Fez — Moroccan-Italian singer Selma Ezzine secured third place on the latest episode of Italian television competition “Tale e Quale Show,” performing a Michael Jackson classic during the October 21 broadcast on Rai 1.

The singer, who performs under the name Selma, took on Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” for the fifth episode of the show’s sixteenth season.

Her performance earned 70 points, placing her behind television personality Roberta Morise, who received 74 points for her portrayal of Gianna Nannini, and episode winner Max Paiella, who scored 86 points impersonating Charles Aznavour.

Italian entertainment publication Ultime Notizie Flash reported the results following Wednesday night’s competition.

From Moroccan roots to Italian television

Born in 2004 in the province of Benevento, southern Italy, Ezzine grew up in a family of Moroccan origin in San Giorgio del Sannio.

Her father, who previously worked as a musician, encouraged her interest in singing from an early age.

Ezzine studied music before pursuing a professional singing career, initially gaining attention through street performances and appearances at local events.

Her national breakthrough came in February 2025, when she won the fourth season of “Dalla Strada al Palco,” Rai 1’s television competition celebrating street performers.

During the finale, she performed “Lady Marmalade” alongside Italian rapper BigMama, winning the competition with 841 points.

The victory introduced her to a wider Italian audience and opened the door to further television appearances.

A growing presence on Italian screens

Ezzine has emerged as one of the strongest competitors in the current season of “Tale e Quale Show,” a program in which celebrities recreate the voices, appearances and stage performances of established musical artists.

She won the season’s first episode by impersonating British singer Raye, before securing another victory during the second episode with Beyoncé’s “Listen.”

Italy’s Rai News covered that performance on October 1, noting that she earned 65 points and received a standing ovation.

Her subsequent performances have included interpretations of Alicia Keys and Gloria Gaynor.

Ahead of the October 21 episode, Ezzine led the season’s cumulative standings with 247 points, ahead of Andrea Perroni and Roberta Morise.

Beyond television competitions, she has begun releasing original music, including the single “Cicatrici nell’anima,” which addresses violence against women.

Her latest appearance adds another chapter to a career that has taken her from street performances to one of Italy’s most prominent television entertainment programs.

For a young performer with Moroccan family roots, the competition also provides an international platform on which to develop her musical career.