Halloween will be here before we know it and the theme of āDangerous Decadenceā was on the minds of the producers of Chopped Sweets!
For those of you not familiar with Chopped, this is an excerpt from their webpage: In a sweet spinoff of the ultimate culinary competition, host Scott Conant challenges four bold pastry artists to take on one of the toughest tests of their lives. Faced with baffling basket ingredients and an unrelenting clock, the sensational, sugar-savvy chefs must demonstrate their skill, concentration and imagination as they race to see who will claim the $10,000 prize.
And what, you may ask, does this have to do with Il Volo?Ā Well, let me tell you!
Our own ālittle cupcakeā and one of our younger Ilvolovers, Emilia Tomaszycki, is a pastry chef and will be on the upcoming episode of Chopped Sweets! ā āDangerous Decadence!ā tonight, Sep 15, on the Food Network Channel at 10p EST.Ā If you donāt have cable, you can still watch it live at this link:Ā https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/chopped-sweets
Beware of the baskets! The fear factor is off the charts when the competing chefs must work with some dangerously delicious ingredients — like the scary, hairy creepy-crawly in the first basket! From poisonous to moldy to superstinky, the second basket delivers on the deadly theme, and one of the judges is appalled by what she sees in the third basket. Can she overcome her phobia in time to enjoy the final desserts?
Although Emilia has been keeping quite busy, as she is currently on a special assignment near Denver, I was able to catch up to her while on a quick trip home to Michigan!
Jana:Ā So, Emilia, tell us where you are from and where you are now.
Emilia:Ā I am originally from Richmond, Michigan and am currently working as the pastry supervisor for the Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida.
Jana:Ā Thatās so wonderful, Emilia, and at such a young age to have such responsibility!Ā When did you know you wanted to be a pastry chef?Ā Were your family and friends always supportive?
Emilia:Ā From the age of about 14 I knew I wanted to be a pastry chef. I took the four basic Wilton Cake Decorating Courses at Joanne Fabrics and Michaelās craft stores, which ignited my passion. I got my first job at a small hometown bakery, at which I was soon promoted to head cake decorator. It was then that I knew I wanted to go to college for this. I finished high school and started college that fall at the Culinary Institute of Michigan. From there I received my associate in baking and pastry only to move on to the real world. My family and friends were always very supportive right from the beginning.
Jana:Ā Becoming a pastry chef is a very challenging career to choose with a lot ofĀ competition.Ā What were some obstacles you encountered along the way?
Emilia:Ā One of the biggest obstacles for a woman in the culinary industry is professionalism and being taken seriously. Itās not easy to make a name in this culinary world, but especially not for women who are still looked down upon. This is an old-fashioned way of thinking and it is slowly changing, as many female culinary and pastry rock stars are rising up.
Jana:Ā Iām sure you have had several positions leading up to your current job.Ā Which job would you say was your favorite so far?
Emilia:Ā My favorite position is the one Iām in now; a pastry supervisor at the Ritz Carlton Naples, Florida. Iāve worked so hard every day for each new position, so I can definitely say that Iām happy to be where Iām at now.
Jana:Ā Do you have a favorite dessert to make?Ā What is the easiest thing to make that looks difficult?Ā
Emilia: My favorite dessert to make would have to be an entremet, or an intricately layered torte. The flavor combinations are endless and curling into the work of art to reveal all the layers is so satisfying. The easiest thing for me to make that looks the most difficult is probably a wedding cake. Iāve been doing wedding cakes for 8+ years so they have almost become relaxing yet thrilling for me. Each one is always different and unique but pleasing to the eye when finished.
Jana:Ā How long did you want to be on Chopped Sweets?Ā How long did it take?Ā Was it a long or hard process?Ā Did you have to go through various interviews?Ā Were you able to meet any other celebrity chefs while you were there?Ā
Emilia:Ā I knew I eventually wanted to be on TV, but I hadnāt set any timelines for myself. I had received an email about Chopped Sweets and I just so happened to be sitting in a 3-hour layover. I filled out the application and within 24 hours the casting company was calling me asking for more interviews, pictures, videos, and more. The whole process took several months, but again I had no timeline for myself. I got to meet the judges on the show and of course made some life-long friends because of it. I was under contract, so I couldnāt say anything to my coworkers or friends. It was one of the hardest secrets I had to keep, especially after we filmed the show.
