After seeing Elisabetta Canalis’ dancing performances and interview with Robert de Niro at the 2011 Sanremo Festival, it’s time to examine her co-host and showgirl competitor, Belen Rodriguez.
The Argentinian model and entertainer has exploded onto the Italian showgirl scene, being both a controversial and well-loved figure.
After a long relationship with Italian football star, Marco Borriello, Belen started dating infamous paparazzo Fabrizio Corona, which hasn’t done her reputation many favours.
But she seems to have risen above that, and her popularity of late has only grown, such that she was invited to be a part of the Sanremo festival, alongside Elisabetta Canalis.
The latter has enjoyed an immensely high profile since her relationship with George Clooney started.
Belen could have been considered the underdog at the festival: a foreigner and with no Oscars boyfriend to flaunt.
It seems to have created a situation though, where Belen showed off her entertainer characteristics.
Apart from her sensual looks and sometimes girlish shyness, Rodriguez showed she can dance and sing – and be nice, which is what won over the Italian public.
For this showgirl battle, the fascination of the foreigner and a slightly more talented performance, beat the local star, Elisabetta Canalis, who was only proved to be out of her depth.