He's a good amateur, but he's a pop opera singer, who sings isolated opera arias or operetta. He isn't an opera singer and would never be invited to sing a role in a complete opera. Lanza was mainly a film performer, but he did actually have the voice for opera. He didn't, however, have the discipline necessary to be an opera singer.
People, please...there is no comparison between the two. There was and will be one Mario Lanza. Potts doesn't come close. I don't like Potts voice mainly because of the strained effort in reaching for the high notes. His voice is thin, no body. Go and compare any songs the two have sung from the Student Prince, and, you see the stark difference.
People, please...there is no comparison between the two. There was and will be one Mario Lanza. Potts doesn't come close. I don't like Potts voice mainly because of the strained effort in reaching for the high notes. His voice is thin, no body. Go and compare any songs the two have sung from the Student Prince, and, you see the stark difference.
Listening to Paul Potts sing this song brings home just how amazing Mario Lanza's voice really was. I know that many opera purists said that Lanza was not suited for grand opera but even if this be true he still had one of the finest singing voices of the twentieth century.
This is a amplified Performance and in opera first of all you need to sing to say 3,700 people in Chicago, 4,000 at the met or even 1,800 in London Covent garden so could he with that small voice carry? well Bocelli tried it in the big Detroit opera house and did not carry far at all but in a smaller house in Sardinia he did La Boheme and managed it . Opera singers need voices that can project without this amplified phony help if he wants operas that is Bocelli has lots of money with this
I am NOT his fan but I will admit that he continues to improve. No, he does NOT have Lanza's gift & NO he should never be singing any principle roles in opera but he certainly now could sing small roles & do well in the chorus. And, if he draws young people closer to the arts, that is a good thing.
Yep, can't agree with you (Lovelytenor1) more. I love what PP does for the genre but just wish he had a better voice. It's like trying to sell a Lexus with a 1979 Ford Cortina....
I like Paul a LOT! Mario could ACT with his voice. Also, Paul needs a strong dose of Mr. Holland.......when Holland asks ' Rowena Morga" if she knows what the song means. " You HAVE to know, or you can't sing it" Paul Potts has a great voice, but there's Caruso, and Mario....and a long way to #3.
jmaichin, you have got to be on drugs. Please do not ever mention Paul Potts in the same breath as Mario Lanza. The reason I think Potts MAY have sold more records is because the current generation is only concerned about the present singing. If everyone in the whole world had listened to both sing, and, had to vote on whether they like Potts or Marios singing, do you really think Potte would stand a chance? Get real.
Potts isn't fit to polish Mario Lanza shoes. He is typical of so many "TV Tenors," i'e. DIRE. Rhydian Roberts is better, as an artist, than this media puppet who is masqueraded as a tenor. Who even compares Potts to Lanza needs a bullet in the brain, for fuck's sake....really
The purity of Paul Potts' rendition of "Drink" has been ruined by the overpowering tinkling accompaniment.. Mario Lanza's purer rendition is the best.if you want to be romanced
Paul has appeared in more Concerts, perhaps 200 ,almost every other night. They are working him so hard-and he loves it! Paul has sold millions of albums- more than Lanza , in just 2 years. Lanza is a saint to many, as Pavarotti has become, sad they are gone -but now we have Paul, we have Bocelli, we have Szodt, all great - but who sells more albums and promotes operatic style to the most people - Paul Potts ! Enjoy him for what he has - a great voice and the longest high note of any tenor.
There should be a reason why a man who had just 10 years of career, dying when he was just 38 years old in 1959, and many people in 2009 still go mad about his voice, and fight for his memory. By the way I am only 32!! Obviously I am talking about Mario Lanza
This happens sometimes even with real serious singers like Callas, and of course with pop-icons, their untimely death rather adding to their 'magic'...
As he was goodlooking, had the greatest voice in Hollywood, and his sentimental songs like "Be my love" became immensely popular, he enced up as one of the greats in american voicelore.
