Andrea Bocelli has sung for authorities of all kinds around the world, from royalty and heads of state, to the highest ecclesiastical authorities. With this important history he arrives on the stage of the Viña del Mar Festival, in its 63rd edition, to give a concert before the most important – and demanding – audience in Chile: El Monstruo.
He appeared publicly in front of Pope John Paul II, Benedict XVI and the current Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis. In addition, she has performed her song in front of Queen Elizabeth II, and before United States presidents, such as Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
This photo taken on April 12, 2020 shows Italian tenor and opera singer Andrea Bocelli sing during a rehearsal on a deserted Piazza del Duomo in central Milan, prior to an evening performance without public for the world wounded by the pandemic, during the country’s lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus. – Famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli said on May 26, 2020 that he was contaminated at the beginning of March by a mild form of COVID-19. (Photo by Piero Cruciatti / AFP)
The one he didn’t show up to was Donald Trump. It was before his inauguration, on January 20, 2017, that the controversy began over the list of artists who would be presented at the ceremony. Among the names the option of Andrea Bocelli was being considered, of whom the former Republican president is a fan.
Due to the rejection of several singers towards the figure of Trump, it is reasonable to think that it was the Italian tenor who rejected the offer. But the situation is confusing. Both parties give contrary versions of what happened.
On the one hand, Andrea Bocelli indicated to The New York Times that “in no way” would she appear before the president-elect. His reasons for it? Avoid a controversy on social networks due to her participation, even though she had already given concerts for the businessman before.
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Already on social networks, the hashtag #BoycottBocelli was raised, to prevent the composer from performing at the ceremony.
Inauguration of former United States President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017.
Instead, Presidential Inaugural Committee Chairman Tom Barrack told CNBC that the media had misrepresented the situation, and indicated that Donald Trump did not ask Bocelli to perform.
“The Bocellis approached him and said, ‘Look, if it would be useful to you, if you want us to perform, we would consider it.’ And Donald said, ‘No need. We’re not in that kind of framework. Thanks a lot for the offer. You are my friend. You will always be welcome in the White House,’” the Trump supporter explained.
So there was no public introduction for Trump by Bocelli.
Finally, the young soprano, Jackie Evancho, sang the national anthem at the ceremony and the conservative choir The Mormon Tabernacle also performed.