The only group at Sanremo 2026 and the first all-female group in many years. Le Bambole di pezza debut at the Ariston, proud to carry the heavy burden of representing, as complete outsiders, two musical worlds in crisis in Italy—band and rock—and to do so "with the right commitment and responsibility." "Our credo is sisterhood," they assert, that value of alliance, networking, and support (not just among women) to change something culturally still too profound. "Stay with me," they make clear right away, is not a love song but a human invitation to connection, to unity. A power ballad—co-written with Nesli—that balances strength and fragility.
Unity is essential when there are five of you, all with different musical tastes, from rhythm and blues to death metal, and even from different generations, but their name says it all : "It's too easy to be plastic, all the same; we're rag dolls. Artisanal, hand-sewn in a patchwork of emotions, sometimes of scraps, given new life."
Formed in Milan in 2002, inspired by the Riot Grrrl movement, which combined feminism and punk music in the 1990s in the US, they continue to uphold the legacy of the original lineup, comprised of Daniela "Dani" Piccirillo (rhythm guitar) and Lisa "Morgana Blue" Cerri (lead guitar). They were joined in 2021 by new members: Martina "Cleo" Ungarelli on vocals, Federica "Xina" Rossi on drums, and Caterina Alessandra "Kaj" Dolci on bass.
They're well aware that they're little-known—despite a career marked by hundreds of stage appearances, including the May Day Concert and openings for rock giants like the Sex Pistols and Editors—"We asked ourselves, how do we want to present ourselves to the mainstream audience?" The answer is precisely "Stay with me": a song that, in a difficult historical moment, celebrates the need to be together. A political message? "Of course. A call to humanity, to stand up for ourselves in the face of crises and hatred by making our voices heard." Feminism is everywhere, a mission: "To raise awareness of the issues we've always been committed to: fighting sexism, combating violence, and defending equal opportunities."
From Sanremo, preparing for their new Club Tour 2026, from Milan to Naples, they hope to emerge without labels: "They call us punk, rock, extreme, but the only badge we accept is that of independent and emancipated women. This is what makes us rebel against a system: attitude. So if one day we wanted to do folk, we'd be free to do it, in our own way." And in any case, Cleo clarifies: "I challenge you to say that 'Resta con me' isn't rock, with its distorted guitars and incredible power."
For the cover night, the choice was unconventional: "Cat's Eyes," featuring the queen of cartoon theme songs, Cristina D'Avena. "We created a dolled-up version. Cristina immediately proved to be open, like a sister; in fact, she was the one who asked us to push harder." A song etched in everyone's memory that fulfills the need for lightheartedness. "But the message remains intact, given that it's about three sisters who made a pact with cunning and skill." And it allows you to indulge in the most beautiful dream: capturing the attention of some little girl who, watching those girls let loose on TV, might feel inspired to express herself through music.