ROME, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The curtain rises on Italy's Sanremo music fest as organizers say they hope international guests, such as Nelly Furtado will "Say It Right" with viewers.
International music and acting stars are one way organizers try to boost interest in the five-day music festival, beginning Tuesday, that includes more than 15 hours of live television, ANSA said.
RAI state television watches viewer numbers closely to see whether its investment in bringing international acts such as Furtado or Spanish actress Penelope Cruz boost viewership. Previously stars such as John Travolta, Hugh Grant, Will Smith and Sharon Stone were given half-hour slots for live, on-stage interviews between sections of the song contest.
Other foreign musical guests booked in include British singer Joss Stone and American performers Norah Jones and John Legend as well as the band Scissor Sisters.
Already a controversy is brewing after the Italian government ruled that the festival's two presenters -- veteran host Pippo Baudo and popular TV star Michelle Hunziker -- could be paid at a higher rate than normally allowed, ANSA said Monday.