Those of you who love Paul Pott's voice enjoy it! However, do not compare Paul Pott's neither with Pavarotti, nor with Enrico Caruso and not even try to compare him with Mario Lanza. The reason is not an oppinion, the reason is because of the facts. I do not have enough characters to get technical here, but do some research on your own and then you will understand why Paul Potts although he is good he will remain to be called just a singer.
Ivanhoe. What, no microphones in a big venue like Royal Albert Hall?, strange, my father sang in common pubs then, and they had microphones, Pavarotti had an whole collection of them.
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Never and nobady could sing as Mario Lanza, and I respect Paul Potts and he'll never be Mario Lanza of this century, Mario Lanza is from this century too, as Ivanhoe2 said, ahd he listened Mario live, my congratulations , I never had the opportunity to listen him in person.
Don't embarrass this lad by comparisons. Leave him to enjoy his career,,Bless him. I wish him well. He is a pleasant, uncomplicated, thoroughly nice person. Further, don't try to discuss voices you neither understand, nor have heard in person. Did you hear Lanza fill the Royal Albert Hall with big, rich and unamplified sound on the 16th January 1958?? I did.
Wow! That is a great memory! My own memories are a bit later - Pavarotti twice over 20 years. Now we have Paul, who is definitely more approachable, even friendly. He dared to carry Nessun Dorma's long last note twice for the Queen at the Royal Variety performance! He did not do that in concert when I saw him, but she is the Queen. It took real nerve for him to be the last note she heard, since he outlasted the violins. My Hero!
chris99 In concert I thought Paul Potts incredible, and he sings as good as the great Mario Lanza. Have you been to see him in concert recently?, do go. You say millions are ignorant and have injured ears, it is you that are ignorant.
ronaldo and mask Listen to Paul sing Granada North Fork Theatre NY, if you don't think that amazing then no point in conversation. You can't tell you opera people what it is about Pauls untrained voice that tears you up inside, he has what years of top training can never put there. Music is about emotion, healing, and Pauls voice has that, and yes, he reaches the notes.
I prefer Paul to Lanza, you Lanza fans must feel threatened that Paul is so popular. Very powerful voice has this man. this is taken with mobile, in concert he is up there, I think the best, but I won't be going on Mario Lanza site doing what your doing on Paul Potts site.
Pianolady do you have any intelligence about this music? I dont understand why he wants sing like Mario Lanza, Potts cant sing. He sang this like shit
I agree 100% Mask, shite delivery, semi-decent voice but Lanza? Fuck me, get a grip. Lanza cannot and will not be surpassed, end of. Paul Potts can sing, agreed. But...
In response to PianoLady517, why don't you compare this version of Paul Potts to the original singer(Mario Lanza). Maybe in some peoples' eyes, Paul Potts has a pleasant voice, but, there really is no comparison to Mario Lanzas' version or voice.
I agree Barry, this is poor, very poor especially when compared to Lanza's definitive recording. I've nothing against Paul Potts, he did well in a UK talent show but he really doesn't cut it, especially when some compare him to Lanza. Where's the next decent tenor coming from?
He's this century's Mario Lanza. What a gift to the world. I can't get enough of these Student Prince clips. Please, please, someone tell Paul to record this music next! It's obvious he's pouring his soul into this. Awesome.
to PianoLady517: oh my good...you must be one of these mass media or MTV educated people and half deaf from visiting to much clubs with to loud music. Your knowledge of voice and singing is just lousy and your taste too. Paul Potts is the Mario Lanza of this century...and yesterday I have seen a lobster driving a motorbike...this makes any sense?...you've lost totally contact with reality and I suggest you should visit an ear specialist soon. With your taste...well nobody's perfect
Hi, gotglasses! This is a great vid! I was there at Berklee in Boston, too. That crowd was so enthusiastic. PAUL WAS MAGNIFICENT THROUGHOUT!