Jana: What got you through the last few months when no one was working?
Emilia:Ā During quarantine when I wasnāt working, I honestly didnāt bake much. It was my time to relax my hands and sit down and write new menus. I FaceTimed my friends often and tried to not think about work too much. That time really helped me to refocus on what I wanted in life.
Jana: Was being on Chopped the most challenging thing you’ve ever done so far?Ā Would you do it again?
Emilia:Ā Being on Chopped was one of the most challenging, yet riveting things Iāve ever done. You see these baking competitions on tv and think, āOh I could do that! These people just donāt know what they are doing.ā Until youāre on the show, 20 cameras are pointed at you, youāre taped and strapped with hidden microphones, and you have 25 minutes to create a dish with unknown items in the basket in front of you. Itās terrifying and I canāt deny that I sat backstage at one point trying not to throw up. Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat! I loved it! The experience was unlike any other. I miss it already!
Jana:Ā Thank you, Emilia, what an honest response.Ā Is there anything youād like to add that we havenāt already covered on this topic?
Emilia:Ā Ā Iād like to say, you never know what youāre capable of until you try it. I stepped out of my comfort zone once again and I made it on the show. Always try to push yourself a little beyond your limits, to help you discover the unknown.
Jana:Ā Thank you Emilia, for telling us a bit about your background and the show.Ā Now, letās talk about how you came to know Il Volo and how we met youā¦
How did you discover Il Volo?
Emilia:Ā I discovered Il Volo right after they did their first concert at the Detroit Opera House. My first concert of theirs that I went to was at Freedom Hill in 2014.
Jana:Ā What a coincidence, Emilia ā that was my first concert as well!Ā š
Emilia:Ā I became a huge fan, so of course I wanted to find others that were equally as intrigued as I was. The Detroit Il Volo fan club Facebook page became more and more popular where I grew to know the Detroit Il Volo Gals! I donāt believe I started it though.
Jana:Ā Yes, I remember having a similar experience and also combed FaceBook trying to find any fan pages and came upon the Detroit Il Volo fan club page.Ā I remember being intrigued at seeing there was a group getting together to celebrate Gianlucaās birthday at a local Italian restaurant.Ā I remember I responded myself and one other person would be attending.Ā I think Donna (one of our Detroit Il Volo Gals) was on there as well.
Emilia:Ā Yes, Donna and I had met through the Facebook page then finally we met in person. She is the absolute sweetest thing!Ā She and I helped coordinate the Gianluca gathering and weāve been going there ever since.Ā Unfortunately, with not being in Michigan very much anymore, I can seldom join the group to celebrate, but I do, whenever I get the chance!
Jana:Ā I made reference to calling you ācupcakeā in the beginning of this interview, I hope you are ok with it?Ā šĀ I recall that Donna often called you cupcake as well, did she start that?Ā Itās certainly the perfect nickname for you!
Emilia:Ā Donna has called me cupcake ever since I can remember and I love it! Itās kind of nostalgic for me. My dad has always called me cupcake because when I was about 3 years old, I used to wear these cupcake pajamas that were my favorite. So, then the nickname was given to me!
Jana:Ā Many of us often give the guys gifts at the meet and greets.Ā Did you ever bring them anything?
Emilia:Ā One year I had made a dessert box to bring to the boys to give to them after the concert at the meet and greet. They seemed to like everything! I tried to make some dairy free things for Piero at the time too. It made me happy to see them happy.
Jana:Ā Yes, I remember that and seeing their happy faces.Ā Just so you know, I believe the Chicago concert was after the Detroit one and I recall asking Piero at that meet and greet if they liked the pastries, he said they did!Ā š
Ok Emilia, one last question, who is your favorite Il Volo guy?
