Antonella Clerici: «They told me that it was Ligabue who rejected my Sanremo because I smelled of sauce»

Antonella Clerici is a direct woman with character, and last night on «Belve», she was even more so. You answered Francesca Fagnani’s many questions, but above all you finally revealed the name of the artist – Ligabue – who refused to go to the Sanremo Festival (2010) hosted by her. Reason for the singer’s alleged refusal? «He tastes too much like sauce». Some artists then “boycotted” her Festival because there were prejudices about the fact that she hosted a cooking program. And that phrase, “sugo-gate”, remained famous. There was a lot of talk about it, but Clerici had never wanted to reveal the author over the years. She unexpectedly did so to «Belve», adding however: «They told me. If it’s not true, I apologize, but if it’s true, I expect an apology from you.” And Ligabue responded last night on X: “I’ve never said something like that, certain sentences don’t belong to me.”

The journalist then asked her not to be a diplomat and to admit which colleague he doesn’t have a good relationship with. Determined, without hesitation, Antonellina: «With Barbara D’Urso… It was 2011 and there was the betrayal of my partner at the time, Eddy. The weekly magazine “Chi” published photos on the cover of him in affectionate attitudes with this woman and I must say that no one talked about it. As is generally done out of respect for a television lady.” She continues her story: «Instead Barbara d’Urso opened the “Pomeriggio 5” program not only by showing her cover but by saying: “We have Eddy’s lover exclusively, on air tomorrow”. This hurt me a lot because I would never have done this to one of my colleagues.”

Fagnani reminds her of her success at «La prova del cuoco», a workhorse of Rai1 and she comments: «They should put me in place of the Rai horse. Sometimes it was right for them to say “damn thanks, you were fantastic”, but this company doesn’t, they don’t do that. A pat on the back would be enough and I suffered for this.”

As for the rumors of his possible hosting of the next Sanremo Festival, Clerici confesses candidly: «No one asked me, ever. If I’m sorry? It’s a bit part of our Rai world, then maybe I’d say no. I have my plans and I have my things, I don’t give a damn… too bad for them! On his colleague Amadeus who announced his decision to leave Rai to go to the Nove he says: «I found him very courageous».

April 23, 2024 (changed April 24, 2024 | 01:18)

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