Yes, he is a sort of teacher. Seems like he's always got some notes to share. My son and I got up the courage to go backstage and meet him afterwards. We got on a couple subjects, one the Boston Tea Party, and he started in: the British should have got the point, but they didn't. WHAT A FABULOUS MIND -- Focused, professional, sublime. MM!
Gee the Brit acquantances I met at a Parador in Spain remarked how we were always their favorite Colony! No matter, I still love em.
Watch the prime minister vid - Paul does better than Simon IMHO. OOh and how about Paul's 12 second long note at the end of the Ave Maria??? Stupendous.
Thanks for posting too! I saw this Sunday night at Berklee in Boston. He was fabulous. The one Darn critic I read gave the show average reviews but did say Paul was better than the sum of the parts. I thought he was simply fantastic!
How was the Boston Show attended? At westbury we had about 4,000 on Thurs. night. At $45 a ticket for good seats, this was the concert bargain of the year fo us. The crew has to work on mic levels and stage prop issues that need improvement - but it ain't bad and should get better as the show develops. The show was better than Pav's farewell tour at the Garden for me. Paul's LOOOOONG notes make my hair stand on end! There really are a lot of nightly bookings,maybe too many?
I don't quite understand your question. Anyway Berklee was small and narrow with 1200 seats and of course sold-out. I'm still reveling in his performance from last weekend...
I'm glad to hear it was a sell-out. The US is a tough market, especially for classical music, and lots of promoters go broke here. I just hope he comes back to westbury for a show in the full house.Lots of Fans here.
Good point - I liked the way Paul told us about Lanza's Philadelphia background, he is sort of a teacher, isn't he? Cell phone salesman and bicycle rider might not be such bad training after all.
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He's a good amateur, but he's a pop opera singer, who sings isolated opera arias or operetta. He isn't an opera singer and would never be invited to sing a role in a complete opera. Lanza was mainly a film performer, but he did actually have the voice for opera. He didn't, however, have the discipline necessary to be an opera singer.
arpeggio1358 5 months ago
Horrible toothy bastard, worse singer ever...
ronaldo190172 7 months ago
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People, please...there is no comparison between the two. There was and will be one Mario Lanza. Potts doesn't come close. I don't like Potts voice mainly because of the strained effort in reaching for the high notes. His voice is thin, no body. Go and compare any songs the two have sung from the Student Prince, and, you see the stark difference.
barryoderfer 9 months ago
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People, please...there is no comparison between the two. There was and will be one Mario Lanza. Potts doesn't come close. I don't like Potts voice mainly because of the strained effort in reaching for the high notes. His voice is thin, no body. Go and compare any songs the two have sung from the Student Prince, and, you see the stark difference.
barryoderfer 9 months ago
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This gets worse every time I hear it
ronaldo190172 1 year ago
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crap
keith46x 1 year ago
ténor correct, mais rien à voir avec la voix unique de Mario LANZA
GC
correct tenor, but nothing to see with the single voice of Mario LANZA
GC
CREQUIE 1 year ago
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Agree that he is the Mario Lanza of this century...when it comes to taste that is...As for voice even Lanza had a better one.
zgopify 1 year ago
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One of the worst I've ever heard. An absolute joke
ronaldo190172 1 year ago
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Please don't mention Paul Potts in the same breath with the incomparable Mario Lanza.
bassfanne45 1 year ago
Listening to Paul Potts sing this song brings home just how amazing Mario Lanza's voice really was. I know that many opera purists said that Lanza was not suited for grand opera but even if this be true he still had one of the finest singing voices of the twentieth century.
atticana 2 years ago
This is a amplified Performance and in opera first of all you need to sing to say 3,700 people in Chicago, 4,000 at the met or even 1,800 in London Covent garden so could he with that small voice carry? well Bocelli tried it in the big Detroit opera house and did not carry far at all but in a smaller house in Sardinia he did La Boheme and managed it . Opera singers need voices that can project without this amplified phony help if he wants operas that is Bocelli has lots of money with this
halavey 2 years ago
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Nice to finally hear some (educated) people agree with me. This guy is a disgrace, terrible tenor
ronaldo190172 2 years ago
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I am NOT his fan but I will admit that he continues to improve. No, he does NOT have Lanza's gift & NO he should never be singing any principle roles in opera but he certainly now could sing small roles & do well in the chorus. And, if he draws young people closer to the arts, that is a good thing.
