In 1999, she won the first prize in the Cantacavallo competition in Teggiano (SA) for her remarkable singing ability. The president of the jury, journalist and writer Bianca Fasano, personally delivered the cup.
Arisa rose to fame after her participation in the 2009 Sanremo Music Festival.[1] She placed first in the newcomers' section and won the 'Mia Martini' Critics Award with her entry, "Sincerità". In early 2009, she released her first album titled "Sincerità". In January 2010 she released her second album Malamoreno. In late 2011, she is currently starring as judge in the fifth season of the Italian version of The X Factor, broadcast on Sky Uno.
Arisa returned to the Italian musical scene, performing on the Sanremo Music Festival 2012 with the song La notte, from her album Amami, which was released on 15 February 2012.