HOLLYWOOD- As we step into the dawn of a new year, are we ready to unlock the possibilities that 2026 has in store for us….. 10,9,8,7,6,6,4,3,2,1…….. Happy New Year 2026! What visions do you envision for 2026? Will you stay the course with your aspirations and nurture them to fruition? May the coming year bring profound peace, unbridled joy, and a deep sense of purpose to your life. Maybe your deepest desires take shape and manifest into reality. Remember to extend kindness and compassion to yourself as you journey forward, embracing the simple pleasures and savoring each moment. One of the special moments of 2025 for me was on December 18th, 2025. It was a memorable day, since I attended an Andrea Bocelli concert in New York City at Madison Square Garden. Such a beautiful experience, as his extraordinary talent put everyone in the celebratory ambiance of Christmas; hearing his performance of Ava Maria moved me to tears and “Blessing.” The world has heard of Andrea Bocelli, and what an honor to be in the presence of a world-renowned Italian tenor.
Born in Lajatico, Tuscany, Italy, he speaks English, but from what I heard he’s a little shy to speak, his conductor spoke on his behalf. Bocelli was born with congenital glaucoma and lost his sight completely at age 12 after a soccer accident. He showed musical talent early, learning piano at age 6 band later flute, saxophone, trumpet, guitar and drums. Talented for sure, and when he played the flute, to be auctioned off, it was simply amazing. Many don’t know that he earned a law degree from the University of Pisa and briefly worked as a lawyer while pursuing music. He was discovered by Luciano Pavarotti, who praised his voice. Bocelli rose to international fame in the mid-1990’s after winning Italy’s Sanremo Music Festival (Newcomers category). He achieved massive crossover success with “Con te partiro” and the duet version “Time To Say Goodbye,”with Sarah Brightman, one of the best-selling singles ever. He’s just a Godsend, and he has performed leading operatic roles and collaborated with artists across various genres, from Celine Dion and Ed Sheeran to Dua Lipa. He has received multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations. Golden Globe winner for “The Prayer,” with Celine Dion. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and numerous Italian and international honors for music and philanthropy.
He has been married twice, married to Veronica Berti (2014)and they have one daughter Virginia.He has two sons from a previous marriage, including the talented Matteo Bocelli. Matteo sings with his dad and separate as well. He began performing publicly in his late teens and dusted with Andrea on songs like “Fall on Me,” from Andrea’s 2018 album. Matteo has also released music as a solo artist, including a self-titled album in 2023 and collaborations with other artists. He’s appeared on TV and I saw him at the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” however he was cut short, for whatever reasons.
Andrea’s older son Amos is musical, he studied piano and has accompanied his father at various events, but isn’t known as a professional singer. Beyond Matteo, Andrea and Matteo’s younger sister Virginia has also sung with their father, she and Matteo both appear on the family holiday album A Family Christmas alongside Andrea. In short, Matteo Bocelli is building his own music career, and I missed him as a special guest on December 19, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The night before the talented Pia Toscano performed with Andrea. What an amazing performance, she was fantastic. He has founded the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, supporting education, healthcare, and poverty relief worldwide.
Rose’s Scoop: As I look to the future, I wish you all a year overflowing with health, prosperity, and love. May 2026 be a year of limitless joy, love and happiness! That’s my wish for you all! Thank you for the continued readership, its 24 years, I’ve been writing this column. Happy New Year 2026!
Enjoy Weekend Guide 