Lovelytenor1 2 years ago
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Yep, can't agree with you (Lovelytenor1) more. I love what PP does for the genre but just wish he had a better voice. It's like trying to sell a Lexus with a 1979 Ford Cortina....
ronaldo190172 2 years ago
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Awful!
stemginger 2 years ago
I like Paul a LOT! Mario could ACT with his voice. Also, Paul needs a strong dose of Mr. Holland.......when Holland asks ' Rowena Morga" if she knows what the song means. " You HAVE to know, or you can't sing it" Paul Potts has a great voice, but there's Caruso, and Mario....and a long way to #3.
artscriticXX 2 years ago
No one can sing "Student Prince" songs like Mario.
barryoderfer 2 years ago
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jmaichin, you have got to be on drugs. Please do not ever mention Paul Potts in the same breath as Mario Lanza. The reason I think Potts MAY have sold more records is because the current generation is only concerned about the present singing. If everyone in the whole world had listened to both sing, and, had to vote on whether they like Potts or Marios singing, do you really think Potte would stand a chance? Get real.
barryoderfer 2 years ago
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Potts isn't fit to polish Mario Lanza shoes. He is typical of so many "TV Tenors," i'e. DIRE. Rhydian Roberts is better, as an artist, than this media puppet who is masqueraded as a tenor. Who even compares Potts to Lanza needs a bullet in the brain, for fuck's sake....really
ronaldo190172 2 years ago
The purity of Paul Potts' rendition of "Drink" has been ruined by the overpowering tinkling accompaniment.. Mario Lanza's purer rendition is the best.if you want to be romanced
lethe5032 2 years ago
Comment removed
auntyflorrieunclesam 2 years ago 2
Paul has appeared in more Concerts, perhaps 200 ,almost every other night. They are working him so hard-and he loves it! Paul has sold millions of albums- more than Lanza , in just 2 years. Lanza is a saint to many, as Pavarotti has become, sad they are gone -but now we have Paul, we have Bocelli, we have Szodt, all great - but who sells more albums and promotes operatic style to the most people - Paul Potts ! Enjoy him for what he has - a great voice and the longest high note of any tenor.
jmaichin 2 years ago 3
Comment removed
auntyflorrieunclesam 2 years ago
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There should be a reason why a man who had just 10 years of career, dying when he was just 38 years old in 1959, and many people in 2009 still go mad about his voice, and fight for his memory. By the way I am only 32!! Obviously I am talking about Mario Lanza
turhanbey 3 years ago
This happens sometimes even with real serious singers like Callas, and of course with pop-icons, their untimely death rather adding to their 'magic'...
As he was goodlooking, had the greatest voice in Hollywood, and his sentimental songs like "Be my love" became immensely popular, he enced up as one of the greats in american voicelore.
mozzrt 2 years ago
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Those of you who love Paul Pott's voice enjoy it! However, do not compare Paul Pott's neither with Pavarotti, nor with Enrico Caruso and not even try to compare him with Mario Lanza. The reason is not an oppinion, the reason is because of the facts. I do not have enough characters to get technical here, but do some research on your own and then you will understand why Paul Potts although he is good he will remain to be called just a singer.
turhanbey 3 years ago
Well, thanks for your opinion and facts.
Now heres my opinion and facts.
Paul Potts is an amazing singer (have yiou seem him live in last year) and very much like Mario Lanza.
Pauls recent performance of 'La Prima Volta' showed of f how much he has improved.
Enrico Caruso does not sound on video as good as Paul Potts, not seen him live thought, or have you Paul Potts by the sound of it.
You do some research of this man who has been professional for less than 2 years.
