He didn't win, but it's as if he did. And this time it's not just a saying. Emanuele Palumbo, also known as Geolier, left Sanremo a few hours ago and arrived at Rione Gescal in Secondigliano, his home, which has always followed him over the years and supported him especially in the last week in conjunction with his participation in Sanremo 2024.
Geolier arrived around 20.20 on a white minibus on the outskirts of Naples, where he was born and still lives. The reception is star-like. There are many people celebrating him, including fans, friends and relatives with fireworks dedicated to him.
The bus proceeds at a walking pace and struggles to make its way through the crowd: many people with their mobile phones try to capture the singer, who is sitting on the passenger side. All this while the people acclaim him - 'Emanuele, Emanuele' - and the fireworks continue to light up the area, a cluster of houses that stands right on the border between the districts of Secondigliano and Miano, on the outskirts of the city.
The 23-year-old rapper finished the singing competition in second place - behind Angelina Mango, the photo-finish winner - and his first thought at the end of the race was to return home. 'They are waiting for me, I can't be late' he said in the afternoon during his participation in 'Domenica In' in the classic Sunday post-Sanremo appointment. And indeed, many are waiting for him. 'The fact that he didn't come first doesn't matter, for us he is still the winner', says a girl, repeating a phrase that everyone here now says. For the rapper, official celebrations are also planned, but for now he especially wants to enjoy his people and his neighborhood. 'Emanuele one of us', the chants ring out.
Already last night, close relatives and friends had gathered at Rione Gescal to watch the live final of the Festival, with the disappointment coming at the time of the winner's decision. Secondigliano, however, has no intention of not celebrating him and there was great anticipation for the return of the rapper who will embrace his people again after the week of absence for Sanremo.