Edward Marchesi The new season of Amici has caused a stir since its debut. After months of rumors, the changes to the rules have been confirmed: those who finish bottom of the list will face more severe penalties than in the past, almost transforming the format into a true test of resilience.
New sanctions introduced for the last classified
The production committee outlined a series of measures designed to "stimulate" the bottom-ranked contestants. Among the most controversial are: an artistic test assigned by a teacher other than their own, a one-point reduction in the next competition, a ban on smartphone use for up to seven days, and the requirement to clean both students' homes and school premises for a full week.
For the singing category, two additional penalties apply: exclusion from the next unreleased song competition and failure to publish the song together with the other contestants.
Artistic tests decided by other teachers
When a student is deemed to be last, they may be asked to perform a piece chosen by another artistic director. Although the final evaluation remains the responsibility of their teacher, the extra challenge is intended to create a more intense competitive atmosphere and test the contestant's ability to adapt.
Point penalty and smartphone ban
The -1 score reduction in the next competition represents an immediate penalty, capable of significantly impacting the rankings. At the same time, the cell phone ban aims to limit digital distractions and force young people to focus exclusively on their artistic work, an approach that has already divided public opinion.
Reactions from the audience and the stars of the program
Social media has seen a clear polarization. On the one hand, some viewers applaud the decision, seeing it as a way to teach responsibility and discipline young talent. On the other, many voices denounce excessive harshness, especially regarding "domestic" sanctions such as cleaning, considering them inappropriate in a purely artistic context.
Criticisms on the disciplinary dimension
Those who oppose the new rules argue that the talent show, despite being a competition, should remain a creative laboratory and not become a "boot camp." The prospect of having to do household chores or being deprived of one's smartphone for a week is seen by many as a measure that goes beyond the limits of the training program.
Impact on singers and visibility
The two specific measures for the singing category have raised concrete concerns. The exclusion of unreleased songs from the competition and the failure to publish them can drastically reduce streaming opportunities and online visibility, crucial elements for an emerging career. Some commentators believe this added pressure could push singers to improve, while others interpret it as a cynical choice aimed at transforming the artistic journey into a sort of media "survival."