Tommy Cash, the Estonian singer representing the country in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, has caused outrage in Italy after releasing the song “Espresso Macchiato,” which uses Italian stereotypes.
Although he told the BBC that he “loves everything kitschy,” Cash received requests from some Italians to have the song banned from the competition. Internet users commented that the song goes against the purpose of Eurovision.
Originally created in 1956 by Marcel Bezençon, then director of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the contest aims to create a space where more than 35 European countries can foster cultural connections.
“The purpose of Eurovision is to unite Europe,” says musicologist Anna G Piotrowska.
However, “Espresso Macchiato” did not appeal to many listeners. In the music video, Tommy Cash uses an exaggerated Italian accent, which many saw as mocking Italy.
In an interview with the BBC, the singer said he used these humorous elements in the song “because it’s funny.”
In 2024, Cash released “Untz Untz,” a title that mimics the sound of a typical electronic beat, satirizing German techno culture, which brought him attention and led to his participation in the competition.
Estonia has only won Eurovision once, in 2001, with the song “Everybody.”
+Watch the “Espresso Macchiato” music video
Photos and video: YouTube Eurovision Song Contest. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
