return.

From first listen, we reckon this will be the rock song of the summer, and we may even hear a house-dance remix before long. Below is the song so you can decide for yourself - remember, Italian discos are not against playing rock.

Continue reading: Vasco Rossi new single: "Gioca con me"