Facts. Brilliant
auntyflorrieunclesam 2 years ago 3
Ivanhoe. What, no microphones in a big venue like Royal Albert Hall?, strange, my father sang in common pubs then, and they had microphones, Pavarotti had an whole collection of them.
rusticmoney 3 years ago
Comment removed
walkonwildside 3 years ago
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Never and nobady could sing as Mario Lanza, and I respect Paul Potts and he'll never be Mario Lanza of this century, Mario Lanza is from this century too, as Ivanhoe2 said, ahd he listened Mario live, my congratulations , I never had the opportunity to listen him in person.
maritere1939 3 years ago
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Don't embarrass this lad by comparisons. Leave him to enjoy his career,,Bless him. I wish him well. He is a pleasant, uncomplicated, thoroughly nice person. Further, don't try to discuss voices you neither understand, nor have heard in person. Did you hear Lanza fill the Royal Albert Hall with big, rich and unamplified sound on the 16th January 1958?? I did.
Ivanhoe2 3 years ago
Wow! That is a great memory! My own memories are a bit later - Pavarotti twice over 20 years. Now we have Paul, who is definitely more approachable, even friendly. He dared to carry Nessun Dorma's long last note twice for the Queen at the Royal Variety performance! He did not do that in concert when I saw him, but she is the Queen. It took real nerve for him to be the last note she heard, since he outlasted the violins. My Hero!
gotglasses 3 years ago
chris99 In concert I thought Paul Potts incredible, and he sings as good as the great Mario Lanza. Have you been to see him in concert recently?, do go. You say millions are ignorant and have injured ears, it is you that are ignorant.
bluedahlia26 3 years ago 2
Lanza was unsurpassed in The Student prince. All other singers follow in Lanzas footsteps.
Petestube33 3 years ago
ronaldo and mask Listen to Paul sing Granada North Fork Theatre NY, if you don't think that amazing then no point in conversation. You can't tell you opera people what it is about Pauls untrained voice that tears you up inside, he has what years of top training can never put there. Music is about emotion, healing, and Pauls voice has that, and yes, he reaches the notes.
rusticmoney 3 years ago 11
I prefer Paul to Lanza, you Lanza fans must feel threatened that Paul is so popular. Very powerful voice has this man. this is taken with mobile, in concert he is up there, I think the best, but I won't be going on Mario Lanza site doing what your doing on Paul Potts site.
rusticmoney 3 years ago 4
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Potts sings with white voice like many light-lyrical tenors. Lissen to Franco Tenelli, he has tutorials about the technique of singing.
My dad is using the same technique like him.
If you wanna sing like that you need covered sound with apoggio (air support)
Masknick 3 years ago
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Pianolady do you have any intelligence about this music? I dont understand why he wants sing like Mario Lanza, Potts cant sing. He sang this like shit
Masknick 3 years ago
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I agree 100% Mask, shite delivery, semi-decent voice but Lanza? Fuck me, get a grip. Lanza cannot and will not be surpassed, end of. Paul Potts can sing, agreed. But...
ronaldo190172 3 years ago
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In response to PianoLady517, why don't you compare this version of Paul Potts to the original singer(Mario Lanza). Maybe in some peoples' eyes, Paul Potts has a pleasant voice, but, there really is no comparison to Mario Lanzas' version or voice.
barryoderfer 3 years ago
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meeragrantham 3 years ago
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I agree Barry, this is poor, very poor especially when compared to Lanza's definitive recording. I've nothing against Paul Potts, he did well in a UK talent show but he really doesn't cut it, especially when some compare him to Lanza. Where's the next decent tenor coming from?
ronaldo190172 3 years ago
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Do a Youtube search for Andrew Owens or Frank Tenaglia, please forget Paul Potts...
ronaldo190172 3 years ago
He's this century's Mario Lanza. What a gift to the world. I can't get enough of these Student Prince clips. Please, please, someone tell Paul to record this music next! It's obvious he's pouring his soul into this. Awesome.
