Matteo is rapidly becoming a global celebrity. His performance of the Disney theme song Fall On Me from the movie The Nutcracker and the Four Realms made him famous, and he began performing at some of his father’s concerts in 2018. Andrea said he wasn’t sure if his son “was ready” just yet because he was still studying music. Matteo has since started to establish his own solo career, with his debut album expected in the next months.

In fact, Matteo made his debut at the annual Celebrity Fight Night Italy gala, which is hosted by his father and second wife Veronica, in September 2016.

He was pulled from the crowd to sing an aria, apparently with no warning, with no microphone and with Andrea accompanying him on piano. You can scroll down to watch the incredible moment and hear just how impressive Matteo’s voice really is.

At the time, Andrea said: “Some time ago Matteo revealed that he would like to follow in my footsteps, so to speak. For a parent it is… it’s difficult to understand and to support because I know all the difficulties of the job very well. And to those he will need to add the difficulties of being the son of an artist.”

However, 18 months later, Matteo shot to fame (possibly almost as much for his looks as his voice) whe they recorded Fall On Me together.

In BBC Breakfast interview in November 2018, Andrea and Matteo discussed why the youngster had been made to wait so long. Especially when his yonger sister Virginia has started making public appearances and singing with their father aged nine.

Andrea said: “Because he was not ready. And now I don’t know if he is ready or not.”

Matteo jumped in, saying, “I’m not ready yet!”

Andrea added: “Now he is a student in the conservatory for singing and I hope he will become a very good singer.”

Matteo revealed how much help his father had given over the years and continues to give.

Matteo Bocelli’s debut performance in 2016

Matteo Bocelli’s debut performance in 2016 (Image: GETTY)

Matteo said: “I played the piano since I was six years old. I started study singing thee years ago because my dad said you need to wait for the changing of your voice or you could, not break it, damage it.”

Young Virginia, of course, does not have a developed adult voice, but she will not need to wait for her voice to break, like her brother.

Matteo made his recording debut with Andrea on the track Fall On Me, which also appeared on his father’s album Si.

Andrea explained why they choose to do that particular track and the incredible effect it has had.

Andrea said: “This duet is in this album because honestly I think this song is really beautiful. It has a beautiful harmony, for this reason we decide to sing together. Otherwise we could wait for some years (to sing together).”

The worldwide popularity of the song lead to Matteo joining his father to perform it on television shows and on stage around the world, which lead to anoither “beautiful moment” for Andrea.

Andrea said: “The most beautiful thing for me has to see the reaction of the people, the audience, and he has had a great reaction. So, as a father, for me it has been a beautiful experience.”

Andrea Bocelli with wife Veronica and children Matteo, Amos and Virginia

Andrea Bocelli with wife Veronica and children Matteo, Amos and Virginia (Image: GETTY)

Since then, Matteo has appeared on the grandest stages around the world, including the Colosseum in Rome.

He has also been working on his debut album, keeping the details top secret, but posting regular teases on his Instagram page.

In a YouTube Q&A last year, Matteo teased: “We’re composing a lot of songs that we hope to share with you very soon. I’m writing a lot of new music.”

Last month he posted: “I can’t wait to share my music with you soon.”