Emilia:Ā Piero, of course!Ā š
Thank you, Emilia for spending some time with us today.Ā I would wish you well on Chopped, but we know itās already been taped!Ā However, we hope you did well and werenāt the first one to be chopped!
Ok everyone, be sure to watch Emilia and the rest of the Chopped contestants tonight, Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 10p EST!Ā Don’t worry if you miss it, it airs again the next night!
You can also follow Emilia on Instagram at āPastry_Panacheā
Hello folks!Ā I hope everyone is having a great 4th of July in the USA!Ā We are having quite the hot summer here in Michigan, with these past few weeks in the low 90s and this week, all 90s!Ā Thought I would repost our little adventure from July 4, 2016, for all to enjoy again!Ā šĀ It was certainly the best 4th of July I will ever remember!!Ā š
Everyone please stay safe and wear a mask, the virus seems to be coming back with a vengeance again in the US! š
Ciao!Ā Yes, it’s been a little while since my last story of adventure…but I continue!
Ah, Venice Mestre train station. This was our shortest train ride, only about an hour or so to Verona from Venice. We got to the train station very early, since we were only about 10 minutes away. We got there in plenty of time before our departure of 8:32am. We were able to have a leisurely breakfast and scout out our train track. The Venice train station was not quite as sophisticated as Florence, so we knew we had to go down and up again to find our train. We looked on the schedule, but could not see our train. There were three trains to Verona,but none that left at our exact time. That seemed strange. So, we made our best guestimate and chose the one track. I was still a bit skeptical, but the time was the closest. I was able to ask a lady, in Italian, and she seemed to think we were on the wrong one, we needed to be a few tracks over and the schedule was on the posted sign. I think it was like a regular commuter train, so it didnāt have a special departure scheduled, which is why it wasnāt posted. I went back to Lorna and we discussed it. It kind of made sense, but we stayed where we were anyway. Ok, here comes our train. We get on where we think our car is, but when we boarded, there were no seat numbers on the seats. We had first class tickets with assigned seating! I said aloud, in English, āBut there are no numbers on the seats?āA nice, young lady heard me speaking in English and said, āYou are on the wrong train!āāWhat? Dove?,ā I said, and showed her our tickets. She pointed to the other track, same track the other lady told us. I looked at my phone ā it was 8:27a!We literally had 5 minutes to get down and back up again, and make it to the other train. We literally FLEWoff that train and a nice Italian gentleman hefted our suitcases up the long flight of stairs to the other side. We were literally walking/running as fast as we could toward our train. The conductor saw us and asked if we were on this train, we said yes. We started to get on and he said, no, other car. Then he changed his mind and said to go ahead, and we could walk from there. We literally no sooner got on the train and it took off! It was the last train to Verona for that day!Yes, we almost missed the Verona concert! Ok, ādoveā the prosecco that morning!
We made it to the Verona train station ā again, similar to Venice, we had to once again go down the closet-sized elevator and up the other side. Another long wait for the taxi, but we made it. When we got there, it was still quite early and check-in wasnāt until much later in the afternoon. So, we were able to stow our bags in the reception area. The concierge gave us a map of the city and we took off, map and Google Maps in hand on our way to find out where the Arena di Verona was. Looked like it was in walking distance from the hotel, so we set off. It reminded me of āfollowing the yellow brick roadā except it was a wide asphalt running/walking path to the main part of the city. We quickly got off the map we were sort of following and I gave up and got out Google again. We got turned around a few times, but I figured it out. On the way to the Arena, Lorna stopped in a shoe shop and bought these really cool flowered tennis shoes. The sun was playing peek-a-boo with the clouds and it looked like it might rain. When we neared the Arena, the sun finally decided it was going to stick around. I took a few pictures as we were in the surroundings of the arena with a plethora of outdoor restaurants/cafes to choose from for lunch. We had worked up quite the appetite by then.
