Damiano David transformed from Rome street busker to international rock sensation, leading Måneskin to victory at Eurovision 2021 and establishing himself as a global music icon. Born January 8, 1999, David co-founded Måneskin in 2016 while still in high school, rising to prominence after placing second on X Factor Italy in 2017.
The band’s Eurovision triumph with “Zitti e buoni” in May 2021 catapulted them to worldwide fame, earning 524 points and Italy’s first contest win since 1990. Måneskin achieved remarkable commercial success with 40 million records sold, four billion streams, and 133 platinum certifications by 2022, plus Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2023 and multiple MTV Video Music Awards. In September 2024, David launched his solo career with singles “Silverlines” and “Born with a Broken Heart,” releasing debut album Funny Little Fears in May 2025 while embarking on a 31-date world tour.
His January 2026 engagement to actress Dove Cameron further elevated his profile, solidifying his status as both musical innovator and cultural phenomenon who redefined modern rock stardom for a new generation.
Early Life: From Rome to Rock Stardom
A Musical Childhood in the Eternal City
Damiano David’s journey from Rome’s cobblestone streets to international stardom exemplifies rock music’s enduring power to transcend boundaries. Born January 8, 1999, in Rome to flight attendant parents Daniele David and Rossella Scognamiglio, according to Wikipedia, David grew up traveling worldwide, exposing him to diverse cultures and languages from an early age. Remarkably, he shares his birthday with two legendary rock icons: Elvis Presley (born January 8, 1935) and David Bowie (born January 8, 1947), a cosmic coincidence that seems to have foreshadowed his musical destiny.
He began showing keen interest in singing at age six, with his best friend’s mother recognizing his exceptional vocal talent and urging his parents to pursue formal music training. South China Morning Post reports David told The Allison Hagendorf Show: “When I was in junior school, my best friend’s mum was a singer in a choir. She would always tell my mum that I needed to study music because I had a talent.”
Forming Måneskin: The Birth of a Rock Band
During high school at liceo linguistico Eugenio Montale in Rome, David met bassist Victoria De Angelis and guitarist Thomas Raggi. IMDb reports drummer Ethan Torchio joined via Facebook advertisement in a “Musicians Wanted” post, completing the quartet. Initially, David faced rejection as vocalist because his style was considered “too pop” for their rock aesthetic, but his relentless persistence eventually earned acceptance. He subsequently made the bold decision to drop out of high school with full parental support, devoting himself entirely to music and fundamentally transforming his stage persona through a journey of artistic self-discovery.
Måneskin—Danish for “moonlight,” chosen after the band’s Copenhagen trip brought them good fortune—formed in 2016, initially performing as street buskers throughout Rome’s historic center. Wiwibloggs notes they honed their craft in the heart of Rome, performing in the streets and developing the raw, energetic stage presence that would later captivate millions.
The Rise to Fame: X Factor and National Recognition
X Factor Italy Breakthrough
Wikipedia confirms they rose to national prominence in 2017 after finishing second in the eleventh season of X Factor Italy under coach Manuel Agnelli, leader of alternative rock band Afterhours. Agnelli praised David’s “natural charisma of the great frontmen,” recognizing qualities that would later captivate global audiences. They were considered favorites to win from their first audition onward, with some performances going viral, including when they covered “Kiss This” by The Struts while Damiano pole-danced wearing stiletto-heeled boots.
This breakthrough led to their debut studio album Il ballo della vita (2018), which achieved commercial success throughout Italy. Wiwibloggs reports that in February 2019, Måneskin embarked on their first international tour with eleven dates across several European countries, visiting Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. During a moment of leisure between tour dates chronicled in their YouTube documentary, guitarist Thomas Raggi joked: “Come on Thom, you’re going to win Sanremo.” Two years later, that prophecy became reality.
