Manchester’s Co-op Live stage must have been groaning on Friday night under the sheer weight of talent upon it. It was the first date of tenor Andrea Bocelli’s European tour, a string of much-anticipated concerts to celebrate the beloved singer’s 30th anniversary. With 90 million-plus albums sold, and more than 16 billion streams to date, in his 30 year career Bocelli has performed for Popes, including the late Pope Francis, Presidents, Prime Ministers and royalty, and sung in many of the greatest concert halls and opera houses. It’s safe to say that he has one of the most recognisable voices in the entertainment industry. At 8pm sharp (what a treat!) Bocelli took to the stage of the Co-op Live to polite applause. Rest assured, this careful clapping soon ramped up.

Indeed as the show – a 23-song spectacle – progressed, with each passing number richer in theatre and voice than the last, by the time the set drew to a close the roof was well and truly raised. There were tears too. But more on that later. The show started with a montage, with imagery and film depicting Andrea Bocelli’s three-decade-long career. As it ended, Andrea walked onstage, dapper in a gold jacket and bow tie; behind him a full orchestra rumbling into action, alongside a 30-something piece choir, women to the left, men to the right. His first song, La Donna è Mobile, he sang alone. Bocelli’s voice, as always, was like the most delicious honey. Then we were introduced to the first guest performer of the show: Mariam Battistelli, an incredible Italian soprano born in Ethiopia, who would continue to feature throughout. 

And the special guests kept coming. Next we were introduced to extraordinary flutist Andrea Griminelli. He was simply astounding, with proverbial smoke billowing from his fingers as he played. Then, Moldovan-born Rusanda Panfili took to the stage with her violin and all the sass of Beyonce. An absolute rockstar; I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Elsewhere, two beautiful dancers – Angelica Gismondo and Francesco Costa – added light and shade to the stage. 

The final guest star to make our acquaintance was Pia Toscano, a pop-style singer who frequently duets with Andrea Bocelli. After bringing the house down with an initial solo of All By Myself (wow wow wow), the pair sang The Prayer. To my surprise, as the final bars played out I found myself wiping a tear off my cheek. 

The first half of the show warmed us up, with Je Veux Vivre and Addio Fiorito Asil. But it was the second half that turned the Co-op Live into a party. Funiculì, Funiculà was particularly fun, and a great tribute to the late great Luciano Pavarotti, whose image was shown several times.

An encore saw Bocelli delight the 23,500-strong crowd to Sole Mio, sung with Mariam, then Time To Say Goodbye, which went down like a cold towel on a hot day – deliciously. Bocelli’s voice was out in full force. I had goosebumps. Between each song, Bocelli, arm in arm with conductor Carlo Bernini, teased leaving the stage, walking back on to escalating cheers. “I’m too old for this,” he joked. It was one of the only times he spoke throughout the show.

Ending on Nessun Dorma, the famous song’s final notes soaring into the stratosphere, Bocelli reminded us why he’s the most successful classical artist of all time. What a voice. What a show. I want to watch it all over again immediately. 

While Taylor Swift’s tracks probably feature on many people’s lists of ‘favourite music,’ have you ever wondered what the Pop Titan herself likes to listen to in the car, at the gym, or running errands? The 35-year-old has often spoken about the songs she loves by other artists, offering fans a glimpse into the music that has inspired her. Over the years, she has shared numerous songs by musicians that have inspired her, comforted her, or simply resonated with her on a personal level, even curating a Spotify playlist titled “Songs Taylor Loves.”

Taylor has always been a champion of female artists and has gone out of her way to support and encourage her fellow musicians. The Shake It Off singer has praised Lana Del Rey in the past, calling her “one of the best musical artists ever” and also referring to her as her favourite lyricist. She has also shown admiration for Def Leppard, The National, beabadoobee, Phoebe Bridgers/boygenius, and HAIM.

1. “You Wanted It” – MoZella

Maureen Anne McDonald, 43, better known as Mozella, is not only an established singer but a lauded songwriter having co-wrote Miley Cyrus’ 2013 single “Wrecking Ball”. Swift discovered this song during a personal moment, stating, “I first heard it in an airport bathroom when I was going through a situation with a guy—I’d thought he was in, but he was just chasing me for the sake of the chase. This song sounds like she can empathise.” ​

2. “A Little Opera Goes a Long Way” – Sky Sailing

Acoustic, indie pop album An Airplane Carried Me to Bed by Sky Sailing is wildly different from Adam Young’s usual electronic tracks. Reflecting on her early days living alone, Swift said this track was her “theme song for the first few days of living solo,” resonating with its lyrics about embracing solitude. ​

3. “Until You” – Dave Barnes

Rockstar Dave Barnes gets a special mention in Taylor’s favourite tracks list and was even included in her “Happily Ever” playlist. The star said she selected this song to represent the theme of love, showcasing her appreciation for heartfelt lyrics. ​

4. “Rain” – Patty Griffin

Known for her stripped-down songwriting style in the folk music genre, 63-year-old Patty Griffin once feared she had lost her voice forever after getting sick. Adding Rain to her “Happily Ever” playlist, Taylor said this song reflects her admiration for evocative songwriting that captures complex emotions. ​

5. “Easy Silence” – The Chicks

Swift has expressed her fondness for this track, noting its inclusion in her love-themed playlist and her connection to The Chicks as musical influences. ​

6. “Naked as We Came” – Iron & Wine

Discussing this song, Swift mentioned, “When I listen to ‘Naked as We Came,’ by Iron & Wine, I hang on every word and dissect every metaphor; I’m completely absorbed.” ​

7. “Anti-Hero” – Taylor Swift

While not by another artist, Swift has cited “Anti-Hero” as one of her personal favourites among her own work, stating, “I really don’t think I’ve delved this far into my insecurities in this detail before.”