Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
A standout at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, Laura Pausini has carved a niche for herself in the global music pantheon thanks to her vocal prowess and a multilingual approach to her craft.
It really is incredible just how much the Sanremo Music Festival, Italy’s premier annual song competition, has influenced the music scene internationally. From Andrea Bocelli to Il Volo, more superstars have emerged from this event than almost any other of its kind. The winner of the Newcomer Artist competition in 1993, then 19-year-old Laura Pausini is a perfect example of how singing in restaurants with your father can turn into international superstardom overnight with a little help from Sanremo.
Laura was born in Faenza, in the province of Ravenna, to a musical family. Her father, Fabrizio, was a respected pianist who played with members of ABBA and the Italian pop band Pooh, among many others. As Laura grew, so did her vocal prowess. Her dad worked closely with her as more and more people began noticing her inherent talent.
After her triumphant debut in Sanremo, Laura released her first album, a self-titled smash that sold 2 million copies. The next year, she followed “Laura Pausini” with “Laura,” losing the surname and selling millions of copies more. In just over a year, she became a certified star with a total of 5 million copies sold.
Her quest to go international drew her to multilingual projects. She recorded songs in 12 different languages, with a penchant for Spanish-language projects. Over the decades, she has achieved remarkable recognition in the Spanish-speaking world, becoming the first European woman honored by the Latin Recording Academy as Person of the Year when she netted the award in 2023.
On the way to that award, she earned an astounding four Latin Grammys as well as an American Grammy for the Best Latin Pop Album in 2006 en route to becoming the best-selling non-Hispanic female artist in Latin America. She was also ranked ninth on Billboard’s Best 50 Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time.
In 2025, Laura received Billboard Italy’s Global Icon Award at a Vatican ceremony attended by Pope Leo XIV for her extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the art and industry of music.
Along with Mina, Eros Ramazzotti, Tiziano Ferro, Zucchero, Umberto Tozzi, Jovanotti, Adriano Celentano and a few other superstars, Laura has successfully made the leap from Italian pop stardom to international fame, not just by recording in various languages, but also by helping to transform Italian music into a global phenomenon.
In 2014, I had the honor of bringing a Laura Pausini concert to the Chicago Theatre. It was an incredible experience and a fabulous show. All 3,600 seats were sold, and it was an international party that I won’t soon forget.
Much like the other acts from Italy I’ve worked with, she had a huge support crew, including personal assistants, makeup and hair professionals, sound and light technicians, guitar and drum techs, public relations contacts, and others. And the person at the top of the support pyramid was none other than the man who helped start it all, Laura’s father, Fabrizio. I spent a lot of time with him while the show was in town and there was no doubt who was in charge: Fabrizio was warm and fatherly, but all business.
Although she was an internationally renowned vocalist, television star and songwriter, Laura gladly yielded behind-the-scenes control to her father, who made certain that every decision was made in her best interest. Backstage felt more like a family party than high-security rock-star setting. Laura was sincere, playful and friendly, but at the same time professional, focused and decisive.
When I initially put the tickets on sale, the Italian community went crazy, gobbling up the first few rows on the main floor and in the balcony. I kept getting asked if the show would feature the “real” Laura Pausini or a tribute act! “No, it is REALLY her,” I would say.
When I got the word out to the Latin communities, you would think I was bringing Elvis in! They truly embraced her and couldn’t wait to see her live. Ticket sales went through the roof.
At that point, it occurred to me that she would be playing to two completely different fan bases. So which song, I asked her, would she sing in what language?
“I generally have my set list preplanned,” she said. “But I also read the room and change it a bit if I see that there is much more of one than the other. Sometimes I’ll just ask the audience.”
Before the show, I brought a few friends backstage to meet her, introducing her as “The Queen.” She looked at me and said, “Oh, no, I am not the queen.”
She was quite humble, as I expected, but her response was interesting because it was more than just a sign of personal humility. She meant that she wasn’t the queen, her songs were. “It is the music that has the respect of the masses. It is the music that directs my entire team to come together under one focus. I am merely the humble subject that delivers the song, but it is the music that rules in the end,” she said.
Fast-forward a dozen years to the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. The opening ceremony was nothing short of breathtaking, with the featured performer being Andrea Bocelli. Italy did an impressive job of showcasing the wonders of the country and the welcoming nature of its citizens. One of the most awe-inspiring moments in the festivities was the Italian national anthem sung by Laura Pausini.
The ceremony began with a reverent procession of dozens of fashion models attired in green, white and red Giorgio Armani pantsuits. Laura was dressed in a stunning black gown, also by Armani, all as an homage to the late, great designer.
Her performance was powerful and emotional, rooted in national identity and unity. As each line was sung, and as the Italian flag rose in unison with her vocals, it was evident that Laura was overcome with pride. “I do not believe I have ever been more proud of being Italian than I was during that performance,” Laura said afterward.
Her sincere affection for people regardless of national borders can be seen in her efforts to fight poverty and hunger, especially among children. “My heart breaks for those who suffer,” she said about her participation in a benefit concert in Chile. Last year, she threw her support behind the Wildfire Relief initiative that was launched to aid the victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles.
After 75 million albums sold and countless nominations and awards, Laura Pausini continues to wow audiences and sell out shows all over the world. To me, she is the best Italian female vocalist out there, transcending genres, generations and cultures. And I’m confident that there’s plenty of success ahead for this “Olympian” of a pop star!
Laura Pausini will perform at the Rosemont Theatre on May 30. For more, click here.
The above article appears in the April 2026 issue of the print version of Fra Noi. Our gorgeous, monthly magazine contains a veritable feast of news and views, profiles and features, entertainment and culture.
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