Italian Female Singers

Ilona Staller is a former porn star, singer, and politician. She achieved popularity by appearing in Telefono rosso, the first Italian hardcore pornography production, and then went on to pose nude in Playboy's editions around the world. In 1980, an erotic series titled La Cicciolina was made based on Ilona Staller's life and career.

Cecilia Bartoli is an Italian opera singer and recitalist. A coloratura mezzo-soprano, Bartoli is renowned for her interpretations of the works of popular composers like Mozart, Bellini, Handel, and Vivaldi. Also known for her versatility, Cecilia Bartoli can sing both mezzo and soprano roles. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Grammy Awards.

Laura Pausini is an Italian television personality and singer-songwriter. Having sold over 70 million records, Pausini is the fourth best-selling female singer in Latin music. In 2006, Pausini became the first female Italian musician to receive a Grammy Award. In 2021, her song Io sì (Seen) became the first Italian-language song to win the Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Renata Tebaldi was an Italian lirico-spinto soprano. Regarded as one of the 20th century's greatest opera singers, Tebaldi is best remembered for her performances at popular opera houses like San Carlo, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera. Renata Tebaldi was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including a Grammy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Carla Bruni is an Italian-French fashion model and singer-songwriter. She gained international recognition after marrying the then president of France Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008. Also known for her political activities, philanthropy, and charity work, Bruni established the Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Foundation in 2009; the foundation helps promote access to knowledge for all. She also supports organizations, such as PETA.

Once likened to pop icon Samantha Fox, Sabrina Salerno was a pop diva from the 1980s. She began her career winning a beauty contest and then became a known face on Italian TV, with shows such as Premiatissima. She later soared to fame with tracks such as Sexy Girl and Boys.

Adelina Patti was an Italian opera singer who achieved immense poularity in the USA and Europe. One of the finest singers of her generation, Patti was also among the highest-paid at the peak of her career. Along with her near contemporaries Thérèse Tietjens and Jenny Lind, Adelina Patti is considered one of the most popular sopranos of all time.

Mirella Freni was an Italian operatic soprano who appeared at famous international opera houses over the course of her career, which spanned 50 years. Mirella Freni achieved international fame at the popular Glyndebourne Festival, where she performed as Adina in L'elisir d'amore and as Zerlina in Don Giovanni.

Elettra Lamborghini began her career with TV reality shows such as Gran Hermano VIP and Super Shore. She later soared to fame with her chart-busting track Pem Pem, which was viewed over 4 million times in its debut week. Her track Tócame from Twerking Queen featured Grammy Award-winning rapper Pitbull.

Raffaella Carra was an Italian singer, television presenter, dancer, and actress. She achieved immense popularity across Europe and Latin America during the peak of her illustrious career. An icon of women's liberation, Raffaella Carra supported the LGBT movement and was honored at the 2017 World Pride Madrid with the Gay Icon award.

Renata Scotto is an Italian singer and opera director. Best known for her musicality and her sense of style, Scotto is regarded as one of the leading singers of her generation. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Anton Coppola Award and two Emmys. Renata Scotto has been working as a teacher since her retirement as a perfomer.

Caterina Valente is an Italian-French guitarist, multilingual singer, actress, and dancer. Valente, who sings in 11 languages, has worked with artists around the world. She has worked with international stars like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Rich, and Chet Baker. One of her songs titled Bongo cha cha cha was used in the 2019 American film Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Gigliola Cinquetti is an Italian actress, singer, songwriter, and television presenter. After winning the Sanremo Music Festival at the age of 16, Cinquetti went on to represent her country in the Eurovision Song Contest 1964. She became the youngest winner when she gave Italy its first victory in the event. Cinquetti returned to the contest in 1974 and finished second. 

Ambra Angiolini is an Italian TV host, actress, and singer. One of the most critically acclaimed actresses of her generation, Angiolini won several prestigious awards like the David di Donatello Award and the Nastro d'Argento for her portrayal of Roberta in her debut film Saturn in Opposition. Since then, Angiolini has played important roles in many films like The Choice.