Lorella Cuccarini
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Lorella Cuccarini Persili (born August 10, 1965) is an Italian singer, actress, dancer, and television presenter.


Life and career

Cuccarini was born in Rome. At nine years old, she started to attend the dance school of (choreographer and husband of Carmen Russo).


1982–1985: Television debut with ''Fantastico'' and dancing career

After some experiences as a
chorus girl A chorus line is a large group of dancers who together perform synchronized routines, usually in musical theatre. Sometimes, singing is also performed. While synchronized dancing indicative of a chorus line was vogue during the first half of th ...
, Lorella Cuccarini made her television debut at nineteen years old as a member of the dance crew on ''Te lo do io il Brasile'', which aired on
Rete 4 Rete 4 (in English Network 4, also known as Retequattro) is an Italian free-to-air television channel operated by Mediaset and owned by MFE - MediaForEurope MediaForEurope, officially MFE – MediaForEurope N.V., formerly Mediaset Grou ...
. She later gained national recognition in the variety show ''Fantastico'', hosted by
Pippo Baudo Giuseppe Vittorio Raimondo "Pippo" Baudo (born 7 June 1936) is one of the most famous Italian television presenters, with a career spanning six decades. He is often nicknamed "Superpippo" (referencing the Italian name of Super Goof). Baudo ha ...
, in which Cuccarini served as a dancer and performer during the sketches. In the same years she also worked as a dancer on other successful Italian variety and games shows such as ''Il tastomatto'' and ''Sponsor City''.


1986–1990: Music breakthrough with ''Lorel'' and successful singles

In 1986, Lorella Cuccarini released her debut studio album ''Lorel'' under
Polydor Records Polydor Limited, also known as Polydor Records, is a British record label that operates as part of Universal Music Group. It has a close relationship with Universal's Interscope Geffen A&M Records label, which distributes Polydor's releases in ...
. A
pop Pop or POP may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * Pop music, a musical genre Artists * POP, a Japanese idol group now known as Gang Parade * Pop! (British group), a UK pop group * Pop! featuring Angie Hart, an Australian band Album ...
and
italo disco Italo disco (variously capitalized, and sometimes hyphenated as Italo-disco) is a music genre which originated in Italy in the late 1970s and was mainly produced in the 1980s. Italo disco evolved from the then-current underground dance, pop, ...
album, the record was promoted by the smash-hits "Sugar Sugar", "Kangarù" and "Tutto matto", which debuted on top-ten on the Italian singles charts and were promoted during some ''Fantastico'' performances. In 1987, the singer won the Premio Regia Televisiva as the "Female personality of the Year" and opened the German leg of
Adriano Celentano Adriano Celentano (; born 6 January 1938) is an Italian singer-songwriter, actor, showman, and filmmaker. He is dubbed ''Il Molleggiato'' ('the springy one') because of his energetic dancing. Celentano's many albums frequently enjoyed both com ...
's I miei americani... 2 Tour. From September 1987 to January 1988, Cuccarini co-hosted ''Festival'', a variety show created by
Pippo Baudo Giuseppe Vittorio Raimondo "Pippo" Baudo (born 7 June 1936) is one of the most famous Italian television presenters, with a career spanning six decades. He is often nicknamed "Superpippo" (referencing the Italian name of Super Goof). Baudo ha ...
which aired on
Canale 5 Canale 5 () is an Italian free-to-air television channel of Mediaset, owned by MFE - MediaForEurope. It was the first private television network to have national coverage in Italy in 1980. On 4 December 2012, Mediaset launched Canale 5 HD, a ...
. She also served as a co-host in other shows including ''Odiens'', ''Ciak 88'' and ''Vota la voce''. In 1989, Lorella Cuccarini made her music comeback with the single " La notte vola", which reached number 4 on the Italian singles charts and was certified platinum by
FIMI The Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana (FIMI) or the Federation of the Italian Music Industry is an umbrella organization that keeps track of virtually all aspects of the music recording industry in Italy. It was established in 1992, when ...
. To date "La notte vola" is considered Cuccarini's
signature song A signature (; from , "to sign") is a depiction of someone's name, nickname, or even a simple "X" or other mark that a person writes on documents as a proof of identity and intent. Signatures are often, but not always, handwritten or styliz ...
, with many artists taking inspiration and paying homage to it. The song was also re-recorded in English and Spanish language and entered the charts in
Germany Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It lies between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. Its sixteen States of Germany, constituent states have a total popu ...
and
Spain Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. Featuring the Punta de Tarifa, southernmost point of continental Europe, it is the largest country in Southern Eur ...
.


