A decidedly lively episode of the twenty-third edition of Friends broadcast on Saturday 4 May. Not even the stoic Maria De Filippi was able to contain the exuberance of the professors and judges who, during one of the evening’s challenges, poured themselves into relentless arguments and stinging accusations. The protagonists of the fray are the team leader Anna Pettinelli and the diva of the jury Cristiano Malgioglio.
Anna Pettinelli against everyone: ad chaos Friends
The final is approaching and the race becomes more and more competitive, perhaps more among teachers than among students. And spirits flared up during the week’s evening episode, when the challenge took place between Martina – of the team led by Anna Pettinelli and Raimondo Todaro – and Sarah – of the team led by Lorella Cuccarini and Emanuel Lo.
After the gauntlet of bad luck has been thrown, the two young singers perform the song This is me, each shaping it with their own unique style. Judges Malgioglio and Michele Bravi prefer Sarah’s version, who has Cristiano’s vote also in the second chance. A vote that did not go down well with Prof. Pettinelli: “I’m a bit tired of hearing that she’s good and then assigning points to others,” she blurted out.
Pettinelli, recently single again, is worried the possibility that Martina will be eliminated from the talent show. Even though she is constantly praised by the judges: “Martina has a powerful, clear, gritty voice, an incredible range, a true singer” Malgioglio himself stated in the same episode. Opinion shared by fellow judges. Yet, Martina rarely wins the challenges in which she is the protagonist.
Cristiano Malgioglio brings everyone back into line
Anna Pettinelli’s accusations are direct and explosive, but Cristiano Malgioglio is not upset: “I am the judge and I decide. I’m quite mortified that you say I have smoke in my eyes. – She replied to the vocal coach – Thank you, but there is no need for all this. Every time I talk to you, I get arteries!”.
And a beautiful one scrutinized by the judges also reached the dance teacher Alessandra Celentano. What was targeted was the gauntlet she threw down: a challenge on excellence between Dustin and Midas. The first performed to the tune of the song Closed by Imagine Dragons, the second responded with Take me out to dance by Luca Barbarossa. But excellence is considered too big a word by the jury, excessive if applied to very young talents still in need of learning.
And so the jury cancels the initiative of teacher Celentano who, like Anna Pettinelli before her, is forced to return behind the desk with her tail between her legs. But the scolding never ends: Holden also gets one, scolded by maestro Rudy Zerbi for arriving unprepared for the challenge. But the student was preparing his EP and we, unlike the severe professor, forgive him this time.