We walked to the arena to see exactly where it was and where the entrances were. After that, we perused the various restaurants and picked out a table. It ended up being a beautiful afternoon and we splurged on our lunch that day. Lorna had some kind of pasta with seafood. I had a Caprese salad and a pizza and we even had a bottle of Moscato. It was a very leisurely lunch and we just chatted and relaxed and wondered where the guys might be?We finally decided it was time to go. On our way, we passed by this one hotel and there were a herd of girls standing outside. Ok, this must be the place! Lol! Yes, apparently the guys were staying at the hotel aptly called āThe Gentleman of Verona.ā No, we never saw them, although we strolled by and asked the girls if this was where Il Volo was. Of course they said yes. We kept walking and continued our tour of the city, with the sun playing more peek-a-boo with the clouds. With my faithful companion of Google Maps, we took the long way around, but thankfully made it back to the hotel. It was late enough by then, so we could check in. Another small elevator, but at least we both fit. We got to our room and it was very nice. The sun decided it was going to stay out at last. We had a tiny, enclosed, little balcony with a window you could open. The view from our room was gorgeous and amazing. You could see over the entire city. Took some more pictures and then we decided to relax a little. We took a nap and decided weād get ready and take a cab to the Arena. I was still trying to hook up with Betty, but we kept missing each other! When we got downstairs we asked the concierge to call us a cab again, to the Arena. She said had just called one for 2 other ladies and maybe we could share it? We thought that would be nice, so we went outside and communicated roughly in Italian, and asked if they were going to Il Volo also and could we share the cab. They said yes. We got in and was happily expecting to share the cab fare and they paid the whole thing! Such nice Italian hospitality! We were still a bit full from lunch, but decided we should eat something. So, we went back to the same restaurant where we had lunch. However, we just ordered dessert. Lorna had Tiramisu and espresso, and I had chocolate torte cake. We also ordered another bottle of Moscato. The cake was good, although a bit on the dry side. As previously mentioned, Lorna graciously let me have the 2nd row seatā¦but as we were sitting at our table, we were watching the crowd get in line ā it was over an hour before the concert started. People were everywhere! It was kind of crazy. We knew we had assigned seats, so we thought weād just sit and watch everyone instead. We finally gave up and decided to fight our way through the crowds. Lorna went first, as she went through a different entrance. I paid the bill and ventured on to the other side of the Arena. I showed my ticket and they let me in. I bought a few souvenir t-shirts and scarves and found my way to the 2nd row seat. My new friends Veronica, Laura, and Daniela, arrived about 15 minutes later. This was exciting. Before the concert began, we heard the orchestra warming up āPer Te Ci Saroā was playing! Oh, yes, I was finally going to hear them sing it live! Since I reviewed the concert already, a few days after it happened, I wonāt go into detail again. Yes, you are welcome. Lol! But a quick recap of starting with āPer Te Ci Saroā and ending with their usual 2 of āSurrenderā and āGrande Amoreā it was pretty awesome. And I swear it happened just that quickly. Again, I was quite surprised they did the Godfather routineā¦
Insert actual concert review….
For me, this was the most magical and perfect concert ever. Ā Not only was it a perfectly beautiful evening weather-wise, I FINALLY got to hear all my favorite songs. Ā They really picked the best of the best for this finale concert. Ā The stage and the lighting were magnificent. Ā They had the monitors and also the videos going for many of the songs. Ā I thought for sure we were going to be blinded by the lights again, but it was only once or twice.
I finally got my dream come true and into my Il Volo trance I went. Ā They started with Per te ci saro!! Ā OMG, I sang the whole thing! Ā I wanted to stand after every song, but the Italians don’t do that. Ā They did stand after the solos and duets. Ā There were few empty seats…Lorna was so awesome, she let me have the 2nd row seat for the entire concert. Ā I will remember it forever.
Even thought it was second row, we were still quite far from the stage. Ā Like the orchestra pit area was empty of chairs and unlike the first Verona concert in September last year, the stage did not come out in the middle.
Their voices were of course perfection and Igna added his own to the end of My Piove – a little jazzier riffs and Gian joined him for a few…
Yes, they sang my favorites – Per te, l’more si muove, torne l’amore, canzone per te. Ā They even did a slight sketch of the Godfather routine. Ā Igna even sang Allegria and didn’t cry. Ā No Ancora though….
