Italy’s world-famous opera singer, Andrea Bocelli, fronted one of the most exceptional moments of the Oscars 2024, taking to the stage with his son Matteo Bocelli to voice the “In Memoriam” segment of the awards show. Performing his legendary 1995 hit, “Time To Say Goodbye,” Andrea and Matteo’s performance paid tribute to a host of recently departed stars, including Tina Turner, Robbie Robertson, Matthew Perry, and Richard Lewis.
With stage and performers gowned in electric navy blue, Andrea Bocelli’s unparalleled voice resonated in stellar harmony with his son; a flawless vocal match empowered by a family passion for opera. Behind their sleek performance of “Time To Say Goodbye,” a montage of late celebrities were honored through fleeting images, supported by a ghostly mirage of backing dancers who flickered in their backlight. The duo’s vocal finesse was organic, passionate, and powerful, moving many spectators to tears.
Andrea (aged 65) first made this song famous back in 1995, launching his career as one of Italy’s finest living tenor voices. For the 2024 Oscars, Andrea Bocelli debuted a new version of his trademark hit, “Con Te Partirò,” featuring an orchestral arrangement revamped by Hollywood’s legendary composer, Hans Zimmer. His live Oscars rendition, with Matteo (26), followed the official single release of “Time To Say Goodbye,” marking the first celebration for Andrea’s 30th anniversary in music.
Born in Lajatico, Italy (near Florence), Andrea Bocelli’s music career has been unstoppable, releasing 15 solo studio albums while maintaining a foothold in both the pop and classical worlds. He’s even recorded nine complete operas, contributing to his multi-million record sales, alongside a 2009 Christmas album and a 1999 duet with Celine Dion, titled “The Prayer,” which won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Matteo Bocelli was born in Tuscany, Italy, in 1997. “Time To Say Goodbye” was hardly his first spellbinding collaboration with his classical sensation father. In 2018, the pair released a single entitled “Fall on Me” — Matteo Bocelli’s debut song which featured on his father Andrea’s #1 album, “Sì.” The pair also released a Christmas album in 2022 with Matteo’s younger sister, Virginia Bocelli, entitled “A Family Christmas.”
While Andrea calls “Time To Say Goodbye” the “song of his life,” Matteo regards it as his “family’s national anthem, and the soundtrack to hundreds of memories.” Regarding his collaboration with this astonishing duo, Hans Zimmer commented, “It was an honor and a thrilling challenge to find a new musical perspective on a masterpiece; and to provide a cinematic landscape to two of the greatest voices in the world.”
This Oscars performance has amassed over 1.5 million views on YouTube, and more than 1.9 million on its official music video. With Andrea Bocelli boasting over 6.18 million YouTube subscribers and 3 million Instagram followers, and Matteo over 1.5 million on Instagram, this father-son duo continues to take the mainstream by storm with their traditional, Italian take on classical music.
If you’re amazed by Italy’s world-famous opera singer, Andrea Bocelli and his unique performances, consider following him for more mesmerizing music. You can subscribe to his YouTube channel, follow him on Facebook or Instagram. Also, check out his official website for news, concerts, and all things Andrea Bocelli.