1991–1994: the album ''Voci'' and career as a presenter

From 1990 to 2001, Cuccarini hosted the sketch comedy show ''Paperissima'' alongside
Marco Columbro Marco Columbro (born 28 June 1950) is an Italian actor and television host. Biography Marco Columbro was born in Viareggio, Tuscany. He had a Roman Catholic background but later became a "spiritual researcher" with no religious affiliation, a ...
and
Ezio Greggio Ezio Greggio (; born 7 April 1954) is an Italian comedian, actor, writer and film director. In Italy he is mostly known for his long-lasting appearances in TV shows like '' Drive In'' and '' Striscia la notizia'', while abroad he is noted for ...
. She presented it for seven non-consecutive seasons being replaced by
Marisa Laurito Marisa Laurito (born 19 April 1951) is an Italian actress, singer and television personality. Life and career Born in Naples Naples ( ; ; ) is the Regions of Italy, regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy, after ...
for the 1993 edition. In 1992, the singer made her acting debut on ''
Piazza di Spagna The Piazza di Spagna is a square in the centre of Rome, the capital of Italy. It lies at the foot of the Spanish Steps and owes its name to the Palazzo di Spagna, the seat of the Embassy of Spain to the Holy See. The Column of the Immaculate Con ...
'', a
Canale 5 Canale 5 () is an Italian free-to-air television channel of Mediaset, owned by MFE - MediaForEurope. It was the first private television network to have national coverage in Italy in 1980. On 4 December 2012, Mediaset launched Canale 5 HD, a ...
comedy-drama miniseries in which she was cast as the titular character. She also hosted ''Buona Domenica'', a Sunday entertainment program for two seasons with
Marco Columbro Marco Columbro (born 28 June 1950) is an Italian actor and television host. Biography Marco Columbro was born in Viareggio, Tuscany. He had a Roman Catholic background but later became a "spiritual researcher" with no religious affiliation, a ...
on
Canale 5 Canale 5 () is an Italian free-to-air television channel of Mediaset, owned by MFE - MediaForEurope. It was the first private television network to have national coverage in Italy in 1980. On 4 December 2012, Mediaset launched Canale 5 HD, a ...
.Giorgio Dell'Arti, Massimo Parrini. ''Catalogo dei viventi''. Marsilio, 2009. . In 1993, Cuccarini was chosen as the co-host of the '' Sanremo Music Festival 1993'', presented by
Pippo Baudo Giuseppe Vittorio Raimondo "Pippo" Baudo (born 7 June 1936) is one of the most famous Italian television presenters, with a career spanning six decades. He is often nicknamed "Superpippo" (referencing the Italian name of Super Goof). Baudo ha ...
. For her performance at the Sanremo festival, she won her second Premio Regia Televisiva as the "Female personality of the Year". In the same year, the singer-turned-presenter released her second studio album ''Voci'', promoted by its lead single "Liberi liberi", presented during a ''Buona Domenica'' special.


1995–1996: First ''Sanremo festival'' as a contestant ad the album ''Voglia di fare''

In 1995, Lorella Cuccarini was announced as one of the contestants of the '' Sanremo Music Festival 1995''. The singer competed with the song "Un altro amore no" and placed tenth in the final night's rank. The song was later released as the lead single from Cuccarini's third studio album ''Voglia di fare''. This marks Cuccarini's final solo studio release: since the following year she will focus on television hosting activities.


