-kgTD-U3480272463945rPD-526x284@Corriere-Web-Sezioni.jpg "169-(7)-kgTD-U3480272463945rPD-526×284@Corriere-Web-Sezioni.jpg")
For most performers, the adrenaline of a global stage is the ultimate high. But for Angelina Mango, the 23-year-old powerhouse who recently represented Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest, the whirlwind of international fame can feel less like a ride and more like a blender. In a candid reflection on the pressures of her meteoric rise, the singer from Maratea described herself as being “more blended than a centrifuge,” revealing a surprising source of solace in the midst of the chaos: the domestic simplicity of food blogger Benedetta Rossi.
The admission offers a rare glimpse into the internal life of a Gen Z artist navigating the highest echelons of the Italian music industry. Mango, who captured the nation’s attention with her victory at the 2024 Sanremo Music Festival, has become a symbol of modern Italian pop—dynamic, genre-blurring and visually striking. Yet, behind the polished choreography and the vocal gymnastics lies a young woman seeking a digital sanctuary in the rhythmic, predictable world of home cooking.
This contrast between the public spectacle of Eurovision in Malmö and the quietude of a kitchen reflects a broader trend among high-profile creators who turn to “comfort content” to regulate the stress of extreme visibility. For Mango, Rossi’s approachable, no-nonsense culinary videos serve as a grounding mechanism, providing a mental reset when the demands of the spotlight become overwhelming.
Finding Stillness in the ‘Benedetta Rossi’ Effect
Benedetta Rossi is more than a chef in Italy. she is a cultural touchstone of domesticity and reliability. Known for her “Fatto in casa da Benedetta” (Homemade by Benedetta) brand, Rossi’s appeal lies in her lack of pretension. For an artist like Mango, whose professional life is defined by high-stakes performance and rigorous scrutiny, the appeal of Rossi’s content is rooted in its predictability and warmth.
“I get obsessed with Benedetta Rossi; she relaxes me,” Mango noted, highlighting a psychological pivot from the high-frequency energy of a concert hall to the low-frequency hum of a home kitchen. This reliance on “slow” media is an increasingly common coping strategy for artists facing the burnout associated with rapid success. By immersing herself in the mundane details of a recipe, Mango is able to momentarily step out of her role as a pop icon and return to a state of simple observation.
The “centrifuge” metaphor used by the singer is telling. It suggests a feeling of being spun around by external forces—labels, fans, media expectations, and the weight of her family legacy—leaving her in need of a centrifugal force of her own to find her center again.
A Culinary Dichotomy: Wellness and ‘Sgarri’
Mango’s approach to her diet mirrors the duality of her public persona: a disciplined professional who still embraces the visceral joys of her heritage. While she has frequently advocated for healthy eating to maintain the stamina required for her demanding stage shows, she is open about her “sgarri”—the intentional cheats or indulgences that provide emotional comfort.
Among her favorites is the traditional Neapolitan fried pizza, a staple of Southern Italian street food that stands in stark opposition to the “clean eating” typically associated with pop stars. Her preferences are specific and idiosyncratic, extending to a particular fondness for gummy bears, though she specifies a strict preference for the yellow ones.
| Category | Preferred Choices | Purpose/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Routine | Healthy, nutrient-dense cuisine | Performance stamina and health |
| Comfort Foods | Neapolitan fried pizza | Cultural connection and indulgence |
| Specific Cravings | Yellow gummy bears | Quick sugar fix/idiosyncratic joy |
| Mental Reset | Benedetta Rossi’s tutorials | Stress reduction and relaxation |
From Maratea to the Global Stage
The journey from the coastal town of Maratea in the province of Potenza to the Eurovision stage is a testament to Mango’s technical skill and work ethic. As the daughter of seasoned musician Marco Mango, the pressure to succeed was always present, but Angelina has carved out a distinct identity. Her win at Sanremo with the track “La Noia” signaled a shift in Italian pop, blending traditional melodic sensibilities with contemporary urban rhythms.
However, the transition from a national victory to an international competition like Eurovision introduces a different set of stressors. The logistical complexity of the event, combined with the intense scrutiny of a pan-European audience, can exacerbate the feeling of being “blended.” The ability to maintain a sense of self through small, personal rituals—whether It’s a specific candy or a favorite YouTube channel—is often what separates sustainable careers from short-lived bursts of fame.
Industry observers note that Mango’s willingness to share these vulnerabilities makes her more relatable to her audience. In an era of curated perfection, the image of a superstar relaxing to home-cooking videos humanizes the celebrity, bridging the gap between the untouchable performer and the everyday listener.
The Path Forward
As the dust settles on the Eurovision season, Mango continues to solidify her place as a leading voice in the new wave of Italian music. While the “centrifuge” of fame will likely continue to spin, her strategy of balancing high-intensity work with deliberate, low-intensity recovery suggests a mature approach to mental health in the arts.
The next confirmed milestone for the singer involves the rollout of new material and scheduled appearances as she transitions from the competitive circuit back to the recording studio and touring. Fans can expect further updates on her upcoming projects via her official social media channels and verified press releases from her management.
Do you have a “comfort” habit that helps you unwind during stressful times? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