Eurovision 2021: The Victory That Changed Everything
Sanremo Triumph and the Historic Performance
Måneskin’s career-defining moment arrived in 2021. After winning Sanremo Music Festival 2021—Italy’s most prestigious music competition—they earned the right to represent Italy at Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. GigWise reports their explosive rock anthem “Zitti e buoni” from album Teatro d’ira: Vol. I showcased undeniable talent and electrifying stage presence, with David’s commanding performance capturing audiences across Europe and beyond.
On May 22, 2021, Wikipedia confirms they won with an impressive 524 points, securing Italy’s third Eurovision triumph after Gigliola Cinquetti (1964) and Toto Cutugno (1990). Upon accepting the winner’s trophy, Damiano shouted into the microphone: “We just want to say to the whole of Europe, to the whole world, rock and roll never dies!” Måneskin became the first band format to win since Lordi’s “Hard Rock Hallelujah” for Finland in 2006, and “Zitti e buoni” became the first rock song to win the contest in fifteen years.
Global Commercial Success: Breaking Barriers Worldwide
Chart Domination and Streaming Records
The Eurovision victory triggered unprecedented commercial success. Wikipedia notes Måneskin became the first Italian rock band reaching UK Singles Chart top 10, with “Zitti e buoni,” “I Wanna Be Your Slave,” and their electrifying cover of The Four Seasons’ “Beggin'” all charting on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. top 10. Their cover of “Beggin'” became a TikTok phenomenon, introducing the 1967 song to an entirely new generation and achieving massive viral success.
By 2022, according to Wikipedia, they had sold an estimated 40 million copies worldwide, garnered four billion streams across all streaming platforms, and earned six diamond, 133 platinum, and 34 gold certifications. Their cover of “Beggin'” alone received multiple international certifications for over three million copies sold internationally, totaling four million overall. The New York Times called them “almost certainly the biggest Italian rock band of all time” in their September 2023 profile, while Variety referred to them as “the biggest rock band to emerge in years.”
Awards Recognition and American Conquest
Grammy Nomination and MTV Victories
Måneskin’s achievements extended far beyond commercial metrics. Grammy.com confirms they received their first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, competing against ten nominees including Anitta, Omar Apollo, and eventual winner Samara Joy. Writing on Instagram Stories, the band expressed their excitement: “OMG! We can’t believe our eyes and ears but we just got nominated as Best New Artist at the #Grammys.”
Their MTV Video Music Awards success proved fruitful. IMDb documents they won Best Alternative Video in 2022 for “I Wanna Be Your Slave,” and ESCXTRA reports they won Best Rock Video in 2023 for “The Loneliest.” Additional accolades included winning Best Rock at the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards and Favorite Rock Song at the 2022 American Music Awards for “Beggin’.”
Conquering American Stages
Their American breakthrough accelerated through strategic media appearances. Wikipedia details their U.S. television debut performing “Beggin'” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on October 26, 2021, followed by performances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. On January 22, 2022, Måneskin served as musical guest on Saturday Night Live, cementing their American mainstream appeal. They opened for the Rolling Stones at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, performed at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Turin with “Supermodel,” and headlined Glastonbury Festival in June 2023. Their Rush! World Tour visited Europe, Americas, Oceania, and Asia from September to December 2023, selling out arenas globally and solidifying their status as legitimate international rock stars.
Solo Career: Damiano David’s Personal Evolution
Launching a New Chapter with Vulnerability
In September 2024, David embarked on his highly anticipated solo journey. NME reports he released debut single “Silverlines,” produced by acclaimed artist Labrinth, explaining candidly: “In the last few years, we worked a lot and I was starting to lose the focus. I was starting to value things that are not actually very valuable for me. I was basically making myself unhappy, and I was doing pretty good at it.”
The piano-led ballad about finding peace and self-acceptance marked a significant artistic departure from Måneskin’s hard rock sound. David told NME: “This journey was a lot about cutting out all the excess and everything that wasn’t 100 per cent necessary for my happiness and satisfaction.” His second single “Born with a Broken Heart” followed in October 2024, showcasing what Vogue Adria called “the ‘Harry-Stylesification’ of Damiano David”—a softer, more introspective pop sound.