1997–2004: Theatre debut and continued hosting

In 1997, Lorella Cuccarini was cast as Sandy in the first Italian adaptation of the musical '' Grease''. Cuccarini's performance was well received by the critics and audience. In the same year, the soundtrack album ''Grease - Il musical'' was released by Triangle Productions with Cuccarini singing the Italian version of the original songs. In 1998, Cuccarini made a cameo appearance in
Jonathan Frakes Jonathan Scott Frakes (born August 19, 1952) is an American actor and director. He is best known for his portrayal of William Riker in the television series ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' and subsequent films and series. He has also hosted th ...
's '' Star Trek: Insurrection''. Originally, the role offered to her was pretty much bigger but was later cut in a smaller appearance. In 1999, the singer presented the dance-based talent show ''Campioni di ballo'', which aired on
Canale 5 Canale 5 () is an Italian free-to-air television channel of Mediaset, owned by MFE - MediaForEurope. It was the first private television network to have national coverage in Italy in 1980. On 4 December 2012, Mediaset launched Canale 5 HD, a ...
. From 2000 to 2003, Cuccarini hosted a variety of
Canale 5 Canale 5 () is an Italian free-to-air television channel of Mediaset, owned by MFE - MediaForEurope. It was the first private television network to have national coverage in Italy in 1980. On 4 December 2012, Mediaset launched Canale 5 HD, a ...
shows such as ''La notte vola'', ''Uno di noi'' and ''Scommettiamo che…?''. In 2003, she attended as a member of the jury during the '' Sanremo Music Festival 2003'' and hosted the annual ceremony of the
David di Donatello The David di Donatello Awards, named after Donatello's ''David (Donatello, bronze), David'', a symbolic statue of the Italian Renaissance, are film awards given out each year by the ''Accademia del Cinema Italiano'' (the Academy of Italian Cin ...
. The following year she was cast as Giovanna in the
Rai 2 Rai 2 is an Italian free-to-air television channel owned and operated by state-owned public broadcaster RAI – Radiotelevisione italiana. It is the company's second television channel, and is known for broadcasting '' TG2'' news bulletins, ta ...
drama series '' Amiche'' alongside
Barbara De Rossi Barbara De Rossi (born 9 August 1960) is an Italian actress who has combined a career in international cinema with longstanding popularity in Italian television. Biography Barbara De Rossi was born in 1960 in Rome to an Italian wine importer an ...
and
Claudia Koll Claudia Koll (born Claudia Maria Rosaria Colacione; 17 May 1965) is an Italian actress. Biography Claudia Koll was born in Rome of Italian and Romanian parentage. Koll made her debut as a cinema actress in 1989, but achieved fame for her part ...
.


2005–2010: Acting and standalone performances

From 2005 to 2007, Lorella Cuccarini took the role of Charity in ''Charity: The Musical'' with
Cesare Bocci Cesare Adolfo Bocci (born 13 September 1957) is an Italian actor. Born in Camerino, he has acted in films and on stage, but is best known for his performance as Mimi Augello to Luca Zingaretti's Salvo Montalbano in the television series ''Insp ...
as the co-lead protagonist. The following year she was cast as Francesca in the second season of '' Lo zio d'America'', a
Rai 1 Rai 1 () is an Italian free-to-air television channel owned and operated by state-owned public broadcaster RAI – Radiotelevisione italiana. It is the company's Flagship (broadcasting), flagship television channel and is known for broadcasting ...
comedy series starring
Christian De Sica Christian De Sica (; born 5 January 1951) is an Italian actor, comedian, television presenter, and filmmaker. Life De Sica was born in Rome, the second son of Italian director Vittorio De Sica and Spanish actress María Mercader. His first ...
. For the following years, Cuccarini did not take the hosting role for any
Rai (), commercially styled as since 2000 and known until 1954 as (RAI), is the national public broadcasting company of Italy, owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. RAI operates many terrestrial and subscription television channels a ...
or
Mediaset Mediaset S.p.A. is an Italian mass media and television production and distribution company that is the largest commercial broadcaster in the country. The company is controlled by the holding company MFE – MediaForEurope (the original ...
program due to poor ratings of her previous shows. In 2008, however, she hosted the
TV Sorrisi e Canzoni ''TV Sorrisi e Canzoni'' () is an Italian weekly listings magazine published in Segrate, Italy. History and profile The magazine was established in 1952 in Foligno by Casa Editrice Campi, with the name ''Sorrisi e Canzoni'' and Agostino Campi ...
gala at the Roma Fiction Fest. In 2009, Lorella Cuccarini voiced Lissi in the German animated film '' Lissi und der wilde Kaiser'' and returned to television hosting with the revival-variety program ''È nata una stella gemella''. In 2010, Cuccarini made a standalone performance during the '' Sanremo Music Festival 2010'', with choreographies by Luca Tommassini. The performance was viewed by 16 millions of televiewers and served as an inspiration for the
Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as one of the most Cultural impact of Beyoncé, ...
's
Billboard Music Awards The ''Billboard'' Music Awards are honors given out annually by '' Billboard'', a publication covering the music business and a music popularity chart. The ''Billboard'' Music Awards show has been held annually since 1990, with the exception of ...
performance.


