I don't like crying. I'm a country boy, and we're the product of our upbringing. As a boy, I was told that men don't cry.

What is beautiful enchants me. I mean not just physical beauty but a wider concept of beauty. There is beauty in poetry and in great musical or singing performances. There is beauty everywhere if you can just see it.

Singing provides a true sense of lightheartedness. If I sing when I am alone, I feel wonderful. It's freedom.

I did a pop album, 'Sogno,' in 1999. I think it's important to record another pop album because many people love pop music. By this kind of repertoire, some people can later discover classical music.

I was a daredevil before, and after I lost my sight I was the same. I loved riding bikes, scooters and horses. I even learned to box. Muhammad Ali is my hero.

Even in the most beautiful music, there are some silences, which are there so we can witness the importance of silence. Silence is more important than ever, as life today is full of noise. We speak a lot about environmental pollution but not enough about noise pollution.

It's always beautiful to sing with other great voices. I like voices in general. It's a big privilege to have great singers next to me.