Gian sang Bridge…and it was incredible. Ā I remember telling Donna it would get better after we heard it in LA and she said “how could it get better?” Ā It did!!
I think someone mentioned that they were filming part of that movie where the guys are going to be part of it about opera. Ā Apparently, the guy who is the star actor was in the front row a few seats down from us. And?! Ā The guys were cuter!! Ā Lol! Ā They did this filming during the concert, but it was no big deal.
The one big shocker was that they did not sing O Sole Mio! Ā Not disappointed as they left in Surrender!! Ā Igna and Piero did their thing.
Since I was in the 2nd row, I imagine I’ll be somewhere in the DVD and group shot in the end. Ā My split second of fame. Lol! Ā I was in a pink dress to the right of the stage.
I did not see any of the immediate family except for Mary Grace, Piero’s sister and I think Alessio? Ā Gianluca’s friend. Ā At the end, Igna went over and gave this older guy a bear hug and picked him up, but no clue who he was. Ā He looked a little like one of his uncles.
If people want to know what to give Igna at the next m/g I would suggest a belt. Ā He was pulling up his pants the entire night!
I took some pictures and taped a few songs, but my phone camera and the lights were not friends.
By the time you read this, pictures will be all over everywhere, as well as videos.
Did I say how incredibly awesome it was???? Ā Igna was also playing the piano and a few other instruments. Ā Gian was wearing tennis shoes and racing across the stage every so often.
Don’t get me wrong, the tenor concert was awesome also, but this was more special and magical for me, as I have been waiting to hear these songs live for as long as most of you!
It was all in Italian except Igna said Thank You. Ā I did not quite catch what was going on, but something about studying their speech for the next song, etc. Ā I also had my friend Veronica to translate a few things for me!
I’m still trying to realize I’m in Italy! Ā I’ve seen the guys 5 times now this year. Ā You just keep thinking when is the next time? Ā They are planning another tenor tribute concert in the arena next May 17, but you know, nothing is ever as special as the first time! Ā My guess is that they might incorporate a few of those songs into their regular concerts next tour.
Ok, it is now a little after 2am! Ā I really need some sleep if I can, that is.
They really outdid themselves with this one!!
Part of my mission to the Verona concert was to take a few little presents to 2 friends of Sharonās. They were sitting in the front row, but on the other side. Unfortunately, security would not let me leave my seat, even though it was just a row up. Fortunately, I was able to text her and Veronica communicated in Italian of my plight. Luckily, we were able to connect after the concert. Lorna and I also quickly met up afterward and Veronica took our pictures. We then made our way to the taxi line and got back to our hotel. I was determined I did not want to forget a thing, so I stayed up til about 2am finishing my post! Was the shortest night on record.Ā Ā We had to be at the train station very early, as we had a 7a train to Rome and it was a 3-hour trip. After what I believe was about a 3-4 hour ānapā I dragged myself out of bed about 5:30a to take a shower and we were out of there. Again, missing breakfast at the hotel!Ā Next stop – Roma and the Adriatic Sea!
Our Piero, a few days ago, woke up with the desire to make a joke on someone.
And who could it be, if not poor Ignazio ???
P= Igna, do me a courtesy ….. since Marta from the Press Office called me, and I had to do a video interview, you can do it, which I took this morning ….. I fell asleep …..
I= (Ignazio is very amazed, but he still hasnāt realized what happens, he doesnāt see Piero entirely).
Can you ask Gianluca to do it? Today I have to finish one thing.
P= No, Ignazio, Gianluca cannot. I fell asleep in the sun this morning.
(At this point Piero shows his face, greets Igna with his hand. Ignazio says an exclamation, then and Ignazioās face is a mixture of amazement and concernĀ š)
I put aloe vera ….. (Ignazio doesnāt know what to say, heās open-mouthed) …. and now my skin is burning, itās burning me.
I= But why canāt Gianluca?
P= I donāt know, Igna, in your opinion, with aloe vera, it passes.
I= Yes, yes, it must pass. Damn I had to finish one thing.
P= It is important.