2011–2015: Television activities and ''Rapunzel: The Musical''

From 2010 to 2013, Lorella Cuccarini hosted the Sunday-special talk show '' Domenica in'', alongside Massimo Giletti and Sonia Grey. In 2011, Cuccarini serves as a judge on ''
Star Academy ''Star Academy'' is a Dutch-developed reality television talent show format that first aired in the Netherlands as '':nl:Starmaker (televisieprogramma), Star Maker''. Format There are many versions of the show, each country having its own sl ...
'', a music talent show based on the Spanish reality of the same name. In the same year, she was honored as
Commendatore della Repubblica The Italian honours system is a means to reward achievements or service to the Italian Republic, formerly the Kingdom of Italy, including the Italian Social Republic. Orders of chivalry Italian Republic There are five orders of knighthood ...
. In 2012, Lorella Cuccarini made her radio debut, hosting her first radio talk show ''Citofonare Cuccarini'' on Rai Radio 1. In the same year she was also judge during the annual beauty contest '' Miss Italia''. From 2014 to 2016 she returned to stage acting playing Mother Gothel, the main antagonist, in ''Rapunzel: The Musical''. The show ran at Teatro Brancaccio in
Rome Rome (Italian language, Italian and , ) is the capital city and most populated (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio Regions of Italy, region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome. A special named with 2, ...
for the 2014-2015 season, receiving widespread acclaim. For the 2015-2016 season the show embarked a national tour. In 2015, Lorella Cuccarini appeared as a guest judge during the final stage of ''
Amici di Maria De Filippi ''Amici di Maria De Filippi'' known simply as ''Amici'' and known until 2003 as ''Saranno famosi'' is an Italian talent show. Created by Maria De Filippi, the show began in 2001 and has since aired annually. The show is produced by Fascino P.G.T ...
'' and was announced as one of the regular judges of ''Forte forte forte'', a talent show created by
Raffaella Carrà Raffaella Maria Roberta Pelloni (18 June 1943 – 5 July 2021), known professionally as Raffaella Carrà () and sometimes mononymously as Raffaella, was an Italian singer, dancer, actress, television presenter and model. She is often widely cons ...
. However, her involvement was later scrapped and Cuccarini was replaced with
Asia Argento Asia Argento (; born Aria Maria Vittoria Rossa Argento; 20 September 1975) is an Italian actress and filmmaker. The daughter of filmmaker Dario Argento, she has had roles in several of her father's features and achieved mainstream success with ...
.


2016–2019: ''Nemicamatissima''

From October to November 2015, Lorella Cuccarini served as a judge on the singing competition '' Ti lascio una canzone'', hosted by Antonella Clerici. In 2016, Cuccarini hosted and produced the two-night variety event '' Nemicamatissima'', alongside her ''Fantastico'' co-star
Heather Parisi Heather Elizabeth Parisi (born January 27, 1960) is an American-born Italian dancer, singer and television personality. She was one of the most popular personalities on Italian television from the late 1970s to the 1990s. As of 2011, she and her ...
. The show was intended as a revival of the 80s and 90s Italian variety shows in which both Cuccarini and Parisi performed. For the program, Cuccarini recorded a soundtrack album of the same that was released on January 2017 and promoted by the single "Tanto tempo ancora", with featured vocals by Parisi. In 2018, Lorella Cuccarini became a
Conad Conad (', English: ''National Retailers Consortium''), stylized CONAD, is an Italian retail store brand which operates one of the largest supermarket chains in Italy. History Created in 1962, Conad is a cooperative system of entrepreneurs, ...
ambassador and testimonial, and returned to television acting in the second season of the
Canale 5 Canale 5 () is an Italian free-to-air television channel of Mediaset, owned by MFE - MediaForEurope. It was the first private television network to have national coverage in Italy in 1980. On 4 December 2012, Mediaset launched Canale 5 HD, a ...
drama series ''L'isola di Pietro''. In 2019, she hosted '' La vita in diretta'', a daily talk show with Alberto Matano. Cuccarini took the role for one season only being removed the following year due to conflicts with her co-host Matano.


