Powerful, talented, and downright gorgeous. These are the common threads connecting seven accomplished musicians and singers, besides the fact that they all share Italian heritage. As trailblazers in the music industry, these iconic women are not afraid to be bold on as well as off the stage. From Madonna to Mina, America Domani has highlighted powerhouse Italian women in the music world.
Laura Pausini
In 1993, Laura Pausini won the newcomer artists’ section of the 43rd annual Sanremo Music Festival and is now known as one of the biggest names in Italian and Latin music. Her powerful voice will captivate you and it is often described as mezzo-soprano. At the beginning of her career, she was called a “teen idol” since her songs were about relatable topics like adolescent love affairs, and teenage problems. In 2006, she won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album, making her the first female Italian artist to win a Grammy Award. She has sold over 70 million albums, making her the fourth best-selling female artist in Latin music.
The Italian pop icon of the 1960s and 1970s, Mina became a household name since all eyes were on her as a dominant figure on Italian variety shows. The public deemed her the “Tigress of Cremona” known for her cool demeanor, desirability, blonde hair, and shaved eyebrows. She was one of the first Italian women to break the traditional mold and introduce edginess to women in her country. With her distinctive voice, she sold over 150 million albums making her the best-selling Italian artist. Through music and her intoxicating voice, she tells stories of love and anguish in high dramatic tones that combine blues, R&B, and soul. In 1978, she stopped making public appearances but continued to release new music on a yearly basis.
Madonna
A new era of music was born when the “Queen of pop” came on the scene. Born Madonna Louise Ciccone, Madonna is best known for pushing the boundaries of songwriting in pop music and for the imagery she uses onstage and in her music videos. Her creativity in music started a public dialogue about female sexuality and feminism with the Times stating she “started a revolution amongst women in music ... Her attitudes and opinions on sex, nudity, style, and sexuality forced the public to sit up and take notice." Madonna has sold over 300 million albums worldwide, making her the best-selling female recording artist of all time. She’s been ranked by VH1 as the greatest female in music, the greatest music video artist by MTV and continues to be acknowledged as the greatest songwriter and artist of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is a strong and influential singer and actress selling over 170 million albums and crowned as one of the world’s best-selling artists. She is one of few women who’ve had four singles sell at least 10 million copies worldwide. Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Lady Gaga is known for her flamboyant costumes, provocative lyrics, and strong vocal talents. She boasts an impressive list of chart-topping singles, albums, and accolades. Her debut album, “The Fame” was her breakout record into superstardom. Billboard praised her as “the Greatest Pop Star of 2009” saying, “to say that her one-year rise from rookie to MVP was meteoric doesn't quite cut it, as she wasn't just successful, but game-changing”. Outside of music, she is praised for bringing to light important social and political issues and being extremely connected to her fans. She has been nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Actress for her role in A Star is Born. Gaga won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2019 for “Shallow”.
Ariana Grande
With a four-octave vocal range, Ariana Grande turned from a teenage TV star to a worldwide pop sensation. Her early influences were Ann-Margret, Nancy Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe but she eventually abandoned that style to make a unique one of her own with her signature ponytail. The 29-year-old has risen to fame through streaming services and social media as one of the most subscribed artists on Spotify and with over 350 million Instagram followers. More than a talent on stage, Grande has become a beauty titan with her makeup and skincare brand r.e.m Beauty and Ariana Grande fragrances.
Victoria De Angelis
Born in Rome to a Danish Mother and Italian father, Victoria De Angelis is one of the founding members of the band Måneskin garnered fame as the 2021 Eurovision winner. Victoria named the band and together they settled on the Danish word Måneskin which translates to “Moonlight”. She is known for her edgy stage appearance, captivating the crowds. Her heart-thumping bass lines, inspired by Nick O’Malley and Kim Gordon, can be felt and heard in Måneskin’s most popular songs; Zitti e Buoni, Mammamia, Supermodel, and Beggin’.
Alessandra Mele
Born in Pietra Ligure, Savona, Alessandra moved to Norway after high school and lived with her maternal grandparents although she never lost her Italian pride. She studied at the Lillehammer Institute of Music Production and Industries. She was a participant in the 2022 television season of the Norwegian version of “The Voice”. But her beautiful voice would not be silenced. On January 4, 2023, she was 1 of the 23 entries for the Melodi Grand Prix and performed her viral song Queen of Kings. The song placed fifth at the 2023 Eurovision Contest and has been a chart-topping success in Norway, Hungary, Finland, and Sweden.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.