Singing together from Italy: Friends like Melissa & Ranya

Melissa Agliottone and Ranya Moufidi found each other through a music competition, and their bond led them on to Junior Eurovision. They met on Italy’s first ever edition of The Voice Kids in 2023, where Melissa took home the win. But the pair formed such a strong friendship that they’re representing their country together.

Music has been a huge part of their lives, with the piano, singing, and drums helping Melissa through when she was suffering from panic attacks. Ranya loves performing in general, and is a budding actor as well as pop star.

Their song Un Mondo Giusto is the perfect musical representation of Melissa & Ranya’s relationship. It’s about a couple of friends who are looking forward to building a future together through a love of music. Just like this musical pair.

There are 2 brilliant Italian brains behind the song: singer and author Franco Fasano and composer, vocal coach, and music producer Marco Iardella. Franco specializes in kids’ music, while Marco has written songs about childhood, as well as leading on musical direction.

The Junior Eurovision crew should watch out for practical jokes from this pair. After Melissa won The Voice Kids, she hid her trophy before returning to her hotel room. Her grandmother was waiting to find out the result, and Melissa pretended someone else had won to keep her guessing. Melissa’s Grandmother — in case she never told you, your granddaughter won!

Ranya’s best practical joke was pretending she had super powers and could predict the future, to try and fool her mum. We’ve got one question for super hero Ranya. Who will win Junior Eurovision 2023?

There are some big voices in Melissa & Ranya’s pop influences, so it’s clear how they’ve ended up belting out a power ballad for their Junior Eurovision entry. Melissa’s pop star heroes are Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, and Freddy Mercury, while Ranya is inspired by Ariana Grande and Adele. Let’s hope the pair focuses on channeling We Are The Champions.

Another of Melissa’s favourite songs is Marco Mengoni’s Due Vite, which came in 4th for Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. With 2 top 10 placings at Eurovision, Marco seems like a good pop idol for the Italian pair.

With a song about friendship performed by a pair of pals, we asked Melissa & Ranya what makes a good friend.

Melissa says: “Helping in difficult moments and being always sincere.”

Ranya says: “A good friend should be a sincere, caring, kind person, being in confidence with you.”

You can learn more about Melissa & Ranya right here.

Junior Eurovision 2023 took place in Nice, France on Sunday 26 November and was won by Zoé Clauzure from France! You can rewatch it live via the official Junior Eurovision YouTube channel (if available in your country).

All 16 songs are available to watch on our YouTube channel and listen to the official album on all streaming platforms, and of course, you're invited to vote for your favourites too! How do I vote in Junior Eurovision? Here's how...

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