Incredible moment as Andrea Bocelli steps up as a last-minute understudy
An eager Italian audience who were expecting to enjoy a performance from beloved Italian singer Matteo Bocelli were left speechless when he was unable to take the stage – and his even more famous father suddenly walked onto the stage.
Acting as a last-minute understudy, Matteo’s beloved and talented dad accepted a last-minute invitation after Matteo became stranded in Germany while trying to return home. He was expected to sing at a concert in the Tuscan town of Marina di Pietrasanta.
“Normally in life it’s the sons who replace the fathers," Andrea Bocelli said to the gob-smacked audience. "In this case it’s up to me, I have to replace my son.”
Reportedly Andrea continued: “I’m sorry for all those of the fair sex who were expecting Matteo, who is young and handsome, but I will have to sing what he was due to sing, and which I have been practising in the car on the way over here!”
The iconic Italian singer then performed two songs while also playing the piano – ‘Ci vorrebbe il mare’ ('We Need the Sea') and his signature song 'Con te partirò' (Time to Say Goodbye). As is common for an Andrea Bocelli performance, he was met with a standing ovation.
Matteo Bocelli’s career began in earnest in 2018, after appearing on his father’s album Sì in the best-selling duet “Fall On Me”. Then father-son duo then went on to perform for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Royal Variety Performance later that same year.
Comparing his son’s voice with his own, the senior Bocelli said: “Technically they are very different, but there is one thing that makes them most similar: the attitude. That characteristic way of expressing yourself through your voice."
Image: Getty