Bocelli teams up with his son for new duet

Italian star tenor Andrea Bocelli has teamed up with singers like Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Ed Sheeran for acclaimed duets during his career, but singing with his son Matteo is something he hopes feels extra special.

“I hope it is a beautiful and enjoyable moment for anyone who listens to it,” Bocelli said.

Fall on Me appears on the maestro’s new album Si, released last week. The song, which reflects on the bond between parent and child, also appears in the Disney film The Nutcracker

and the Four Realms, out in the UAE. Bocelli, 60, and 21-year-old Matteo have sung many times together at home, so recording together did not feel strange, the veteran singer said.

Matteo is studying music and likes to experiment with opera, pop and a combination of both – two genres his father has been extremely successful at.

“Matteo needs to finish his studies to be a serious singer. When you go to the doctor or to see a lawyer, you expect to find a serious professional. The same goes for singers,” said Bocelli, seated next to a smiling Matteo.

“But Matteo has shown he has a gift. He has something you don’t learn.” Matteo agrees with his father.

“I know that to make my dream come true I have to study a lot,” he said.

Bocelli, who is blind, has sold 85 million records worldwide. Si, his first album of new material in 14 years recorded at his home in Italy, features duets with pop singer Josh Groban, Dua Lipa and Russian soprano Aida Garifullina. The album also includes a song with Sheeran – marking Bocelli’s second collaboration between the English singer.

Bocelli said it took time to find the right songs for Si.

“This album was born over time. I was looking for songs that are up to (the) expectations, that are beautiful, and, well, it wasn’t easy to find them,” he said.

“I hope 14 years have been enough (time).” Billboard reported on Tuesday that Si will likely debut at No. 1 on its all-genre albums chart. It would give Bocelli his first No. 1 album on the chart. Bocelli, who says at times he still suffers from stage fright, is currently on tour, which also features Matteo onstage.

“The best advice I can give (Matteo) is through example,” Bocelli said.

“He has seen me work since he was a boy.”