It felt like a passing of the torch on live television when Il Volo paid tribute to Lucio Dalla with a powerful performance of his timeless hit “Caruso.”
The emotional moment took place on November 23, 2019, during the Rai special Una storia da cantare. After a screening of Dalla’s original performance, the trio stepped onto the stage to honor the late artist by singing the very song that has become one of Italy’s most beloved classics.
Written in 1986, “Caruso” was dedicated by Dalla to legendary opera tenor Enrico Caruso. The song was first presented at the Rassegna San Martino Arte in San Martino Valle Caudina and later included on Dalla’s live album DallAmeriCaruso. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the most famous Italian love songs ever written.
The story behind the lyrics is just as moving. Dalla once revealed that he wrote the song after being stranded in Sorrento when his boat broke down between Capri and the mainland. He stayed at the Excelsior Vittoria Hotel — the same room where Caruso had spent his final days. Inspired by stories of the tenor’s last moments and his affection for a young student, Dalla created a song that speaks of love, longing, and a voice that “melts the blood in the veins.”
On this special night, Il Volo carried that history forward.
As Ignazio Boschetto began the first lines, his voice — rich, powerful and full of emotion — instantly gave the audience goosebumps. Many viewers later said that while “Caruso” has been performed by countless singers, Ignazio’s interpretation felt unforgettable. Some even wrote that the song “belongs to him,” praising the rasp and strength in his tone.
Fans flooded social media with admiration. “Ignazio sings with emotion and this, combined with his magical voice, makes his performance so impressive,” one viewer commented. Another called Il Volo “the pride of Italy,” celebrating the trio’s ability to honor their musical roots while bringing new life to a classic.
Together with Gianluca Ginoble and Piero Barone, Ignazio turned the tribute into more than just a performance. It became a bridge between generations — a reminder that great music never fades. As one fan perfectly wrote, “This piece will never die. Every generation will perform it.”
And on that night, Il Volo proved that the legacy of Lucio Dalla and the soul of “Caruso” is still very much alive.