2020–present: ''Amici di Maria De Filippi'' and music comeback

In 2020, Lorella Cuccarini was announced as one of the new dance teachers of the twentieth season of ''
Amici di Maria De Filippi ''Amici di Maria De Filippi'' known simply as ''Amici'' and known until 2003 as ''Saranno famosi'' is an Italian talent show. Created by Maria De Filippi, the show began in 2001 and has since aired annually. The show is produced by Fascino P.G.T ...
''. She took that role for the 2020-2021 season and switched the following year as a teacher in the singing category. During the program, Cuccarini followed the personal and artistic progression of a variety of aspiring artists such as dancer Alessandro Cavallo and singers Alex Wyse, Angelina Mango and Sarah Toscano. In 2021, Lorella Cuccarini collaborated with the Italian EDM group Il Pagante for the Christmas single "Un pacco per te", which entered the Italian singles charts at number 81. In 2022, Cuccarini guest hosted ''
Striscia la notizia ''Striscia la notizia'' (, "the news slithers") is an Italian satirical television program on the Mediaset-controlled Canale 5. Launched in 1988, it is meant to be a parody of the daily news, which airs right before the program, but ''Striscia'' ...
'' for a 4-episodes-arc alongside Gerry Scotti and reprised her role as Mother Gothel in the revival show of ''Rapunzel: The Musical''. In 2023, Lorella Cuccarini was announced as one of the guest artist of the duets night at the ''
Sanremo Music Festival 2023 The Sanremo Music Festival 2023 (), officially the 73rd Italian Song Festival (), was the 73rd edition of the annual Sanremo Music Festival, a television song contest held in the Teatro Ariston of Sanremo, organised and broadcast by (RAI). The ...
''. Cuccarini performed a remixed version of her 1989 smash hit " La notte vola" with Olly. The duet remix was later recorded in studio and released as the fifth single from Olly's debut studio album ''Gira, il mondo gira''. In 2024, Lorella Cuccarini returned as a co-host during the fourth night at ''
Sanremo Music Festival 2024 The Sanremo Music Festival 2024 (), officially the 74th Italian Song Festival (), was the 74th edition of the annual Sanremo Music Festival, a television song contest held at the of Sanremo, organised and broadcast by (RAI). It was held betwe ...
'', presented by Amadeus.


Personal life and family

Cuccarini married the composer Silvio Testi in 1991. They have four children. Her father, Vero Cuccarini, has been repeatedly convicted of
usury Usury () is the practice of making loans that are seen as unfairly enriching the lender. The term may be used in a moral sense—condemning taking advantage of others' misfortunes—or in a legal sense, where an interest rate is charged in e ...
. In January 2019 she openly spoke in favour of the anti-refugee policies of
Matteo Salvini Matteo Salvini (; born 9 March 1973) is an Italian politician who has been serving as Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport since 2022. He has been List of F ...
, leader of
Lega Nord Lega Nord (LN; ), whose complete name is (), is a right-wing politics, right-wing, federalism, federalist, populism, populist and conservatism, conservative list of political parties in Italy, political party in Italy. In the run-up to the 201 ...
. Meanwhile, she also expressed opinions against the appeals for reception of
Pope Francis Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio; 17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until Death and funeral of Pope Francis, his death in 2025. He was the fi ...
.


Discography


Studio albums


Compilation albums


Singles


Other appearances


Filmography


As an actress


Other appearances


Stage


References


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Cuccarini, Lorella 1965 births Living people Actresses from Rome Italian female dancers Italian women singers Italian television actresses Italian television presenters Singers from Rome Italian women television presenters Mass media people from Rome