The Sanremo Song Festival's viewing numbers surged again over last year on the third night of the weeklong TV extravaganza with 9.36 million Italian tuning compared to 7.435 last year, and a share of 54.1% compared to 44.4%.
The big hit Thursday night was cross-dressing actor, TV personality and infuencer Drusilla Foer, who appealed to Italians to overcome prejudice against those who are different.
There was also an impassioned monologue by anti-mafia writer Roberto Saviano who remembered slain anti-mafia magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, assassinated by Cosa Nostra in 1992.
Singer-songwriter Cesare Cremonini was also a star turn.
In the provisional standings to get Saturday night's prize the pairing of 2020 winner Mahmood with younger rapoper Blanco are leading the way followed by Elisa and evergreen crooner Gianni Morandi.
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