Laura Pausini Welcomes the World to Rome with a Personal Touch and a Look Ahead

The arrival of Laura Pausini at a Rome hotel was not a typical celebrity encounter. Instead of a pre-arranged meeting at an iconic landmark, the Italian superstar personally greeted the journalist, a gesture that set the tone for an intimate exploration of her multifaceted career and upcoming projects. Pausini’s proactive approach, picking up the interviewer from their hotel after a red-eye flight from New York, underscored her deep connection to her adopted city and her desire to offer a truly Roman experience. This personal touch, a departure from the more formal settings of past interviews in cities like Las Vegas and Seville, highlighted a palpable sense of pride and brilliance as Pausini navigated her native Italy.

A Roman Welcome and a Tour Through History

The journey through Rome began with Pausini’s keen observation of her surroundings. As the van passed the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, she pointed it out, emphasizing its significance and noting the recent, tradition-breaking burial of Pope Francis within its hallowed walls. This detail served as a subtle reminder of history intertwined with the present, a theme that resonates throughout Pausini’s own career. The impromptu tour continued towards the Colosseum, a structure that holds personal significance for the artist, having performed there in 2020 during a charity event amidst the global pandemic. Even in a bustling Monday morning in February, Pausini’s presence, though partially concealed by large sunglasses, drew admiring glances and exclamations of "Laura, bellissima!" from locals, a testament to her enduring popularity. The relative ease with which she could move through the city, she noted, would be significantly more challenging during peak tourist seasons, particularly with visitors from her extensive Spanish-speaking fanbase.

A Year of Milestones and Musical Tributes

The interview unfolded against the backdrop of an exceptionally busy period for Pausini, marked by significant professional achievements and upcoming ventures. Her career, which has consistently transcended linguistic barriers by achieving equal success in both Italian and Spanish, has seen her release a new album, perform at a major international sporting event, and prepare for a highly anticipated return to the Sanremo Music Festival.

The recent release of Io Canto 2, a collection of covers of Italian pop classics via Warner Music Italy, has been met with considerable enthusiasm. This project serves as a prelude to the Spanish-language counterpart, Yo Canto 2, slated for release on March 13. This dual-release strategy highlights Pausini’s commitment to celebrating the rich musical heritage of both Italy and the Spanish-speaking world. The Spanish album, featuring 18 tracks (with three additional songs in the deluxe edition), is a profound tribute to the countries and artists who have embraced her music. It includes interpretations of iconic songs such as Juan Luis Guerra’s "Bachata Rosa," Ricky Martin’s "Livin’ La Vida Loca," Gloria Estefan’s "Oye Mi Canto," and Shakira’s "Antología."

Pausini’s involvement in the Yo Canto project extends beyond mere performance. It represents a deep dive into the musical narratives that have shaped her career and influenced her artistic identity. The selection of songs and collaborators underscores her appreciation for the diverse cultural landscapes that have contributed to her global success.

Collaboration and Artistic Dialogue

The Yo Canto 2 album is notable for its eclectic range of collaborators, spanning generations and genres. Juan Luis Guerra, whose "Bachata Rosa" is featured, expressed his honor in having Pausini reinterpret his work, praising her "beautiful and unique voice" and her "special sensitivity." This sentiment is echoed by other featured artists, including rising Argentinian singer-songwriter Yami Safdie, who duets on Joan Sebastian’s "Eso y Más." Safdie described Pausini as "one of the best performers in history" and a "generous, sweet and fun woman," underscoring the positive working dynamic.

The album also features Pausini’s rendition of Bad Bunny’s "Turista." Pausini recounted a heartwarming exchange with the global reggaeton superstar, who expressed surprise and delight at her interpretation, using affectionate and genuine language that highlighted his sensitive nature. Similarly, the inclusion of two songs by Gloria Estefan, "Oye Mi Canto" and "Hoy," carries significant personal weight for Pausini. She revealed that "Hoy," originally by Gian Marco, was a song played during the birth of her daughter, Paola, and remains a poignant reminder of that life-altering moment.

A Return to Sanremo and a Look Back at Roots

Pausini’s return to the Sanremo Music Festival as a co-host marks a significant personal milestone. After years of declining invitations, her decision to accept this year’s offer is attributed to a growing sense of confidence and a poignant encounter with the late Pippo Baudo, the artistic director who championed her win in 1993. Despite Sanremo being a cornerstone of her career, Pausini admitted to feeling a greater sense of freedom when performing outside of Italy, where the audience’s expectations can be particularly demanding.

Her reflections on Sanremo inevitably led to a deeper exploration of her formative years. Pausini vividly recalled her childhood experiences singing in piano bars with her father, an experience that laid the foundation for her vocal technique and performance resilience. She credits these early performances, often in English and Spanish, with instilling in her a profound understanding of song as a vehicle for storytelling and emotional connection. The discipline and familial bond forged during these early years, with her father often traveling with her, remain a vital source of strength and guidance.

Motherhood and Artistic Evolution

The conversation then turned to the transformative impact of motherhood. Pausini spoke candidly about the initial shift in her artistic choices after the birth of her daughter, Paola, feeling a desire to project a more “saintly” image. However, she acknowledged that her daughter’s personality has allowed her to remain authentically herself, fostering a creative environment free from constraint.

When discussing her daughter’s musical inclinations, Pausini expressed a mix of pride and apprehension. While her daughter displays a natural talent for music, Pausini hopes she will forge her own path, particularly in Italy, where the children of famous personalities can face unique challenges. Her advice to her daughter is clear: pursue passion, but be mindful of the complexities of public life.

Defining Moments and Enduring Ambition

Reflecting on her Spanish-language career, Pausini identified "En Cambio No," "Vívame," and a tie between "Se Fue" and "Amores Extraños" as pivotal songs. "En Cambio No," written in the wake of her grandmother’s passing, holds a particularly deep emotional resonance. The song’s message of love, reassurance, and the importance of expressing feelings before it’s too late, encapsulates Pausini’s enduring commitment to authentic emotional connection in her music.

With a career spanning over three decades, boasting nearly 80 million records sold and billions of streams, Laura Pausini remains an undisputed icon of global pop. Her continued ambition, a sentiment she confesses has grown over the years, fuels her relentless pursuit of new artistic endeavors. As she looks toward the future, the question of what she still has to accomplish professionally is not a source of anxiety, but rather a driving force, promising further creative exploration and impact. This enduring drive, coupled with her profound connection to her audience and her unwavering artistic honesty, solidifies Laura Pausini’s legacy as one of the most beloved and universally recognized voices in music history.