Entertainment
Eurovision winner Toto Cutugno dies aged 80-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
He was known for his hits L’Italiano and Solo Noi.
Eurovision winner Toto Cutugno has died (Pictures: Getty)
Italian singer Toto Cutugno has died aged 80.
The legendary hit musician won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1990 with the song Insieme: 1992.
Held in Zagreb, the 1990 Song Contest marked the second time Italy won.
His most well-known hit however was L’Italiano, released on his 1983 album of the same name, which went to number one across Europe.
Cutugno died on Tuesday, August 22, at Milan’s San Raffaelle hospital.
Ahead of winning Eurovision, Cutugno first participated in Italy’s Sanremo Musical Festival in 1976, coming in third place.
In 1980, he returned to the festival and won the competition with Solo Nui, before returning six more times where he came in second place.
Cutugno, who wrote songs for the likes of Adriano Celentano and Fiordaliso, went on to compete in the festival a total of 15 times.
As well as a singer and songwriter, Cutugno was a television presenter, and presented Eurovision in Rome in 1991, after his victory, with Italy’s first winner Gigliola Cinquetti.
Cutugno was most well-known for his hit L’Italiano (Picture: Getty Images)
At the age of 46, Cutugno became the oldest Eurovision winner until 2000, when the Olsen Brothers won.
After Cutugno, Italy didn’t win Eurovision until 2021, when Maneskin soared to victory.
Cutugno was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, but recovered for his final time taking part in the Sanremo Festival in 2010.
He was given a lifetime career award at the Festival in 2013.
He is survived by his wife Carla Cutugno, and his son Nico.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Eurovision singer Patricia Bredin, UK’s first ever act at song contest, dies aged 88
Entertainment – MetroRead More
