And to think he was starting to give up: "Just one more year, then that's it." Luckily, since that ultimatum was imposed, everything has happened.

EroCaddeo, 27, a singer-songwriter, now an idol not only in his hometown of Sinnai but throughout Italy, in the aftermath of the grand finale of X Factor in Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples, seemed to be thinking of everything except his near-victory. Perhaps something was in the air, and the long-awaited announcement has already arrived: on January 9, 2026, Warner Bros. will release his autographed CD "scrivimi quando arriva (punto)," the namesake of his first EP, available for pre-order since yesterday.

Here's Damiano, smiling more than ever, kind to everyone, his usual comedian. At peace with himself because "for me, it couldn't have gone better."

The trophy was just a hair's breadth away, aren't you sorry?

"Oh no, you know my approach by now. I had fun, I played my music, I brought "Punto" to such an important venue. Seeing someone in the audience singing along with me was the greatest satisfaction."

Anyone? It's the most streamed new song ever and remains in Spotify's prestigious Top 50.

"I remember it was well received at the auditions, and I know a lot of people couldn't wait for it to come out. But I didn't expect it to be such a hit."

Take us inside his head and to those moments before "X Factor 2025 Wins...". What did he think?

«I haven't seen myself on TV yet, but you should be able to see me lip-syncing, 'Rob, Rob, Rob.'»

Were you rooting for her?

"I felt this victory could be even more important for Roberta. She deserved it."

More than I was Caddeo?

She's a wonderful girl and a true professional. Among us in the loft, her rehearsals became a meme: "Rob on Autotune." It was impossible to sing that well, especially first thing in the morning, while the rest of us needed at least two hours to recover. We never thought she was an "underdog." But in a way, "underdog" is a term that suited her. She quietly made her own way, and here she is.

Let's go back in time, have you ever thought about giving up?

"I'd never give up music. However, after winning the Radiolina Contest in 2021 and signing my first contracts with a label, I hit a plateau. I'd moved to Turin and worked as a salesman to support myself, but it was starting to become difficult to pursue my dream and make ends meet. It's hard to keep giving it your all when, after so many sacrifices, you still can't pay the rent."

But then, before X Factor, it exploded on social media.

"To be honest, I'd been trying for a while. Suddenly, thanks to the mystery of algorithms, it happened with Luglio, from my first EP. That line: "For me, you'll be like Cagliari after 7" was shared on hundreds of reels, people got curious and reached out to me. It was a push that gave me the courage to try X Factor. You know how it went."

Achille Lauro said that the results of a talent show like X Factor can be seen in ten years.

"In the meantime, we hope to get there in 2035. And then to have made five more 'Periods'. Apostrophes, commas, all the punctuation. Good songs are everything, otherwise they won't stand out even if they have a thousand superstructures around them. In the meantime, I'm working on new pieces."

What is the most valuable advice you have received?

"From Giorgia, and how could it be otherwise? Technical advice on breathing and diaphragm. And then to enjoy it: it seems trivial, but hearing it from a great woman like her was important."

From Achille Lauro?

"To dress better. Jokes aside, it gave me tips on the shark world out there: in short, always stay humble, work hard. And something will come."

Are you afraid of pressure in that shark world?

"I think the trick is to surround myself with people I trust. I have a wonderful family around me; they'll continue to be my shield and remind me who I am. And obviously I'll see a psychologist, so I'm okay on that front too."

When are you returning to Sardinia?

"Today. No, that's not true. I really wanted to, but unfortunately it can't be done. I'm leaving Naples for Turin, we'll finish two recordings, and then I'll finally be in Sinnai for a while. My home is there."

The city supported her until the end and will continue to do so.

"I've always felt this closeness, even from afar. I hope they're proud of an achievement I share with all of them."

Concerts in Sardinia?

«Work in progress: if all goes well, a couple of dates before New Year's».

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