ITALY BIDS FAREWELL TO TV LEGEND PIPPO BAUDO

Pippo Baudo, a titan of Italian television, has passed away at 89. President Sergio Mattarella praised his "grace and culture," as Italy mourns the loss of a true master who shaped generations of TV.

Pippo Baudo, the iconic patriarch of Italian television, passed away last night at the Campus Biomedico in Rome at the age of 89. He was surrounded by his family and comforted by the sacraments.

The news was met with an outpouring of grief from across the country. Italian President Sergio Mattarella led the tributes, calling Baudo a "protagonist and innovator of television" who was distinguished by his "professionalism, culture, grace, and extraordinary ability to interpret the tastes and expectations of Italian viewers."

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli noted that Italy had lost "one of the most beloved and recognizable faces of its television history," a figure who was "capable of uniting generations through the language of entertainment." Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani also offered their condolences, with Tajani adding that Baudo "entered the homes of all Italians" and was "admired and known throughout the world."

The Rai network, which Baudo helped define, expressed deep sorrow, stating that with his death, "a piece of television's heart is gone," but his legacy is an "immense richness."

Tributes from colleagues and friends flooded in. Host Carlo Conti said it felt "as if the TV he invented has been turned off," and actress Luciana Littizzetto called him a "wonderful activator of lightness." Actor Alessandro Gassmann described Baudo as "the last host of that era, where grace and culture existed." Musicians like Eros Ramazzotti and Gianni Morandi shared personal messages, remembering him as a friend and a mentor.

Journalist Enrico Mentana called Baudo one of the "kings of TV," alongside fellow legends like Mike Bongiorno, Corrado, and Maurizio Costanzo, whose presence left a legacy in the collective memory. Host Fabio Fazio praised Baudo for having "written the grammar of television."

Pippo Baudo’s career spanned over sixty years, a journey that saw him rise to become a national icon. He began in the 1960s with the musical variety show Settevoci, where his brilliant style and commanding presence quickly made him a household name. He went on to host iconic programs like Canzonissima and Fantastico and created the revolutionary Sunday talk show Domenica In.

However, Baudo's name is most famously linked to the Sanremo Music Festival, which he hosted a record thirteen times. His legendary cool-headedness was on display during the 1995 festival when he stopped a man who threatened to jump from the gallery. Baudo calmly talked the man down, earning a standing ovation and cementing his reputation for poise under pressure. He was also celebrated as a brilliant talent scout, having launched the careers of artists like Eros Ramazzotti, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, and Giorgia.

A master both on and off-screen, Baudo wrote song lyrics and collaborated with Italy's biggest stars. His eloquence, professionalism, and passion for television made him a beloved figure for generations of viewers. Even after a brief departure from Rai in the 1980s, his triumphant return proved that his influence was unmatched. Baudo leaves behind an indelible legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of millions of Italians.