I= Who is it with? (the interview)
P= Bho, I donāt know what to do. (Piero laughs, and bring his face closer)
I= Why are you laughing? (observes Pieroās face) But you are crazy.
P= I donāt know what to do ācumpaā (word in Sicilian dialect that is addressed to a friend). I have all scrapes.
I= Of course. But did you wear sunscreen?
P= The oil.
I= Then the oil reacted to you.
P= Sure !!! Good this face mask that I put, I recommend it.
(Piero laughs but Ignazio has not yet understood but begins to suspect).
I= But are you taking me for the bottoms ??? (big laugh by Piero) āChe facistiā. (Sicilian dialect to say āwhat have you done?ā)
P= Itās the face mask. (keep laughing)
I= Bip Bip BipĀ (series of censored words)Ā Ā But is it a face mask?
P= Yes
I = You made me āscantareā (Sicilian word to say frighten).Ā Cretin
P= Bye,Ā bye, I love you!!
I= Bye.
šššššššš
On Sunday there was a call betweenPiero andAnastacia. I think you all know the good singer Anastacia.
Their dialogue is very beautiful, and this time no translation is needed, but for those who havenāt seen it, here is the video.
At the beginning Piero says: āHi everyone, how are you and happy Sunday. Today is a beautiful sunny day. Today I will do a live with a special friend that you all know, but many do not know the human side of this fantastic woman, we have been friends for a long time and I wanted to share a Sunday chat with you. Many know who Iām talking about, here she isā :
Really interesting what was said by Piero and Anastacia, and as Iām curious, I went to look for the video of Budapest where Piero said he lost his voice.Ā
Poor Piero, in the first verse, Ignazio came to his aid, and more ahead,Ā played only the orchestra. Who knows what fear Piero had, and here it is the video:
And here is a video of a performance at the Arena di Verona,by IL VOLO and ANASTACIA.
Really fun.
Ignazioās face was an open book, with his faces.
But be careful Piero, Ignazio will surely devise a way to return the joke to you.Ā
Very nice live between Anastacia and Piero, two good artists.
Camille Greco:Piero have a wonderful birthday šā„ļøšā„ļø
Mònica:Ā EstĆ”s son las maƱanitas que cantaba el Rey David hoy por ser dĆa de Piero se las cantamos asĆ ā¤ļøšš¹š¼
Joan Guyon:Happy birthday Piero. You have given me much joy since I first knew you. From Joanie in california
sassylady1937:Happy Birthday Piero to a sweet man who sings like an angel and whom I dearly love to hear. You have an outstanding and far reaching voice and I love to hear you sing solo or with Gianluca and Ignazio. I call you āmy guysā somethin about my guys song that reminds me of you three. I am old enough to be your great grandma and I love my guys just in that way. I truly pray I will see you here in America in 2020 God willing. Take care, blow out the candles and make a wish. Happy Birthday and many more. Hugs and love. Jackie ā¤ļø
Jeanette Hicks:Ā Happiest of Birthdayās Piero, and may all of your fondest dreams come true!
Linda Parks: Happy Birthday, Piero! I wish you a wonderful day, filled with family and friends and love from around the world. My Best to you⦠Linda Clarksville, Tennessee, USA
Rose Lomonte:Ā Happy Birthday Piero!Ā šššš. Never stop singing with your God given talent, May God Bless you. May you have a wonderful Birthday filled with love and many Blessings.Ā š¼š¤š¹š š¼šš„šæ
Sebrinia Davis:Ā Happy birthday Piero Ā šššššš. I pray you have a beautiful and blessed day .
Victoria and Jay:Happy Birthday Piero. Weāve loved you since we first heard that beautiful and powerful voice of yours. May you have the happiest of birthdays. You are a miracle to all of us.
lorelei h Thompson:Ā Happy birthday.
MAUREEN LONGO:Ā HAPPY BIRTHDAY PIERO. WHEN I FIRST SAW YOU, YOU WERE IN YOUR TEENS. MAY YOUR 26TH YEAR BRING YOU MUCH HAPPINESS
Mila:Happy Birthday Piero!! Wishing you Happiness, Success, lots of good friends and lots of smiles!
