Eurovision fans have ruthlessly poked fun at Italy‘s Lucio Corsi for dressing like a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang character.
Millions of viewers across Europe tuned in to see who would take home the crown before Austria’s JJ emerged victorious in Saturday night’s grand final.
Despite the show’s impressive performances, some viewers found themselves distracted by Corsi’s attire as he belted out Volevo Essere Un Duro for his country.
Graham Norton, UK’s Eurovision commentator, sparked the comparison that Corsi was ‘dressed like the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,’ according to Metro.
Social media users quickly shared their thoughts on Norton’s comment online, with one writing, ‘Italy – Isn’t that the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?’
A second said, ‘Graham Norton the man you are, please never quit from commentating Eurovision. Saying Italy looks like the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has made my night.’
‘I see that Italy has the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang representing them,’ wrote a third.
Another shared countless laughing face emojis with the writing, ‘Child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang #Eurovision2025’.
Italy’s Eurovision contestant has been mocked online for dressing like the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (pictured)
It comes after Estonian rapper Tommy Cash ignited fresh controversy with his Eurovision 2025 entry, Espresso Macchiato.
Many Italians criticised the song for perpetuating offensive stereotypes about their culture – including ones about coffee, the Mafia, and smoking.
The song, performed in a mix of English and mock Italian, includes lyrics such as ‘Ciao bella, I’m Tomaso, addicted to tobacco. Mi like mi coffee very importante,’ and ‘Mi money numeroso, I work around the clocko. That’s why I’m sweating like a mafioso.’
While some viewers found the song humorous and satirical, others believed it crossed the line.
Taking to X they expressed their upset writing, ‘Estonia is just bad and not in a funny way lol’.
‘I’m with the Italians. That was downright offensive from Estonia #Eurovision,’ wrote another.
‘Estonia there with the biggest crime against music I have ever had the displeasure of hearing. Pretty insulting to Italians there too. That’s not music, that’s just s***e. #Eurovision’
Another viewer wrote, ‘Estonia – absolutely terrible #Eurovision’.
UK’s Eurovision commentator Graham Norton drew the comparison between Corsi (pictured) and the character
Pictured: Lucio Corsi representing Italy during the rehearsal ahead of Semi Final Round 1 of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest
‘What in the racism was that? #Eurovision’.
Before Saturday night’s show Gian Marco Centinaio, Vice President of the Italian Senate, condemned the song.
He said, ‘We cannot allow a song that reinforces negative stereotypes about our country to compete in such a major international event.
‘He [Tommy Cash] should come to Italy and see how decent people really work before daring to write such a stupid and stereotypical song.’
Despite the backlash, Tommy Cash defended his song and noted that many Italians have approached him positively, saying, ‘Everyone coming to me is like ‘I’m from Italy, you’re a legend there and we’re so happy to have your song’.
He added, ‘The thing is, coffee is for the world. Everyone can drink coffee. Americans, Europeans, and this brings us together.’
Elsewhere, viewers were left very impressed with the UK’s girl group Remember Monday with their grand finale performance on Saturday night.
The country-pop band, made up of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, all 30, represented the UK with their song What The Hell Just Happened?
Viewers were left convinced the group would win the competition as they praised their ‘unbelievable vocals’.
Eurovision viewers compared Lucio Corsi to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s child catcher on social media
While some fans worried that the UK wouldn’t get enough points, others insisted Remember Monday’s song would be a hit regardless of the result.
The UK last finished triumphant in the contest 27 years ago with the victory of Katrina and the Waves in 1997, with their track Love Shine A Light.
Remember Monday first gained prominence after appearing on The Voice UK in 2019 and have also had careers in theatre.
Despite their high-energy routine, Remember Monday came 19th out of 26 places in the contest.
