On the first Lollipop album there was a sixth voice. When the success ended I was afraid, today I climb the stall for the night markets but on the stage I am a pop star again: so Marcella Ovani

Marcella Ovani, one of Italy’s most iconic pop stars, has returned to the spotlight with the release of “Say Now,” a new single marking her return to music after nearly a decade away. The track, released under the name Lollipop, a group she co-founded, has reignited interest in the band, which originally rose to fame in the early 2000s. Ovani, who once shared the stage with fellow members Marta Falcone and Veronica Rubino, spoke candidly about the emotional journey behind the song and the resurgence of the group. The Lollipop lineup has changed significantly over the years. While the original five-member ensemble included Dominique Fidanza and Roberta Ruiu, both have since left the group. Today, Ovani, Falcone, and Rubino continue the legacy, performing at small markets and local events while still drawing crowds at larger venues. Their recent performances have been met with enthusiasm from long-time fans, many of whom remember the group’s rise to prominence with their 2001 hit “Down Down Down.” Ovani described the process of bringing Lollipop back together as a deeply personal endeavor. She emphasized that the decision was driven by a desire to connect with their audience and share the joy of performing again. “The idea of reuniting the group always comes from me,” she said. “I know my colleagues enjoy it too. We love connecting with our fans who’ve followed us for years. It doesn’t happen to everyone, so it’s always a big emotion.” “Say Now” carries a message of empowerment and self-expression. Ovani revealed that the song was written in her living room, both musically and lyrically, before being refined with Falcone and Rubino. The track encourages listeners to confront difficult emotions rather than suppress them. “There were times I held things inside,” she admitted. “Not having the courage to support certain situations or say what you think can lead to anxiety attacks and panic, which I personally experienced.” Reflecting on her past, Ovani acknowledged the challenges of navigating sudden fame at a young age. At just 18, she began performing on large stages, experiencing the rush of being appreciated and loved. However, when that success faded, she felt fear about what might come next. “After feeling appreciated and loved, everything could end,” she explained. “That brings fears of not making it, disappointing others, or being judged.” Managing the pressures of fame proved difficult for Ovani. While the attention was rewarding, it contrasted sharply with the lives of her friends, who attended university and socialized regularly. Returning to a more normal life was not easy. “It wasn’t simple to go back to a regular life,” she said. Ovani also highlighted the significance of “Say Now” within the LGBTQIA+ community. The song serves as an anthem for coming out and embracing one’s identity. “We’ve always been seen as icons by the community,” she noted. Fans have shared stories of finding the courage to come out thanks to the group’s music. Some even credited the band with helping them tell their families they were gay. For Ovani, these moments represent a victory. “It means what we wanted to communicate reached them,” she said. The decision to release a physical CD version of “Say Now” came from a desire to give fans a tangible piece of their collection. “When we perform, fans bring all our albums to sign,” Ovani said. “We wanted to add another piece to their collection.” The release has been well-received, particularly by independent music stores that remain open despite industry changes. Looking back, Ovani recalled the overwhelming success of “Down Down Down,” which sold around 60,000 copies in its first three weeks. The track dominated charts for three consecutive weeks, marking a defining moment in the group’s career. One of the most memorable experiences associated with the song was its debut presentation at the former Messaggerie Musicali in Milan, where the crowd was so large that the event ended in chaos. “How could I forget?” Ovani asked. “There were so many people that by the end of the event, it was impossible for us to move.”