Jane McDowall:Wishing you a very happy birthday Piero thank you for your wonderful voice you and the boys are magic. Love and kisses. Jane. xxxx
Regina Hanna:Ā Happy Birthday Piero. Your voice gives joy to so many and your maturity and take charge attitude keep you 3 boys a brotherhood. Wishes for a great summer tour in Italy.
Joseph Cefalu:Ā Happy Birthday Piero
Carolyn:Ā Happy Birthday, Piero!! Have a beautiful day! My oldest granddaughter is the same day as your beautiful sister. Happy belated birthday to your very pretty sister as well!!
Linda Henderson:Ā A very Happy Birthday Piero!! I love your God given talent and your personality! Hope you enjoy YOUR day! Hope to see you all in 2020! Have a wonderful tour and stay safe! Much happiness yo you and yours!!ššš¶š
Irene Kumbar:Happy birthday dear Piero, you already have success, so I wish you love, happiness, blessing to end of times⦠Thank you for enriching our lives with so much beauty, I ā m following you from your first PBS special in Detroitā¦. how much you had grown up, from three wonderful little shy boys to incredibly handsome young men, worldwide stars, and still so much to go for since you are so young. God bless you, and thank you, Love from Florida I will see you Wednesday in Rome!!!
Jane:Happy Birthday Piero! Itās all been said, but I will say it againā¦you are such an amazing person with talent that reaches to the stars! Thank you for filling our world with your magnificent voice and kind heart.
Leslie Kinn:Ā Piero, wishing you a delightful birthday. May you always find joy and beauty in life to grow your heart. šš¾š
penina honig:Ā Happy Birthday Piero! I hope all your dreams come true and that I am still around to hear about your debut at La Scala! May you be blessed always.
Kay radge:Ā Have a fab birthday from your biggest uk fan, god bless you-kay from england
Susan Medal:Ā Best wishes for a Happy Birthday Piero and wonderful year ahead. Your voice is not only a gift for you, but for all of us as well. Cannot wait to meet you in 2020, and will be anticipating seeing you at The Metropolitan Opera House in New York one day soon Your puppet maker, Susan
Kathryn Bernache:Ā Piero ā 26 candles ā Wow Sending lots of love, hugs, kisses and Happy Birthday wishes Luv Ya Julie Bernache
Gale Wall:Ā I WISH YOU THE HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY, HOPING YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL 26TH ANNIVSARY OF YOUR BIRTH. YOU HAVE A AMAZING POWER VOICE THAT MAKES YOU SO SPECIAL. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR BEAUTIFUL TALENT WITH THE WORLD.
Elizabeth Fuentes: Muy Feliz Cumpleaños Piero, desde Chile te envio los mejores deseos de buena salud, amor de la familia, amistades y fans por todo el mundo y, por supuesto que nos sigas cantando muchas bellas canciones, con tu maravillosa voz . Felicidades, nos vemos en Chile!!!
Rose Marie Paliobeis:Ā Buon Compleanno to one of my favorite young menĀ š.Ā May you have a long, happy life.Ā
Sally:Ā Happy Birthday Piero, songbird with such a thrilling voice. Please keep sharing your marvelous gift with your fans for many, many, many years. I, too, look forward to hearing you sing on the opera stages but I also love hearing your pop songs in harmony with Gianluca and Ignazio. Your smile, your energy, your sense of fun sends such a positive vibe to your audiences. I wish all the best in life!
Kimberley Kaul:Happy Birthday Piero. Instead of the traditional song we would sing this to you. āThis day is such a special one; Itās birthday time for you. Iād really like to celebrate your happy day with you. Zip-a-dee-ay and heigh-dee-ho, hereās something I can do. Iāll sing a song that we all know. Happy Birthday to you!ā Wishing you the best to come for 2019.
pitterpat0:Buon compleanno 26, Piero! To the guy with the beautiful smile šĀ and powerful voiceĀ š¤Ā I wish the best birthday ever celebrating with family and friends.Ā ššĀ šĀ šĀ AUGURI!Ā Ā Love, Pat from MissouriĀ
Margaret M Ladolcetta:Ā Happy Birthday Piero and best wishes for a lovely day with family and friends! Thank you for all the beautiful music and the joy and peace it brings to us. Looking forward to seeing you in 2020! God bless you and keep you.
