In recent months Italy’s Arena di Verona has hosted several memorable performances, including Diodato’s now iconic rendition of “Fai rumore” for Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light. And now Eurovision alum Mahmood has brought his magic to the empty amphitheatre, singing “Perfect Symphony” alongside Andrea Bocelli — the legendary Italian tenor.

The pop-opera collaboration was part of the annual Power Hits Estate — a summer spectacular organised by RTL 102.5 since 2017.

“Perfect Symphony” is the third version of Ed Sheeran’s 2017 hit “Perfect”. The second version was a duet between Ed and Beyoncé called “Perfect Duet”.

Andrea has long been an inspiration owing to massive talent and the challenges he has overcome. He was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at five months of age, and went completely blind at the age of 12. He has plenty of connections to the world of Eurovision. In 1994 he won the preliminary round of the newcomers section at Sanremo with “Miserere”. He also duetted with Eurovision 1988 winer Celine Dion on “The Prayer” for the animated film Quest for Camelot.

Mahmood marked the performance by sharing a backstage snap with Andrea on Instagram. But he made it clear that despite the song’s message of love and hope, much remains wrong with the world and requires our urgent attention.

“Tonight I had the honour of singing a love song with Andrea Bocelli. I wish it could be a message of hope from a love that I haven’t seen lately.”

“I can’t believe I’m still seeing episodes of violence, indifference and racism in which a boy named William Monteiro Duarte is murdered outside a club. This episode of violence and ignorance affects and concerns us all — as a society we have a duty to change. Because you can’t accept the disgust of a story like this.”

Italy has been facing what many consider its Black Lives Matter moment following the violent murder of a 21-year-old man, whose parents are immigrants from the Cape Verde islands.

Reports say that Mr Duarte was beaten to death after he came to the rescue of a school friend involved in a fight on Sunday. Four suspects were arrested at a nearby with blood still on their hands.

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Luis Galvan
Luis Galvan
3 years ago

For real I don’t like how it sounds with mahmood (no offense) may he is good on others songs but totally not with Andrea bocelli

MARTIANSF
MARTIANSF
3 years ago

Love love love Mahmood !

Anna
Anna
3 years ago

Perfect performed by Bocelli and Mahmood was amazing, very emotional, and also Dorado in the solo version is great.
Look forward to hearing the new album Mahmood will release soon.

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

I’ve watched his Dorado and Rapide performances as well. And Mahmood’s growth is just amazing.
From Sanremo to Eurovision to 2020. His confidence and stage presence just get better and better.