Growing up with a famous father definitely had its perks for Matteo Bocelli, the talented 27-year-old musician. As he reflects on unforgettable childhood memories, one moment stands out: the time his dad, the legendary Andrea Bocelli, surprised him by introducing him to his childhood crush, Angelina Jolie.
Matteo’s Childhood Crush on Angelina Jolie
Matteo admits that when he was a kid, he was absolutely obsessed with Angelina Jolie. “When I was about 6 years old, my father was performing in Rome at a movie event,” Matteo recalls. “He said, ‘There might be Angelina Jolie, your love.’ I couldn’t believe it!”
However, just an hour before the event, Matteo was told that Jolie, who was 50 at the time, would not be attending, and he felt deeply disappointed. But his sadness didn’t last long.
The Big Surprise: Meeting Angelina Jolie
As it turns out, the plans were all set up, and when Matteo least expected it, he was greeted by a surprise that would be forever etched in his memory.
“They opened the door of the car, and there she was, standing right in front of me,” he says. Matteo admits that he was so nervous that he “was petrified, completely frozen.”
Despite his initial shock, the encounter turned into a “fun, beautiful memory” for Matteo. This is just one of many star-studded moments he’s had the opportunity to experience throughout his life, thanks to his father’s illustrious career.
Other Unforgettable Celebrity Encounters
In addition to meeting his childhood crush, Matteo has had other memorable celebrity encounters, including an event in 2023 when his father celebrated the 30th anniversary of his career in Lajatico, his hometown. “He invited lots of celebrities, including Johnny Depp and Ed Sheeran,” Matteo explains.
After the show, the stars came over to his family’s home, and Matteo had the chance to spend time with them. “It was me and my brother, a couple of friends, Ed and Johnny Depp. It’s definitely one night I’ll never forget,” Matteo recalls. “I had the chance to talk a lot with them.”
He describes Ed Sheeran and Johnny Depp as “incredible” and “very sensitive people,” noting how much he enjoyed their conversations.
A Magical Evening with Friends and Family
The star-studded evening in Lajatico is something Andrea Bocelli also fondly remembered when he shared the details of the event with PEOPLE in November 2024. He recounted how after the show, they all went to his house in Lajatico, where they spent time making pasta and enjoying good wine.
“Ed Sheeran, Johnny Depp, and Matteo, they all went to my house… They were partying until 6 a.m.,” Andrea shared.
The legendary tenor described the night as having a “magical atmosphere,” and it’s clear that those nights are cherished memories for the whole Bocelli family.
Matteo Bocelli’s Growing Career
As Matteo gears up for the release of his upcoming album Falling in Love on September 12, 2024, he continues to follow in his father’s musical footsteps. His personal experiences with some of the world’s biggest stars have undoubtedly shaped his growth as an artist, and the memories of these magical moments are likely to continue inspiring his music.
Matteo Bocelli’s life has been full of amazing moments thanks to his famous father. From meeting childhood crush Angelina Jolie to spending a magical evening with celebrities like Johnny Depp and Ed Sheeran, his childhood was anything but ordinary.
As Matteo continues his musical journey, it’s clear that his connection to the stars of the world, and the experiences he’s had, will continue to influence his career for years to come.