Betty: Happy Birthday, Pieroā£ļøHope your special day is filled with much joyā£ļøā¤ļøšLove you most of allā¦.Iām 72 on 6/26. We almost share a Birthdayā¦.Il Volo is fantasticā¦love, Betty š„°
Ineke: Congratulations on your Birthday and may there be many more.Ā I am the one whoās accent you recognized as being from Johannesburg and I was so surprised!!!. Have a beautiful day Piero.
Blanche Graff:Ā Piero, May blessings for a most Healthy Happy Birthday on filled with Joy and fun. You and the guys have been so much part of my lifeās. Enjoy your day as it is yours only. Love, Blanche. Graff. U S A ššš
Donalee Dragna:Ā Aguriiiiiiiii! Happy Birthday, Piero! May the coming year be filled with much joy and good madness and all your favorite things!Ā š
Mark:To a fine young man with a powerful and handsome voice, Happy Birthday and many more! Surrounded by family and friends.
Crystal Dawn:Ā Happy 26th! I wish you birthday joy and grande Amore. I loved visiting your village of Naro prior to attending the two Matera concerts. You have a sublime voice, grounded humble character, and generous personality. May the Divine Mother protect you and guide you. Crystal Dawn Oregon, USA (Prayed for you on CAMINO de Santiago pilgrimageāDario graciously forwarded photos to you)
concetta gagliardi:Ā Happy Birthday Piero. Wishing you many more wonderful celebrations. Been a follower of Il Volo from your first PBS special.
Diane Hyzer:Ā Happy Happy Birthday to one of the greatest singers ever!! Plusā¦heās very handsome too!!!
ashipman2441:Ā Happy Birthday, Piero and many, many returns of the day! I hope your dream of singing in an opera comes true soon. But, please, please donāt leave Il Volo. I love the three of you so very, very much. Love from Minnesota, Allene Shipman
BuonĀ compleanno Piero !!! Savor every precious moment of this special year while at home and abroad. May you have a lively birthday full of love and joy. āWith warmest wishes, Angelica Rosas Las Vegas, NV
āHappy Birthday to you, Piero! I wish you have a beautiful day in the company of your loved ones. Good luck in your career. Hope your wishes come true today and always. Love, Ines Rosas Las Vegas, NV
Happy 26th Birthday my dear Piero. Wishing you all the best on your 10th anniversary tour with your Il Volo brothers. I look forward to seeing and hearing you in concert soon!!Ā America awaits youšš Buon Compleannošš Annette, Rhode Island & Naples, Fl
Warmest Birthday Greetings, Dear Piero.Ā Ā It is a joy to again wish you a Happy Birthday.Ā Ā You bring so much joy to so many people thatĀ you richly deserve all the blessings that come your way.Ā Ā All your hard work and your pleasing personality should be rewarded.Ā Ā Many Happy Returns of the Day. Lesley Newall, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Buon compleanno Piero. Possa tu avere felicitĆ sempre. Jean
Caro Piero sei un uomo cosƬ forte e determinato, il tuo sogno ĆØ sempre stato quello di cantare un’opera intera, non ho nessun dubbio, ci riuscirai. In quel giorno gioirai e noi tutte gioiremo con te perchĆØ ti vogliamo bene e perchĆØ tuĀ avraiĀ finalmente raggiunto il tuo obbiettivo.Ā
Daniela
Dear Piero you are such a strong and determined man, your dream has always been to sing a whole opera, I have no doubt, will succeed. On that day you will rejoice and we will all rejoice with you because we love you and because you will finally have reached your goal.
Daniela
Pierrrrrooooo!Ā Ā Ā Happy 26th birthday!Ā I hope you have a spectacularly successful and fulfilling year.Ā I will see you in Verona!Ā Birthday hugs from San Francisco, California. Janet
Credit to owners of photos and to Kelly for her marvelous video!