One-On-One With Andrea Bocelli
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- World renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli is officially a South Florida resident.
The Italian tenor just bought a Mediterranean-style estate in North Miami Beach a few weeks ago.
Although Italy will still remain his home base, his new waterfront property is his first home in the U.S.
He plans to come here often with his children and longtime love, fiancée Veronica Berti.
"How exciting is it to have a place here in Florida and why?" asked CBS4's Lisa Petrillo.
"I love very much this country and I decided for Florida, because I love this climate, the atmosphere and I love this city, the ocean, and I love the warm weather, hot weather," said Bocelli.
"When did you know that not only you could sing, but that you could SING? That it was something from God? " Petrillo asked.
"When I was a child people asked me, to sing, in school at the parties, everywhere in the church so step-by-step I thought probably this is my destiny," he said.
A destiny for sure, the 55-year-old singer has performed in all of the most prestigious opera houses around the world.
He's a pop star too, winning a Grammy with Celine Dion for the song "The Prayer". His song "Time To Say Goodbye" broke records in Europe and the U.S.
"So the American audiences have seen you with Celine and some of the best singers. Is that a fun time for you to be on stage with them as well as the opera singers?" Petrillo asked.
"I often say that my heart is in opera music, but a beautiful voice is a beautiful voice. However, so for me it has been a big privilege to sing with Celine for example, because her voice, is really like an instrument," said Bocelli.
Earlier this year, Bocelli recorded a new CD "Passione" and this week he's releasing his brand new DVD, "Love In Portofino", a video concert featuring his performance at one of the most beautiful stages in the world, the Piazetta Portfino.
On Valentine's Day 2014, Bocelli will take to stage not far from his new home. He's singing at the BB&T Center in Sunrise.
"It will be a little strange for me because for the first time in my life I will go in the venue from living in my house," added Bocelli. "I am very happy because the secret for a good life is serenity and I am looking for always, this condition for my soul," he said.
Tickets for Andrea Bocelli's Valentines Day concert at the BB&T Center are on sale October 21. His DVD "Love In Portofino" releases October 22.
