As opposed to the satire which is without borders and seems to have gone wild in the new national sport: "The hunt for Baudo's genitals ". The presenter was literally knocked down to the floor by an unrestrained Teocoli/Keith Richard who, after repeating Fiorello's exploit in making a dive for Baudo's "reproductive virtues", shook up the slightly dormant atmosphere on the Ariston stage.

A little bit sooner Patty Pravo had taken care of that sticking the chewing-gum she'd just taken out of her mouth to the microphone and leaving it there for all to see during the duration of the whole track which, upon second listening, actually revealed itself to be of innovative stature.

In the while polemics continue while we wait for Roberto Benigni, and "Striscia la notizia" anticipates everyone with the cakes in the face to the Radio 2 DJ who has launched the campaign against the Tuscan comedian precisely exploiting the festival's pulpit.

The fiction actor Giulio Scarfati presented the first International guest, Gabrielle, who sung the track "I'll reach out" live accompanied by Maestro Caruso's orchestra.

The evening's formula saw the 10 big again and the debut of 8 New Offers who also tonight have shown vivacity of ideas and professionalism. During the evening maestro Carlo Alberto Rossi , author of many tracks from various past Sanremos, was awarded a prize.

While the evening dragged on boringly Pippo Baudo decided to make a heartfelt but also harsh appeal to the true big of Italian song, quoting Laura Pausini, Bocelli and Ramazzotti, for them to settle their debt of gratitude with the Festival returning to participate to the same. Actually if we add to the three names mentioned by Baudo Vasco Rossi, Zucchero, Giorgia and Massimo Ranieri (all artist who have received undoubted advantages from their taking part in Sanremo), we would certainly have had a more interesting show.

Shakira's innocent sensuality was the second International breadth, with the track "Whenever,Wherever" she charmed the Ariston's audience. Among the young this evening there was a slightly ruthless vein in the songs with two ironic marches like those of the Dual Gang and Archinuè, or more pop rock tracks like that of Valentina Giovagnini, winner of the evening.

Past midnight Pippo Baudo decided to give homage to all women presenting Michael Bolton who exceptionally sung in Italian accompanied by two side vocalists, a man and a woman.

Eliminated by the jury were Dual Gang, Plastico and La Sintesi and Marco Morandi passed with a fairly nice track. Among the big the confirmations are for the Matia Bazar, in a good position for the final rush, Paoli and Ruggeri, but once more the juries do not vote Patty Pravo who remains at the bottom of the charts.

Last place for Lollipop, who remedied the certainly embarrassing debut, but did not meet the liking of the juries. It looks like a final run between Alexia and Matia Bazar with Ruggeri, Paoli and the Corna Leali couple as possible outsiders.

As in the previous evening of Wednesday 6th March, this year also the jury has expressed their preferences concerning the other eight singers of the New Offers section. The first five placed pass the turn and access the final evening of Friday 8th March, whereas the last three are eliminated.

Those who will access the final:

 1  Valentina Giovagnini
 2  Simone Patrizi
 3  Anfrea Febo
 4  Archinuè
 5  Marco Morandi

Eliminated:

 6  Dual Gang
 7  Plastico
 8  La Sintesi

March.2002