Andrea Bocelli has always felt a "big affection" for the royal family.
Andrea Bocelli reflects on emotional coronation performance
The 64-year-old tenor took to the Windsor Castle stage at the coronation concert on Sunday (07.05.23) following the crowning ceremony of King Charles - who acceded to the throne in September 2022 following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth in September 2022 - and his wife Queen Camilla to perform 'You'll Never Walk Alone' from classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical 'Carousel' upon the request of the monarch himself and recalled his "emotional performance" as he remembered the late Queen.
He told 'Entertainment Tonight': "The King asked for the song 'You'll Never Walk Alone.' I think he likes this song also for the meaning... 'You Will Never Walk Alone' means you will never be alone. It's an encouragement, for himself. feel big affection from these people for many many years. I performed many times [for the Royal Family]. I remember the first time, many years ago, it was very emotional because I performed in Buckingham Palace, a recital with the piano in front of the queen. She was seated two or three meters next to me, in front of me. So yes, this has been very, very emotional."
The opera superstar - who performed a duet of the classic musical theatre number with Welsh opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel - was joined on the billing by the likes of 'I Kissed a Girl'' singer Katy Perry and 'Hello' crooner Lionel Richie, whom he described as a "great composer" and a good friend.
He added: "Lionel has been in my house, he performed for events, for my foundation. We are friends. He's a great composer. His voice is very beautiful, and he has a big energy."
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