They were only fourteen years old when the world first heard their voices—a trio of teenage prodigies with the vocal power of seasoned maestros. Nearly two decades later, Il Volo is still filling stadiums, leaving audiences in tears, and proving that the Italian bel canto tradition is as vital today as it was centuries ago.
Comprised of Piero Barone, Gianluca Ginoble, and Ignazio Boschetto, the “popera” powerhouses have built a legacy that most veteran artists only dream of. From representing Italy at Eurovision to sharing the spotlight with icons like Barbra Streisand and Andrea Bocelli, they have performed for Popes and released twelve albums. Now, as they prepare for their massive North American tour—kicking off this April at the Today Show before spanning 18 cities—the trio sat down to reflect on their journey from bambini prodigio to global icons.
Singing for Sovereigns and Saints
For many, performing for a world leader would be a once-in-a-career nerve-wracker. For Il Volo, it’s become a recurring honor. Having performed for Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Panama and more recently for Pope Leo in Rome, the trio has learned how to balance the gravity of the occasion with their youthful energy.
“It’s a privilege,” says Piero Barone. “We started at 14, and bringing music like Nessun Dorma to these events is an honor. When we met Pope Leo, he actually told us, ‘I know you guys, I really love your music.’ Talking to him about our passion was beautiful.”
The American Dream, Revisited
While their roots are firmly planted in Italian soil, North America holds a sacred place in their story. Il Volo holds the distinction of being the first Italian act ever signed directly to a major American label—a move facilitated by legendary producer Jimmy Iovine.
“We are so grateful to this country because it was the first place outside of Italy to welcome us,” Ignazio Boschetto shares. “Building our career here meant playing legendary spots like Radio City Music Hall. Growing up in Italy, you see that venue in every movie. To actually stand on that stage was living the dream.”
Ignazio notes that while the “fun” of singing hasn’t faded, their perspective has matured. “Ten years ago, it was just fun. Now, it’s a job—one where we wake up and sacrifice our private lives to be on the road. But being in the States? It’s our second home.”
Music: The Language Without Barriers
One of the most fascinating aspects of Il Volo’s success is their ability to move audiences regardless of what language they are singing in. Whether it’s an Italian standard or a classic like “My Way,” the trio believes the “vibe” of the music is what truly connects.
“When people think of Il Volo, they think of Italy,” Gianluca Ginoble explains. “They want to hear us sing in Italian. But people also need to receive something from the song. Most of the time, it’s not the words—it’s the music itself.”
Ignazio agrees, pointing out that even the most devout opera fans don’t always understand the libretto. “Puccini wrote in Old Italian; it’s hard for us to understand sometimes! It’s like our parents’ generation listening to Elvis or Bob Marley. They didn’t need to know every word to love the music. You just capture the vibe, and the barrier comes down.”
The Symbiosis of Seventeen Years
Living and working together for nearly twenty years has granted the trio a supernatural shorthand on stage. In a live environment where anything can go wrong, they rely on an unspoken communication to keep the show seamless.
“That happens all the time,” Piero admits. “We are a team. On stage, when something goes wrong, it’s just a look. We understand each other instantly. We are essentially one person when we are performing.”
This bond extends beyond the music. Piero credits their longevity to their mutual respect and lack of “diva” behavior. “We wanted to be an example for our generation. You can be cool without being crazy—or, well, maybe just a little bit crazy!”
Sacrifice, Success, and “We Are the World”
Despite their global fame, the members of Il Volo remain remarkably grounded, a trait they attribute to their upbringing. “We come from three very normal families with strong values,” Ignazio says firmly. “Nothing was handed to us. Our families made immense sacrifices so we could be here today. We aren’t going to waste the opportunity God gave us.”
Looking back, one of their most surreal “pinch-me” moments was participating in the 25th-anniversary remake of “We Are the World” for Haiti. Watching the recent documentary about the original recording brought those memories flooding back.
“I realized how privileged we were,” Piero reflects. “I saw Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie—all these giants. When I watched that documentary, I thought, ‘I lived that.’ My only wish is that I could go back and live it again with the knowledge I have now. To truly appreciate how lucky the three of us were to be in that room.”
As Il Volo prepares to cross the Atlantic once more, it’s clear that while their voices have deepened and the stages have grown, the three boys who started with a dream and a loop of bel canto melodies are still just getting started.
