Il Divo Biography

Il Divo, a multinational classical crossover vocal group, was formed in the United Kingdom in 2003 under the vision of British media mogul Simon Cowell. This remarkable quartet comprises Swiss tenor Urs Bühler, American tenor David Miller, French tenor Sébastien Izambard, and American baritone Steven LaBrie, who replaced the late Spanish baritone Carlos Marín in 2023. Known for their unique fusion of pop and classical music, Il Divo has transcended cultural boundaries with their performances sung in Italian, Spanish, English, and French.

The members of Il Divo bring extensive experience and diverse backgrounds to the table. Before joining the group, Sébastien Izambard had already established himself as a pop musician and composer, while Carlos Marín and David Miller had performed in various operas and musicals, including Les Misérables and La Bohème. Urs Bühler began his singing career in cover bands and performed with prestigious ensembles such as the Netherlands Opera. This rich collective experience laid the groundwork for a powerful synergy that would elevate Il Divo to international fame.

The group's self-titled debut album, released in 2004, featured a captivating selection of covers, including "Unbreak My Heart," "Nella Fantasia," and Frank Sinatra's iconic "My Way." It quickly became a global success, paving the way for subsequent albums such as Ancora (2005), Siempre (2006), and The Promise (2008). Their repertoire continued to grow, with a total of ten studio albums released by 2021, including Amor & Pasión (2015) and For Once in My Life: A Celebration of Motown (2021). Il Divo's exceptional performances have also been captured in a series of concert DVDs, including Live in Barcelona and Live in Japan.

Il Divo has garnered acclaim not only for their studio albums but also for their remarkable live performances. With a diverse program that often includes songs in Romance languages, the male quartet has delighted audiences globally. Notably, they toured with legendary artist Barbra Streisand in 2006, performed at the halftime show of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and played to an audience of nearly 34,000 in Paraguay in 2011.

Over the years, Il Divo's commercial success has been striking. They have sold over thirty million albums worldwide and have received 160 gold and platinum certifications across 35 countries. Their groundbreaking work in the "popera" genre has set them apart from numerous copycat bands that emerged following their success. The group has maintained a strong image in the music industry, often performing in custom suits designed by Giorgio Armani.

Despite the loss of Carlos Marín to COVID-19 in late 2021, Il Divo continues to thrive. With their unparalleled ability to merge popular and classical music, the group is set to maintain its legacy while also embracing new opportunities. As their music continues to resonate with fans around the world, Il Divo remains a testament to the power of collaboration, talent, and diversity in the contemporary music landscape.