San Marino 2022: Achille Lauro with ‘Stripper’

The most serene republic will be sending a true “prince” (according to his fans) on the narrow trip to Turin as Achille Lauro jumps ship to them with ‘Stripper’:

Employing San Remo cast-offs has long seemed like a sensible strategy for San Marino that could be a win-win for those who always find bigger names ahead of them and the microstate usually needing outside talent. The fact its so sensible is probably why it's took them so long to manage it- this is after all a country who've sent a jazz singer 4 times without a jazz song, a singer who’s just finished with 1 point in a horrible Maltese field and of course Flo Rida.

The singer we have this year anyway is Achille Lauro, a man of acquired taste. I have a bit of a love hate thing with this chap but there's entertainment value to be had at the least throughout rehearsals. His look is a concern with him possibly just on the wrong side of individual should we say. It's a bit of a jump from tatts to face tatts and not something that will win him bonus points from the enthusiasts whilsts alienating himself from the casuals. He's also got a bit of an issue in that he's just not a good singer further harming the first impression that he's no more than a poser. Eurovision juries will not be as lenient as San Remo ones who are exposed to the guy and San Marino who just wanted the biggest name.

‘Stripper’ isn't a bad song and has a certain charm to it with the predictable guitar riffs and knowing structure. I actually prefer it to a lot of his previous work. There is the whole poundshop Maneskin angle in going for an old school Italian language rock song which further takes away from the whole vibe however. The host's neighbours also have a mixed history at the contest so I'd be cautious in saying that helps them much either.

To qualify he'll have to come through semi 2 which Italy will not be voting in and whilst he's not to be wrote off given his distinctive stagings, he looks more out than in just now. Has the markings of an entry that would do comparatively better in the final when the middle of the road entries get lost in the mix.

Personal Rating: 5/10

Competitive Rating: 5/10

Early Prediction: Semi 2 9th-13th, 15th-19th if in the final