TonyPitony

TonyPitony (born 12 April 1996) is an Italian singer-songwriter and performer known for his provocative and satirical songs blending electronic music and R&B atmospheres.

Active since 2020, he gained national prominence in 2025 following the viral success of several singles and live performances characterized by theatrical staging and controversial lyrics.

Early and personal life TonyPitony (whose real name has been alleged to be Ettore Ballarino or Simone De Simone) was born and raised in Syracuse, Sicily. After completing his secondary education at the liceo scientifico Einaudi, he moved at the age of 19 to Epsom, United Kingdom, where he received a scholarship in acting at Laine Theatre Arts college. He remained in the UK for approximately seven years, working as a voice actor and appearing in small theatre productions in London's West End, as well as performing in private shows for Scottish aristocratic audiences.

Following an unsuccessful audition for the musical Sister Act and the suspension of theatrical activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he began developing an independent artistic project under the pseudonym TonyPitony. Upon returning to Syracuse, he performed with the local band Sam & the Engineers, appearing on stage wearing an Elvis Presley mask.

Career 2020–2024: X Factor audition and first album In July 2020, he independently released his debut studio album, Nel 2067, which combined electronic and dance sounds with irreverent and comedic lyrics. Later that year, he auditioned for the fourteenth season of X Factor Italia, performing a deliberately provocative neomelodic-style rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Although judge Mika praised his vocal abilities, he was eliminated during the audition phase and did not advance to the live shows.

Throughout 2025, TonyPitony performed at several Italian festivals and venues, including Poplar Festival in Trento, Hiroshima Mon Amour in Turin, Fabrique in Milan, and Estragon in Bologna. In December 2025, following the success of an acoustic performance accompanied by guitarist Marco Castello. he released the EP Peccato per i testi, featuring five acoustic versions of previously released songs. The acoustic version of "Donne ricche" became his first top-ten single on the FIMI Singles Chart, peaking at number two. The album TonyPitony also entered the FIMI Albums Chart, remaining for nine weeks and peaking at number nine. and was confirmed as a guest performer during the cover night of Sanremo Music Festival 2026 in a duet with Ditonellapiaga, with the song "The Lady Is a Tramp"; their performance ultimately won the night. A summer tour titled Estatony was announced for 2026, with several dates selling out in advance.

Musical style and themes TonyPitony's music incorporates elements of comedy rock alongside R&B, electronic music, and indie pop songwriting. His production style is generally polished and aligned with contemporary mainstream trends. His live performances are structured as theatrical shows combining music, comedy sketches, improvisation, and physical interaction with the audience.

Critical reception has been polarized. Some commentators have described his work as a sharp and unsettling reflection of contemporary pop culture, while others have criticized it as vulgar and regressive.

Discography Studio albums Nel 2067 – 2020 TonyPitony – 2025

Extended plays Peccato per i testi (Acoustic Version) – 2025

Singles "Cetorino" – 2020 "Striscia" – 2023 "Polietilene" – 2023 "Donne ricche" – 2023 "Anima mia" – 2024 "Neopatentate" – 2024 "Semicerchi" – 2024 "Culo" – 2024 "Giovanni" – 2025 "Scapezzolate (Official Theme of FantaSanremo 2026)" – 2026 "The Lady Is a Tramp" – 2026 "English Lesson Number One" – 2026 "L'ammor" – 2026 "Cadillac" – 2026