Andrea Bocelli on being asked to perform at the Winter Olympics | BBC News

Key Concepts

• 2026 Winter Olympics: Hosted in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
• Andrea Bocelli: Italian tenor performing at the opening ceremony and embarking on a 30th-anniversary tour of his album Romana.
• Sport & Music as Unifying Forces: The idea that both can foster hope, optimism, and international connection.
• Romana Album: Bocelli’s bestselling Italian-language album celebrating its 30th anniversary.
• Nessun Dorma: A famous aria from Puccini’s Turandot, a signature piece for Bocelli.
• "Beauty will save the world": A quote from Fyodor Dostoevsky, referenced by Bocelli to highlight the importance of art and sport.

Winter Olympics 2026: Italy Prepares & Andrea Bocelli Reflects

The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to commence in Italy, with opening ceremonies planned for both Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, located in the Dolomite Mountains. The event will feature 16 sports – eight on ice and eight on snow – and will welcome approximately 3,000 athletes representing 92 nations. Milan will primarily host indoor ice competitions, including figure skating and ice hockey, while Cortina d'Ampezzo will be the venue for alpine skiing. Snowboarding and freestyle skiing events will take place in Livigno. The opening ceremony is scheduled to be held at Milan’s Sansiro Stadium and will include performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli.

Andrea Bocelli: Patriotism, Music & Global Connection

A key feature of the BBC News segment was an interview with Andrea Bocelli, the world-renowned Italian tenor, ahead of his performance at the Olympic opening ceremony. Bocelli expressed a deep sense of patriotism and pride in Italy’s ability to host an event of such “importance and complexity.” He recounted a previous performance at the Winter Olympics, noting that this year’s event holds even greater emotional significance for him.

Bocelli highlighted the unifying power of music, referencing a particularly poignant performance of “Amazing Grace” in the Duomo of Milan during the COVID-19 pandemic. He described this not as a concert, but as “a gesture meant to give hope and optimism to a world that was going through an extremely difficult moment.” He articulated his belief that “truth, goodness, and beauty” are essential for humanity’s future, positioning sport and music within the realm of “beauty.” He cited Fyodor Dostoevsky’s famous quote, “Beauty will save the world,” affirming its relevance.

Artistic Recognition & Romana Anniversary Tour

The interview also touched upon the high regard Bocelli holds within the music industry. He humorously acknowledged the famous compliment from Celine Dion, who stated, “If God had a singing voice, he must sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli,” noting that it “condemned me for life to answer this question.” He expressed his deep affection and artistic respect for Dion.

Bocelli then discussed his upcoming US tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of Romana, his first international album. Romana is notable as the bestselling Italian-language album of all time. He described the tour as a “completely renewed” experience, promising a fresh presentation of his music alongside continued performances of classic Italian opera arias and Romanzas.

Signature Pieces & Lasting Impact

When asked about his favorite song, Bocelli identified “Time to Say Goodbye” ( Con te partirò) as the piece that brought him initial fame and holds a special place in his heart. However, he also emphasized the profound impact of “Nessun Dorma” from Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot, noting its consistent ability to elicit a powerful reaction from audiences. He described it as a piece he sings “most willingly.”

Synthesis

The segment effectively showcased Italy’s preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, framing the event as a source of national pride and a potential catalyst for international unity. The interview with Andrea Bocelli underscored the power of music and sport to transcend boundaries and offer hope, particularly during challenging times. Bocelli’s reflections on his career, his artistry, and his connection to his homeland provided a compelling narrative that resonated with the themes of the upcoming Olympic Games. The segment highlighted the cultural significance of the Olympics and the role of artists like Bocelli in fostering a sense of global community.