Every contestant on The Voice Kids steps onto the stage with a different dream in their heart. Some hope to prove they have the voice to wow the world. Others long to overcome shyness or reconnect with loved ones. But for young Raffaele Papadia—a Ukrainian boy of Italian descent—his goal was uniquely sweet: he came to declare his love for a girl named Arina.
With a cheeky grin and a heart full of conviction, Raffaele described Arina as having “seductive beauty” and a personality that, while charming, could be quite the handful. Yet he had no doubts about his feelings or his future plans. “When she grows up, I’ll be able to control her,” he said playfully in an interview. “I’ll pick her up and take her straight to the registry office.”
To win her heart—and maybe a few more—Raffaele chose to perform Toto Cutugno’s iconic song “L’Italiano” for his blind audition. His rendition lit up the room, enchanting the audience and capturing the heart of one of the judges.
It was a performance fueled not just by talent, but by innocent devotion—and it left everyone smiling.