PianoLady517 3 years ago 13
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to PianoLady517: oh my good...you must be one of these mass media or MTV educated people and half deaf from visiting to much clubs with to loud music. Your knowledge of voice and singing is just lousy and your taste too. Paul Potts is the Mario Lanza of this century...and yesterday I have seen a lobster driving a motorbike...this makes any sense?...you've lost totally contact with reality and I suggest you should visit an ear specialist soon. With your taste...well nobody's perfect
chris99103 3 years ago
Awesome!!! Keep uploading his material!
Japhcale 3 years ago 3
wonderful, bravo
ojcama 3 years ago 2
Hi, gotglasses! This is a great vid! I was there at Berklee in Boston, too. That crowd was so enthusiastic. PAUL WAS MAGNIFICENT THROUGHOUT!
Yes, he is a sort of teacher. Seems like he's always got some notes to share. My son and I got up the courage to go backstage and meet him afterwards. We got on a couple subjects, one the Boston Tea Party, and he started in: the British should have got the point, but they didn't. WHAT A FABULOUS MIND -- Focused, professional, sublime. MM!
dipatti 3 years ago
Gee the Brit acquantances I met at a Parador in Spain remarked how we were always their favorite Colony! No matter, I still love em.
Watch the prime minister vid - Paul does better than Simon IMHO. OOh and how about Paul's 12 second long note at the end of the Ave Maria??? Stupendous.
gotglasses 3 years ago
Hey, where's the prime minister vid?
dipatti 3 years ago
He is doing great business. I'm sure he is simply astounded by all this.
waynebrasler 4 years ago
Thanks for posting too! I saw this Sunday night at Berklee in Boston. He was fabulous. The one Darn critic I read gave the show average reviews but did say Paul was better than the sum of the parts. I thought he was simply fantastic!
hoarybat61 4 years ago
How was the Boston Show attended? At westbury we had about 4,000 on Thurs. night. At $45 a ticket for good seats, this was the concert bargain of the year fo us. The crew has to work on mic levels and stage prop issues that need improvement - but it ain't bad and should get better as the show develops. The show was better than Pav's farewell tour at the Garden for me. Paul's LOOOOONG notes make my hair stand on end! There really are a lot of nightly bookings,maybe too many?
gotglasses 4 years ago
I don't quite understand your question. Anyway Berklee was small and narrow with 1200 seats and of course sold-out. I'm still reveling in his performance from last weekend...
hoarybat61 4 years ago
I'm glad to hear it was a sell-out. The US is a tough market, especially for classical music, and lots of promoters go broke here. I just hope he comes back to westbury for a show in the full house.Lots of Fans here.
gotglasses 4 years ago
His voice is getting better and better. Amazing! He really has a powerful voice... so clear and vibrant.
JingeBelle 4 years ago
THIS IS WONDERFUL THANKS
i always thought paul was more mario lanzo than pavorotti he has such feeling in his voice than moves
debbie44 4 years ago
Good point - I liked the way Paul told us about Lanza's Philadelphia background, he is sort of a teacher, isn't he? Cell phone salesman and bicycle rider might not be such bad training after all.
gotglasses 4 years ago
Love it! He's the BEST! He has a wonderful tone that makes your soul vibrate.
mikeylorene 4 years ago
I wish I could see him in concert again. Saw him in Tampa. Second row. Sigh. I want to attend ALL his concerts.
He is so modest, and cannot believe fame is happening to him.
My God, he has one of the most fantastic voices I have ever heard.
lenegal77 4 years ago
I enjoyed it too, only wished that Natasha Marsh could have joined him in the US tour.
gotglasses 4 years ago
Yesss. It s nice...humpfff
marieloupe 4 years ago
Thank you for posting these, just great!!!
goldilocks2003 4 years ago
LOVED the Lanza medley last night! Thank you so much for sharing this!!!
Winifred214 4 years ago
Thank you so very much for posting. I just can't get enough of this voice!!!!!
balihai44 4 years ago