NEW YORK — Andrea Bocelli, renowned for his emotive tenor voice, is marking three decades in the music industry with the release of a new compilation album titled “Duets.” This album brings together some of his best-known work along with new collaborations and unexpected contemporary covers. Additionally, a concert film called “Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration” will premiere in theaters this Friday.
Bocelli’s passion for vocal artistry shines through his collaborative nature. He stated that since childhood, he has cherished the experience of sharing the stage with talented musicians. “This album showcases the finest duets from my career, starting with ‘The Prayer’ featuring Celine Dion, and including more recent pieces like ‘Perfect’ with Ed Sheeran,” he noted. The album has been carefully remastered and remixed, aiming to enhance its overall sound quality, which he hopes listeners will appreciate.
His partnership with Ed Sheeran came with an interesting backstory; when Bocelli initially recorded “Perfect,” it didn’t meet Sheeran’s expectations as it leaned toward a pop style. Sheeran preferred an operatic interpretation of the track, which led him to visit Bocelli’s home in Tuscany to rework the song into something that ultimately achieved massive acclaim. “He was right, and the song went on to be a huge success,” Bocelli reflected.
Though Bocelli expressed a desire to collaborate with legendary artists like Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi, he acknowledged that they passed away before he started his singing career. Nevertheless, he has entertained audiences all over the world, performing for presidents and popes, and selling nearly 90 million records worldwide. “Reality exceeded my wildest dreams,” he remarked.
While reflecting on his career, Bocelli prefers to keep his focus forward rather than dwell on the past. “To me, singing is about looking to the future. I want to embrace new experiences rather than focusing on past memories,” he shared, adding that his initial performance feels like it happened just yesterday and the passage of time seems to fly by.
Regarding his future legacy, he cited a famous Italian saying, emphasizing that future generations will ultimately decide how he is remembered. “I can’t influence how people will judge me, but I feel a strong connection with my audience. When fans thank me for my music, I feel a sense of accomplishment,” he reflected.
On “Duets,” Bocelli performs in multiple languages, including Italian, English, French, and Spanish, acknowledging the challenges of adapting songs into other languages. He humorously recalled attempting to sing a few lines in Chinese, which proved particularly difficult for him.
His versatility extends across musical genres, collaborating with icons in Latin music like Karol G and Jennifer Lopez, as well as country stars such as Chris Stapleton and Shania Twain. Although he expressed a desire to explore jazz, he admitted that it’s a complex genre that demands a different level of immersion and practice.
As he looks ahead, Bocelli’s greatest aspiration is spiritual. “I have been blessed with success and the warmth of the audience. Now, I strive to deserve God’s affection, which is a much greater challenge,” he stated.
Bocelli will continue to perform live, kicking off his U.S. tour on December 4 in San Diego, which will extend throughout the month and resume in February and June 2025. The tour will culminate with performances scheduled in Napa Valley, California, on June 21 and 22.
