Before they were old enough to drive, they were filling stadiums. Today, they are still doing it, but the three teenagers who once stunned the world as “prodigy children” have evolved into something far more enduring.
The story of Il Volo—the Italian “popera” trio featuring Piero Barone, Gianluca Ginoble, and Ignazio Boschetto—reads like a modern musical fairy tale. Formed during a television singing competition in the spirit of The Three Tenors, they were quickly spotted by legendary producer Jimmy Iovine. The discovery made history: Il Volo became the first Italian act to sign directly with a major American label.
In the nearly two decades since, their resume has become a list of “once-in-a-lifetime” moments. They’ve represented Italy at Eurovision, shared the spotlight with Barbra Streisand and Andrea Bocelli, recorded twelve albums, and performed for two different Popes. As they prepare for their latest North American tour—an 18-city journey that kicked off this April—the trio sat down to reflect on a career defined by high-stakes performances and a brotherhood that transcends the stage.
Singing for the Heavens
For most young artists, the pressure of a world tour is enough. For Il Volo, “pressure” involves singing Nessun Dorma for world leaders. Having recently performed for the Jubilee in Rome, the group is no stranger to the Vatican’s orbit.
“We started when we were 14 or 15,” Piero Barone reflects. “Singing this kind of music—it’s a privilege. To bring these songs to such important people at such a young age is incredible.” He recalls their meeting with the Pope with a mix of reverence and surprise. “He told us, ‘I know you guys. I really love your music.’ We actually got to chat about our passion for a bit. It was beautiful.”
A Second Home in the States
While their roots are firmly planted in Italian soil, North America has always felt like a second home. It was the first place outside of Italy to embrace them, and the group remains deeply grateful.
“We started building our professional lives here,” says Ignazio Boschetto. He points to iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall as symbols of their journey. “In Italy, everyone knows Radio City from the movies, even if they’ve never been. For us, performing there was like living a dream.”
As the years have passed, their perspective has shifted from the wide-eyed wonder of youth to a more seasoned professionalism. “Ten years ago, it was just fun,” Ignazio admits. “Now, it’s a job. We wake up, we sacrifice our private lives, we stay on the road. But,” he adds, as Piero playfully interrupts to remind him they still have plenty of fun, “it’s a job we love. We are so happy to be back singing for our American audience.”
The Universal Language of the “Vibe”
One of the most fascinating aspects of Il Volo’s success is their ability to move audiences regardless of language. While their repertoire has shifted more toward the bel canto style, they understand that some songs are non-negotiable.
“When people think of Il Volo, they think of Italy,” Gianluca Ginoble explains. “They want to hear us in Italian. But ‘My Way’ is a must-have. Even if there is a language barrier, people need to receive something from the song. Most of the time, it’s not the words—it’s the music.”
Ignazio agrees, noting that even for Italians, the “Old Italian” of Puccini’s operas can be a mystery. “It’s like our parents’ generation listening to Elvis or Bob Marley,” he laughs. “My father loved Bob Marley, but I’m sure he didn’t know all the words. You capture a vibe, and that breaks the barrier down.”
The Unspoken Language of the Trio
When you spend seventeen years on stage together, communication moves beyond words. Piero describes their bond as a “symbiosis.” When a glitch happens during a live show—as they inevitably do—they don’t panic; they look at one another.
“It’s just a look,” Piero says. “We look at each other and we understand perfectly. On stage, we are just one person. That is the beauty of seventeen years together—feeling the same emotions and seeing the same audience. It makes us incredibly strong.”
That strength isn’t just technical; it’s grounded in a shared moral compass. Despite being in the public eye since puberty, the trio has famously avoided the “crazy” tropes of child stardom. “We come from three normal families with strong values,” Ignazio explains. “No one gave us this. Our families sacrificed everything for us to be here. We are responsible guys because we don’t want to waste the opportunity God gave us.”
Lessons from Legends
Looking back, one moment stands out as a surreal milestone: their participation in the remake of “We Are the World” for Haiti. As teenagers, they stood in the same room as Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie.
“Watching the documentary about the original song recently was strange,” Piero admits. “I realized, ‘I lived that.’ Everything they showed—the legends, the atmosphere—is exactly what we experienced 25 years later. The only thing I wish is that I could go back and live that moment again with the knowledge I have now. I realize now just how privileged we were to be there among those giants.”
As Il Volo moves through their North American tour, they aren’t just singing the classics; they are cementing their own place as one. They have proven that you can be “cool” without being “crazy,” and that three voices, when perfectly aligned, really can sound like one soul.
