The new kids from San Marino: There’s no-one like Idols SM

Say 'ciao' to Asia Ceccoli, Giulia Rinaldi, Giorgia De Scisciolo and Vera Stefania Olkhovskaya. They’re the 11 and 12 year olds who make up Idols SM, who formed especially for Junior Eurovision 2024. They were chosen by broadcaster San Marino RTV to represent the country at the Contest in Madrid.

Instead of deciding their artist through a national final, San Marino used a charity concert to decide which song this band should perform in Junior Eurovision. Idols SM sang the songs Poesia and Come Noi in front of a professional jury, who decided on Come Noi, which means “like us.”

All 4 members of Idols SM love performing. Giulia trains in classical, modern, and contemporary dance, while Vera Stefania has spent time learning hip hop dance and piano. Giorgia spends her spare time singing and plays the violin, while Asia feels like the stage gives her energy and wants to become a famous singer — she also practises the piano every day.

The song was written by Francesco Sancisi, Nicola Della Valle, and Paolo Macina. They’re all members of Miodio, a rock band who were the first ever artists to represent San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest. They performed Complice in the 2008 Contest, which was held in Belgrade.

This will be the 4th time San Marino has competed in Junior Eurovision, with their first ever participation taking place in 2013, with the song O-o-O Sole intorno a me performed by Michele Perniola.

Idols SM have got a lot of pets between them. All 4 girls have a dog, and Giorgia also has two cats, two goats, some chicks, and will soon have a parrot. She says it’s all down to the influence of her grandfather, who really loves animals — as does Giorgia! 

We know Junior Eurovision is the GOAT, but could this be our first official goat fan club?

The band members are huge fans of K-pop band Stray Kids. Giulia, Vera Stefania, and Asia all claim them as their favourite artist, with Vera Stefania loving the song MIROH in particular because it’s energetic and makes her smile. Asia’s top Stray Kids track is twilight. Both Vera Stefania and Asia have been lucky enough to get concert tickets to see their favourite musicians in action as birthday presents.

The energy and teamwork of Stray Kids has certainly influenced Idols SM, and they even talk about the special effects from Stray Kids videos in Come Noi.

Giorgia’s favourite artist is Italian band Pinguini Tattici Nucleari — she clearly loves an upbeat, multi-vocal vibe, just like the rest of Idols SM, but she’s into a more indie sound. 

And don’t worry, she got the birthday gift of a ticket to see her favourite band playing too.

Friendship is important when you’re in a pop group. When we asked Idols SM what they each think makes a good friend, Giulia told us it’s all about being true, while Vera Stefania wants her friends to support her and help her in difficult moments. Giorgia says a friend never lets you down, and Asia also thinks friends always support each other.

Giulia and Asia have been to Spain before, but Junior Eurovision will be the first visit for Vera Stefania and Giorgia. And for the whole band, this will be the first time they’ve ever been to Madrid. Time to pack your suitcases, we’ll see you in rehearsals!

You can learn more about Idol SM from San Marino right here.

You can now stream the official #JESC2024 album and watch all 17 songs over on the official #JESC YouTube channel! 

Make sure to keep up to date with all the latest news and BTS action by following #JESC2024 on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, before Junior Eurovision returns LIVE from the Caja Mágica in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday 16 November.

You can watch the show live on the #JESC YouTube channel and don't forget to vote for your favourites over at JESC.TV when voting opens!