Winning the newcomer section of the 43rd Sanremo Music Festival in 1993 propelled Laura Pausini to prominence. Her debut single, La solitudine, transformed from a competition entry into an international pop standard. This initial success established a trajectory that led to millions of record sales and a multifaceted career spanning music, television production, and global recognition.
Early Development and Training
Born in 1974 in Faenza, Italy, Pausini grew up in Solarolo. Her father, a former pianist, provided her initial training and support. Her debut performance occurred on 16 May 1985 in a Bologna restaurant. She later performed at piano bars and within a church choir. In 1987, she recorded a demo album titled I sogni di Laura. She attempted to enter the music festival circuit in 1991 at the Castrocaro Music Festival and the Sanremo Famosi competition before her eventual breakthrough.
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After producer Angelo Valsiglio and manager Marco Marati discovered her talent, Pausini signed with Warner Music Italy. Her 1993 win at Sanremo initiated a rapid rise. Her self-titled debut album sold two million copies worldwide, followed by her 1994 release, Laura, which achieved three million sales. These records established her presence across Europe and South America, eventually earning her recognition as the best-selling non-Spanish speaking female artist in Latin music.
Accolades and Television Work
Pausini’s career includes significant critical and industry recognition. She received a Grammy Award in 2006 for Best Latin Pop Album for Escucha and multiple Latin Grammy Awards between 2005 and 2018. Beyond music, she served as a coach on The Voice in Mexico and Spain and appeared as a judge on The X Factor and La banda. She also presented television programs, including Laura & Paola and the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.
Fast facts
- Born: 1974, Faenza, Italy
- Primary Occupations: singer, recording artist
- Breakthrough year: 1993
- Awards include: Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year (2023)
- Grammy win: Best Latin Pop Album (2006)
- Languages spoken: Italian, Spanish, English
- Honorary title: Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Questions readers ask
Which languages does Laura Pausini sing in?
She primarily performs in Italian and Spanish, though she has recorded in several other languages including English, Portuguese, French, German, and Chinese.
What is her highest-selling musical achievement?
FIMI certified her sales of more than 70 million records in 2014, recognizing her as the fourth best-selling female artist in Latin music.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album — 2006
- Latin Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Album — 2009
- Latin Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album — 2018
- Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year — 2023
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: pop music and rock music
