Leopard-print shirts and rebellious curls, Mad-Dog shed their skin and become more glamorous than ever: for the third X Factor Live, on “Jukebox Night,” the “time machine” evening dedicated to the great classics of the 1960s and 1970s, the four boys from Sassari tackled “Rebel Rebel,” one of the giant David Bowie’s most iconic songs, an anthem for those who aren’t afraid to live above the lines and claim their right to be free.

It was anything but an easy challenge for the very young Renato Marchisio, Davide Dore, Jacopo Sale, and Luca Pintus: "Musically, it doesn't worry me, it's your thing," their judge Paola Iezzi explained during rehearsals. "But to perform this song at its best, you need to be transgressive, hotter." No problem for the Mad-Dog quick-change artists, who even tried their hand at leaps and jumping jacks to get ready for their performance. And then it was off to the hair and makeup department, more important than ever last night: and here they are in Ziggy Stardust style, with tight bell-bottoms, gelled hair, and the inevitable curl on their forehead. A twist that, after all, isn't so far from their musical universe: the logo on the drum kit recalls it, harking back to "Shame on Youth," their first self-produced album, in which they experimented with indie rock and British influences, expressing their desire for freedom. And as Paola predicted, the performance is perfect, like that historic and unmistakable guitar riff.

"I didn't recognize you, you put yourselves on the line," Irama commented. "I enjoyed hearing you a little raw. The sex appeal has come through, and that doesn't hurt," complimented Francesco Gabbani. Jake La Furia also praised the new look: "I like this 'dirty' vibe; I was starting to need it." The greatest satisfaction, of course, came from Paola Iezzi: "You were beautiful and rebellious." And the message came through loud and clear to the audience: it will be Lenanie's turn again, followed by Manu.

An even more special cheer comes from Sassari, with the children and teenagers hospitalized in the pediatric ward of the AOU University Hospital who have prepared drawings and posters to encourage them. Among the messages, one from a young patient: "I hope to be discharged for the final, so I can enjoy your victory." A wish that is worth more than many applauses, signed by the students of the hospital school. For the four musicians, the race to X Factor continues with an extra motivation: to bring a smile to those who dream of being able to applaud them again, perhaps until Thursday, December 3rd, at the final at the Unipol Forum in Assago. Being beautiful and rebellious, this time, also means this.

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