From Billboard · Paul Grein · · 1m 40s
Andrea Bocelli's Hollywood Bowl show: 6 best moments
The tenor's sold-out performance celebrated 30 years of Romanza with star guests and classical mastery, though some staging choices missed the mark.
In brief
The tenor's sold-out performance celebrated 30 years of Romanza with star guests and classical mastery, though some staging choices missed the mark. Bocelli's classical foundation and guest collaborators made the show musically strong, but more personal connection with the audience would have elevated it further…
Bocelli's sold-out Hollywood Bowl triumph
Andrea Bocelli performed a massive production at the Hollywood Bowl on September 15 with a full orchestra, supporting singers, and dancers. The show celebrated the 30th anniversary of his breakthrough album Romanza.
Opening with nine classical opera pieces
Bocelli opened with nine consecutive pieces from 19th-century operas by Verdi, Gounod, and Puccini, giving the audience credit for appreciating classical music before moving to pop hits.
West Side Story medley steals the show
An eight-minute medley from West Side Story featured the orchestra, choir, and four dancers performing classics like 'I Feel Pretty,' 'Maria,' and 'Tonight' by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim.
Star guests Jennifer Hudson, Diane Warren, David Foster
Bocelli performed with Jennifer Hudson, Diane Warren, and David Foster as special guests, bringing additional star power to the evening's performances.
Supporting cast deserved proper introductions
Soprano Aida Garifullina, bass Edward Parks, violinist Rusanda Panfili, pop singer Pia Toscano, and dancers Francesco Costa, Angelica Gismondo, Brittany O'Connor, and Paul Barris carried much of the show but were only credited in a video roll at the end.
Distance between Bocelli and audience
Bocelli rarely spoke to the audience, citing insecurity about his English, which created emotional distance. He only spoke at length near the end, and an opening video commercial felt unnecessary for a sold-out crowd.
“his "terrible English" when he finally did speak at length, near the end of the show”
The main idea
Bocelli's classical foundation and guest collaborators made the show musically strong, but more personal connection with the audience would have elevated it further.
