Andrea Bocelli facts: John Lewis advert singer's age, wife, children and how he lost his sight revealed

9 November 2023, 09:25 | Updated: 9 November 2023, 09:39

Andrea Bocelli is one of the most celebrated tenors in the world, who has achieved remarkable success in both opera and pop music.

He is also an inspiring example of overcoming adversity, as he lost his sight completely at the age of 12 due to a football accident.

In 2023, he provides the singing voice for the John Lewis Christmas advert.

• Andrea Bocelli gives stunning rendition of Elvis Presley's 'Can't Help Falling in Love'

Here we explore his life and career, from his humble beginnings in a small town in Italy to his global fame and recognition.

1. Andrea Bocelli's sight: When did he go blind?

   

   Andrea Bocelli was diagnosed with glaucoma early on and tragically lost his sight after a football accident when he was just 12 years old.

   Despite this setback, Andrea has gone on to become one of the world's best-selling artists of all time.

2. How old is Andrea Bocelli?

   

   Andrea Angel Bocelli was born on September 22nd, 1958, in the small village of La Stera in Tuscany.

   He celebrated his 65th birthday in 2023.

3. Andrea Bocelli's wife and children: How big is his family?

   

   Bocelli lives in a former hotel in Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany with his wife and manager Veronica Berti, who he married in 2014.

   They also live there with his three children - Matteo, Amos and Virginia. Andrea duets with his son Matteo on his new album Sì.

   Bocelli was previously married to Enrica Cenzatti, whom he met while singing at piano bars early in his career. They were married in 1992, and had two children (Amos and Matteo). However, the couple separated in 2002.

4. What is Andrea Bocelli's net worth?

   The classical-crossover star has a rumoured net worth of around £30 million.

5. Pavarotti discovered Andrea Bocelli

   

   It was when Luciano Pavarotti, via the iconic Italian rock star Zucchero, heard a demo tape of Andrea Bocelli singing that changed his life forever. Bocelli was invited on tour with Zucchero and he performed to enormous audiences.

   Pavarotti remained involved in Bocelli's career and invited him to perform at his annual charity gala concert in Modena, 'Pavarotti International'.

6. He collaborated on 'Perfect Symphony' with Ed Sheeran

   

   Ed Sheeran - Perfect Symphony (with Andrea Bocelli)

   On December 15 2017, Bocelli collaborated with Ed Sheeran on ‘Perfect Symphony’, in which the pair sang together in English and Italian.

   The music video was the No. 1 Trending video on YouTube that day, and helped the song become the Christmas number one for 2017.