POP/ROCK - May 10, 1989

Police in Italy are investigating allegations that some singers have paid bribes of up to $85,000 to perform in the San Remo festival, Italy’s most popular annual pop-song contest. The show can boost a singer’s popularity and royalties because it is telecast nationally on the state-controlled network for three straight nights. Several singers filed suits after they said they paid bribes and were entered in the contest but never appeared on television. The Italian media has identified a few singers and some companies that have contended they paid bribes, but police have not confirmed the reports.