Iva Zanicchi, nicknamed “L’Aquila di Ligonchio” (The Eagle of Ligonchio), is one of Italy’s most enduring singing legends — the only woman to win the Sanremo Music Festival three times. At 86, she is still active on Italian television and, by her own account, playing her final full season of live concerts in 2026. Here is everything verified about her life, career, and where she stands today.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Iva Zanicchi |
| Date of Birth | January 18, 1940 |
| Age | 86 years old (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Profession | Singer, Actress, TV Host, former Politician (MEP 2008–2014) |
| Platforms | Instagram (@ivazanicchireal), TikTok (@ivazanicchi) |
| Known For | Three-time Sanremo Music Festival winner (1967, 1969, 1974); Eurovision 1969 representative for Italy; mezzo-soprano voice |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed or independently verified |
| Spouse | Antonio Ansoldi (m. 1967–div. 1985); later partner Fausto Pinna (1987 until his death in 2024) |
| Children | One daughter, Michela (b. 1968); two grandchildren |
Body Measurements
| Height | Not publicly disclosed / independently verified |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed / independently verified |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly disclosed |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Reddish-Blonde |
Bio & Career
- Born January 18, 1940 in Ligonchio, in the province of Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
- Remains the only woman to win the Sanremo Music Festival three times: 1967 (“Non pensare a me”), 1969 (“Zingara”), and 1974 (“Ciao cara, come stai?”).
- Represented Italy at the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest in Madrid with “Due grosse lacrime bianche,” finishing 13th.
- Known by the press as “L’Aquila di Ligonchio” (The Eagle of Ligonchio) for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice.
- Hosted the Italian version of “The Price Is Right” (La Ruota della Fortuna) from 1987 to 2000.
- Served as a Member of the European Parliament for Italy (2008–2014) with Forza Italia.
- Received a lifetime achievement recognition at Sanremo 2025 for her decades-long contribution to Italian music.
- Performed internationally, including a career-highlight concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1974.
Latest News – Iva Zanicchi (2026)
- In September 2026, Zanicchi announced that 2026 will be her last year of full summer touring, citing the physical toll of live performances, though she says it is not a retirement from television or other projects.
- She described her 2026 summer touring schedule as especially demanding, telling press she can still manage “4 or 5 concerts” going forward rather than a full tour.
- Appeared as a guest on the Rai talk show “Bella Ma’” in September 2026, sharing stories from her career including her 1985 Playboy Italia photoshoot at age 45.
- Was reported among names under consideration for a judging role on “The Voice Senior” in the 2026 Italian TV season.
- Continues to share updates on tour dates, TV appearances, and personal moments with fans via her official Instagram account, @ivazanicchireal.
FAQs
Iva Zanicchi was born on January 18, 1940, making her 86 years old as of 2026.
The nickname, meaning “The Eagle of Ligonchio,” references her birthplace of Ligonchio and her powerful mezzo-soprano voice.
She has won the Sanremo Music Festival three times — in 1967, 1969, and 1974 — making her the only woman to achieve that feat.
She has said 2026 will be her last year of full summer concert touring due to the physical demands, but has clarified this is not a full retirement from television or entertainment.
Yes, she served as a Member of the European Parliament representing Italy from 2008 to 2014 with the Forza Italia party.
Her exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed or independently verified, despite estimates circulating on unofficial celebrity-stat sites.