Funny Little Fears Album and World Tour
Wikipedia confirms David’s debut solo album Funny Little Fears released May 16, 2025, through Sony Music Italy and Arista Records. In interviews, David described the album as “a journey inside myself,” revealing: “I had a sense of discouragement and sadness, of dissatisfaction, that I didn’t know where it came from, I felt a bit lost. The album made me realize that the cause was precisely the fears I had put in my head… It was therapeutic for me.”
ESCXTRA details his ambitious 31-date world tour launched September 11, 2025, in Warsaw, Poland, spanning five continents before concluding December 16 in Washington, D.C. Speaking on the tour, Damiano said: “I’m beyond excited to announce my first ever world tour as a solo artist. I can’t wait to connect with all of you in person and share my new music.” Notable venues included London’s Roundhouse, Tokyo’s Garden Theater, São Paulo’s Tokio Marine Hall, and New York’s Brooklyn Paramount, with Melbourne’s The Forum selling out completely.
Personal Life: Love and New Beginnings
Finding Love with Dove Cameron
Wikipedia notes David ended his nearly six-year relationship with Italian model Giorgia Soleri in June 2023, beginning to date American actress and singer Dove Cameron in November 2023. They first met at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, where both were nominated for Best New Artist, but dating rumors didn’t surface until September 2023 when Cameron was spotted at a Måneskin concert at Madison Square Garden.
Bollywood Shaadis reports they officially confirmed their relationship at Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy gala in February 2024, kissing in front of photographers. They attended high-profile events including the 2024 Met Gala, with Cameron describing David as a “beautiful, sensitive soul” in interviews. On their second anniversary in October 2025, Cameron posted on Instagram: “the 2 best years of my life. i am brought to tears at least once a week because life has become so beautiful with you in it.”
The Engagement Announcement
Engagement rumors surfaced October 2025 when Cameron was spotted wearing a diamond ring in Sydney. The couple officially announced their engagement January 3, 2026, through heartfelt Instagram posts. SI Lifestyle reports Cameron shared a carousel of sweet snapshots with the caption: “my favourite part of being alive 💍 happy new year,” with her gorgeous engagement ring on full display, delighting fans worldwide.
Damiano David’s Remarkable Journey: Complete Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Achievement/Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Birth | Born January 8 in Rome (shares birthday with Elvis, Bowie) |
| 2016 | Måneskin Formation | Co-founded band as street buskers in Rome |
| 2017 | X Factor Italy | Finished second, gained national recognition |
| 2018 | Debut Album | Il ballo della vita + first European tour (11 countries) |
| 2021 | Sanremo & Eurovision | Won both competitions, 524 points at Eurovision |
| 2021-2022 | Global Breakthrough | 40M records, 4B streams, 133 platinum certifications |
| 2022 | SNL & MTV VMA | Saturday Night Live guest, Best Alternative Video win |
| 2023 | Grammy & Awards | Best New Artist nomination, MTV Best Rock Video win |
| 2023 | Rush! Album | Third album + world tour across 4 continents |
| 2024 | Solo Launch | “Silverlines” & “Born with a Broken Heart” singles |
| 2025 | Solo Album & Tour | Funny Little Fears (May 16), 31-date world tour |
| 2026 | Engagement | Announced engagement to Dove Cameron (January 3) |
Sources: Wikipedia, Grammy.com, ESCXTRA, Bollywood Shaadis
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Damiano David’s evolution from Eurovision champion to global rock icon demonstrates how authenticity, charisma, and artistic courage can transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. His journey—from street performer to international sensation, from hard rock frontman to vulnerable solo artist—coupled with his advocacy for LGBTQ rights, androgynous fashion innovation, and fearless self-expression positions him as a defining voice for contemporary rock music’s renaissance. As he embarks on this new chapter with his solo career and engagement to Dove Cameron, David continues proving that rock and roll’s rebellious spirit remains alive and thriving in the 21st century, inspiring millions worldwide to embrace their authentic selves without compromise or apology.
