Arisa, whose real name is Rosalba Pippa, is one of Italy's most beloved contemporary singers. She was born on August 20, 1982, in Genoa and grew up in Pignola, a small town in the southern region of Basilicata. Her stage name is a playful acronym made from the first initials of her family members' names.
She first won the country over in 2009, taking the newcomers' section of the Sanremo Music Festival with her song "Sincerità". In 2014 she returned to win the festival outright with "Controvento", cementing her place among Italy's leading pop voices. Known for her warm, expressive voice and heartfelt ballads, she has also worked as a songwriter, actress, and television personality. "La Notte", released in 2012, is one of her most moving songs about heartache and the hope that love endures.